Course outline template (free Word download)
The one-to-two page document that tells learners what a course covers, how it runs, how they will be assessed and what they get at the end.
Free to use, edit and share. Opens in Microsoft Office, Google Docs and Sheets, and LibreOffice.
What goes into a course outline
| Section | What to write |
|---|---|
| Course details | Title, instructor, format, duration and schedule, fee, prerequisites |
| Description | Two to four sentences: who it is for, the problem it solves, the result |
| What you will learn | Four to six specific outcomes |
| Modules | Each module's lessons, format (live, recorded, reading) and time |
| Assessment | Tests, assignments or projects, with weighting and due dates |
| Completion and certificate | Exactly what learners must do to finish and receive a certificate |
| Policies and support | How to ask questions, recordings and missed classes, refunds |
How to write a course outline that sells
For a paid course, the outline is also a sales page. Buyers want to know three things: will this help me, can I fit it in, and what exactly do I get?
- Lead with the result in the description, not your biography.
- Make outcomes specific. "Build and publish a three-page website" beats "learn web design".
- Show the time commitment honestly: hours per week and total length.
- Name the modules clearly so a reader can see the path from start to finish.
- State the completion rules and what the certificate says.
- Answer the worries: missed classes, access to recordings and refunds.
Example module structure
| Module | Lessons | Format |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Foundations | Key ideas, setup, first exercise | Recorded + notes |
| 2–4. Core skills | One skill per module, with practice | Recorded + weekly live Q&A |
| 5. Project | Apply everything to a real task | Assignment + feedback |
| 6. Final test | Test with a pass mark for the certificate | Online test |
From outline to course
With the outline done, building the course is mostly filling each module. On an online course platform like AcadifyLab, modules hold recorded and live lessons, notes and tests, and learners who finish receive a certificate automatically. If you plan to sell the course, see payments and course pricing models.
Common questions
Is this course outline template free?
Yes. The Word file is free to download, edit and share.
What is the difference between a course outline and a syllabus?
They overlap. A course outline is usually shorter and written for learners deciding whether to enrol. A syllabus often has a detailed week-by-week schedule and is used during the course.
How long should a course outline be?
One to two pages. Put detail in the course itself, not the outline.
Can I use it for corporate training?
Yes. Replace the fee with the target audience and business goal, and keep the modules, assessment and completion rules.
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