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.

Featured in the UK government’s The Skills Toolkit collection.

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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.

What topics will you cover?

Key developments in computing
Explore what code can do
How programming works in real life
Writing basic code
Solving a more complex problem with code
Finding out what a development team does

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

funded by

supported by

What's included?

University of Leeds are offering everyone who joins this course a free digital upgrade, so that you can experience the full benefits of studying online for free. This means that you get:

Unlimited access to this course

Includes any articles, videos, peer reviews and quizzes

Tests to validate your learning

A PDF Certificate of Achievement to prove your success when you’re eligible

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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