• University of Leeds
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  • Institute of Coding logo

Computer Programming for Everyone

Discover the art of computer programming and learn what code can do with the Institute of Coding and the University of Leeds.

4.7 (980 reviews)

137,149 enrolled on this course

Computer Programming for Everyone

4.7 (980 reviews)

137,149 enrolled on this course

  • 2 weeks

  • 2 hours per week

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Introductory level

Find out more about how to join this course

  • Duration

    2 weeks

  • Weekly study

    2 hours

  • 100% online

    How it works

  • Unlimited subscription

    $244.99 for a whole yearLearn more
Overview
Syllabus
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Explore computer programming and complete block-language programming exercises

What are computers good at and how can you get the best out of them?

On this course, you’ll find out how and why people program computers.

Using an introductory block-language for coding, you’ll discover the kinds of problems that computers can help you solve.

You’ll also explore different types of coding languages and discover a variety of useful applications of code.

At the end of the course, you’ll implement key principles you’ve learned by writing your first computer programs.

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Skip to 0 minutes and 6 seconds Rachel Skelton: Have you thought about a career in tech, but weren’t sure where to begin? This course will help you find out. Computer Programming For Everyone is one of three courses which introduces you to coding and design, from understanding some of the key developments in the advent of computer technology to describing the features of text-based languages. You’ll explore some of the basics behind how programming works. You’ll also see how people use the skills in the digital workplace. This course group is part of our portfolio of digital and professional skills courses, which covers a diverse range of subjects, from coding to remote working, all available for free to help you begin building your career today.

Skip to 0 minutes and 46 seconds Whether you’re new to the world of work or forging a new career for yourself, we look forward to sharing your journey into the fast moving digital space. Join us online now.

Syllabus

  • Week 1

    What is code?

    • Welcome

      Before you get started, take some time to meet Mark Martin MBE, who will guide you through the course. You'll also have the opportunity to meet your fellow learners and plan your learning journey.

    • Key developments in computing

      In this activity, you’ll take a brief tour of the history of computing, setting the scene for the course ahead.

    • What can code do?

      In this activity, you’ll explore how code is used in the real world. You’ll find out about algorithms and write one of your own. In addition, professionals will provide some insight into what working as a programmer is like.

    • The real world of programming languages

      You’ll now look at real-world programming languages. You’ll see some of the places where code is used beyond computers or smartphones, and explore what programming languages can look like.

    • Summary

      You’ve reached the end of the first week of Computer Programming For Everyone. In this activity, we’ll sum up what you’ve learned, and look forward to Week 2.

  • Week 2

    What does coding feel like?

    • Welcome to Week 2

      This week, you're going to try out some coding exercises and learn more about the different roles in software development.

    • Getting comfortable with code

      In this activity, you’ll start coding. You’ll write some programming exercises in the visual language Blockly, and get to grips with what programming feels like.

    • Doing more with code

      In this activity, you’ll write some more complex Blockly code to make drawings on screen using a tool called Turtle. You’ll also see how the same language can be used for different kinds of task.

    • Meet a development team

      In this activity, you’ll explore the different roles within professional software development. You’ll hear from real-world software developers about how teams function, and learn about getting started as a software developer.

    • Summary

      In this activity, you reflect on the two weeks of the course. You’ll have the opportunity to read a summary of the key topics in the course and find out about the next steps you may like to take.

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Summarise key developments in the advent of computer technology.
  • Identify where algorithms are used in the real world.
  • Solve basic block-language programming exercises.
  • Discuss the roles and responsibilities involved in making software.
  • Solve more advanced block language exercises with expressive solutions.
  • Describe the features and advantages of text-based coding languages.

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for people who have digital skills but would like to build confidence in using digital technology in the workplace.

This may include those studying for A-levels, those who have a degree, or those who want to improve their career prospects.

The course will also be useful for anyone in employment who wants to boost their digital skills or anyone returning to the workplace who’d like to gain confidence in how working practices have evolved.

You might also be interested in the other courses in the Digital Skills for the Workplace collection from the University of Leeds and the Institute of Coding.

Who will you learn with?

Tom Armitage

I'm a technologist and designer. I make things out of hardware, software, and the internet. When not making technology and art, I also write music and build instruments. I originally studied English.

Who developed the course?

University of Leeds

As one of the UK’s largest research-based universities, the University of Leeds is a member of the prestigious Russell Group and a centre of excellence for teaching.

Click Start

This course is part of Click Start, a nationwide training programme developed by the Institute of Coding (IoC) , a national collaboration of universities, employers and charities and funded by Nominet – the public benefit company and guardians of the .UK namespace.

Institute of Coding

The Institute of Coding (IoC) is a national collaboration of employers, universities, and charities, on a mission to provide people from all walks of life with access to digital learning and career opportunities.

Endorsers and supporters

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Ways to learn

Choose the best way to learn for you!

Best Value - learn more, save more!

Subscribe & save

$244.99 for a whole year

Automatically renews

Develop skills to further your career

  • Access to this course
  • Access to 1,000+ courses
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Tests to boost your learning
  • Digital certificate when you're eligible

Cancel for free anytime

Buy this course

$54/one-off payment

Fulfill your current learning need

  • Access to this course
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Tests to boost your learning
  • Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible
Continue & Upgrade

Start learning today

Free

Try this course - with limits

  • Limited to 2 weeks

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

Sale price available until 2 November 2026 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

Sale price available until 2 November 2026 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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