Generative AI: Prompt Engineering Basics
As generative AI (GenAI) reshapes workplaces and job roles, using it effectively is now essential.
Generative AI: Prompt Engineering Basics is a beginner-level online course from Coursera in Prompt Engineering. It is structured in 3 modules with 4 stated learning outcomes, over 9h 39m. Learners rate it 4.7/5 from 8.1K ratings on Coursera.
Part of our Prompt Engineering courses collection, where we compare it against 10 other courses.
Course highlights
| Provider | Coursera |
| Duration | 9h 39m |
| Level | Beginner |
| Mode | Self-paced |
| Language | English |
| Certificate | Yes — shareable certificate |
| Rating | 4.7★ (8.1K reviews) |
| Price | Check price |
About this course
This Generative AI: Prompt Engineering Basics course teaches you how to interact effectively with large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT. It focuses on prompt engineering, which involves crafting specific instructions to get the best responses from AI tools. You learn to apply best practices for creating prompts and understand common techniques.
Offered by IBM, this beginner-level course is designed for everyone, even without prior AI or technical experience. Over 9 hours and 39 minutes, you explore the concept and relevance of prompt engineering in generative AI models. The syllabus covers 'Prompt Engineering for Generative AI' and 'Prompt Engineering: Techniques and Approaches'. You also assess commonly used tools for prompt engineering.
By the end of this course, you will be able to explain what prompt engineering is and why it matters for generative AI. You can apply best practices to write effective prompts. You will also know how to evaluate different prompt engineering tools and use various techniques to improve AI outputs. This includes understanding prompt patterns and how to evaluate model responses.
While this course provides a strong foundation in prompt engineering, it focuses on the basics for general use. It does not go into advanced programming for AI model development or deep dives into specific model architectures. If you are looking for more extensive training, consider alternatives like The Complete Prompt Engineering for AI Bootcamp (2026) from Udemy, which has 159128 reviews. Another free option is Generative AI & Prompt Engineering, also on Udemy, with a 4.5 rating. For a shorter, focused introduction to prompt engineering, Codecademy offers Learn Prompt Engineering, which takes 3 hours.
What you’ll learn
Level and time commitment
- This course is suitable for everyone regardless of prior AI or technical background.
Skills you’ll gain
What this course covers
3 modulesThe 3-part outline Coursera publishes for this course, across 9h 39m.
Module 1 · Prompt Engineering for Generative AI
Module 2 · Prompt Engineering: Techniques and Approaches
Module 3 · Course Quiz, Project, and Wrap-Up
What learners rate it
Rated 4.7/5 by 8.1K learners on Coursera (checked 10 Aug 2026).
This rating is collected by Coursera from its own enrolled learners. We reproduce it as reported and do not accept paid or incentivised reviews. See it on Coursera →
Compiled by the CoursesGlobal editorial desk. Fees, ratings, duration and certificate details for the 1 course shown are read directly from Coursera course pages — we never estimate a price or a rating. Last verified 10 August 2026.
How we compare and rank courses · Our review policy · Affiliate disclosure
Compare with alternatives
Same topic, different trade-offs — here's who runs each one and what it's best at.
| Course | Provider | Rating | Price | Duration | Why pick this one |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Generative AI: Prompt Engineering Basics This |
 Coursera
|
4.7★ | Check price | 9h 39m | Quickest to finish (9h 39m) |
| Prompt Engineering for ChatGPT |
Coursera
|
4.8★ | Check price | 18h 48m | Beginner-friendly · 18h 48m |
| AI Mastery for Professionals |
Coursera
|
4.8★ | Check price | 1 month | Highest rated (4.8★ from 9.5K reviews) |
| The Complete Prompt Engineering for AI Bootcamp (2026) |
 Udemy
|
4.5★ | Free | Free — and still gives a certificate |
Common questions
How much does Generative AI: Prompt Engineering Basics cost?
Coursera does not publish a price we can read on the course page, so we do not show one. Check the fee on the provider site — we would rather say nothing than quote a number we did not collect.
Does Generative AI: Prompt Engineering Basics come with a certificate?
Yes — Coursera lists a certificate on completion. It is a course certificate, not a formal qualification or university credit.
How long does Generative AI: Prompt Engineering Basics take?
Coursera lists it at 9h 39m. It is self-paced, so that is the volume of material rather than a deadline — how long it actually takes depends on the hours you put in each week.
Is Generative AI: Prompt Engineering Basics suitable for beginners?
Yes. Coursera lists it at Beginner level, so no prior experience in the subject is assumed.
What does Generative AI: Prompt Engineering Basics cover?
It is organised into 3 modules, starting with Prompt Engineering for Generative AI and going on to Prompt Engineering: Techniques and Approaches, Course Quiz, Project, and Wrap-Up. The full outline is on this page.