The course explores the psychology, craft and purpose of writing with a focus on the choices writers must make—from words, phrases and metaphors to the sentences and paragraphs that make up creative expression. It has been updated with bonus tips on making strategic use of AI.

Professional communication: business writing and storytelling

Write clearly, concisely and compellingly, with the authority of The Economist.

Grasp how to write with purpose and power. Develop the confidence to say what you mean and the skills to say it with authority.

Business writing

Develop the tools to interpret global developments with this course, which has been updated to include Donald Trump’s re-election and the conflicts in the Middle East. With Russia’s war in Ukraine and the rise of China also throwing the geopolitical order into disarray, discover how to interpret the changing power dynamics and learn what they mean for you.

International relations and the future of geopolitics

Understand geopolitical changes so as to respond effectively.

Gain a deeper understanding of the geopolitical, economic and military factors at work in the world, so you and your organisation can adapt.

International relations

In an algorithm-fuelled world, the ability to interrogate assumptions and reason with rigour is essential, both in business and in life. Designed by The Economist’s journalists and leading critical-thinking experts, this two-week online course will equip you with the tools to avoid cognitive bias, reframe complex problems and capitalise on your human advantage. You’ll gain the practical techniques and skills to use data discerningly and strengthen decisions through self-reflection, with a case study from The Economist’s newsroom.

Critical thinking: problem-solving and decision-making in a complex world

Ask the right questions, avoid groupthink and use AI well.

Make the most of your own mind. Learn to reframe problems, resist oversimplification and refine your judgments amid complexity.

Critical thinking

Do you feel powerless or persuasive at work? This course provides psychological principles to equip you to be more influential in all sorts of settings. Explore a practical, flexible framework for influence to apply in common workplace situations—and become a better leader.

Influence and persuasion in business: strategies to connect, convince and lead

Connect, convince and lead, with a simple but powerful approach.

Apply the psychology of persuasion to managing relationships, influencing decisions and getting things done.

Influence and persuasion

Do you need to review, analyse or prepare reports and presentations using data, or use numbers for business? Designed by the award-winning data-journalism team at The Economist, this two-week online course will show you how to harness data to make better decisions. You’ll explore data visualisation, develop a “data mindset” and gain the tools to use numbers effectively to solve real problems.

Data storytelling and visualisation

Harness numbers to inform, persuade and decide, guided by The Economist’s experts.

Learn to interrogate and present numbers, and wield them to make better business decisions.

Data visualisation

Learn how to harness the power of AI effectively. This online course demystifies large language models, equipping you with practical tools to stay competitive at work.

Artificial intelligence: understanding and applying AI in business

Grasp AI’s impacts on work and the world, and gain a grounding in the technology.

Prepare for AI’s impacts on you, your organisation and the world.

Artificial intelligence

Master business writing in groups that wish to combine their training with team-building. The programme can be tailored to your requirements and business context, and is run by an experienced educator and journalist.

Business writing and storytelling

Group discounts available

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A short, new course on one of the most valuable professional skills: clear, effective writing for everyday business. Learn to communicate concisely and persuasively at work, through practical guidance on writing and self-editing short-form documents—all while avoiding clunky, AI-generated prose.

Essentials of business writing 

Thinking clearly about the future is even more important in turbulent times. This course teaches you how to build resilience through scenario planning and make sharper calls through judgmental forecasting—and to combine both so you can make better strategic decisions.

Scenario planning and forecasting

Spot trends, build scenarios and make forecasts, so you can navigate an uncertain world.

Foresight for business

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Essentials of business writing

A practical short course designed to help professionals write clearer, sharper and more effective everyday business documents. 