Learn the intricacies of blockchain to advance your career in the tech industry

The blockchain industry is booming, fueled by the explosive rise of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. As one of the most sought-after skills today, understanding blockchain technology can open doors to exciting career opportunities.But what exactly is blockchain, and why is it so valuable?

On this two-week course from the University of Leeds, you’ll dive into the world of blockchain technology exploring its fundamental concepts, and real-world applications. By the end, you’ll not only grasp how blockchain operates but also learn how to identify the skills needed for a successful career in this field.

Discover blockchain applications

Blockchain is a secure, tamper-proof digital record-keeping system where many computers work together to verify and store transactions.

Start this course by grasping the core concepts, and functionalities of blockchain and understandhow it’s being used in various domains today.

Explore blockchain’s impact on society with the University of Leeds

Next, you’ll delve into how blockchain technologies impact our society as you unpack their social, legal, and ethical considerations.

You’ll also learn about the transformative impact of blockchain on the banking sector and urban landscapes, offering trust, security, and transparency.

Guided by experts at the University of Leeds, you’ll understand the advantages and disadvantages of using diverse blockchain technologies.

Chart your path to becoming a blockchain developer

With this insight, you’ll explore diverse career opportunities within the blockchain industry. Whether you’re interested in developing blockchain systems, working with cryptocurrencies or understanding the legal landscape, this course will help you identify the skills you need to craft a career development plan to help you succeed.

Syllabus

Week 1
Blockchain technology and applications
- Welcome to this course: How to Get Into Blockchain
  Understand the secrets of blockchain technology and explore its vast applications beyond cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Discover careers in blockchain and learn the skills needed to succeed.
- What is version control?
  Unlock the power of blockchain. Explore the essentials of blockchain, its functionality, and its various applications. Delve into the principles behind this transformative technology.
- What is blockchain used for?
  Explore blockchain and its impact on various areas. Discover how blockchain transforms finance, ensures digital asset authenticity, and more. Develop your knowledge by creating an infographic on a specific blockchain application.
Week 2
Blockchain in society and career trajectories
- Blockchain technologies and society
  Explore how blockchain influences society. Understand consensus mechanisms like 'proof of work' and 'proof of stake' and analyse blockchain's social, legal, and ethical implications.
- What do you need for a career in blockchain?
  Explore essential skills for a career in blockchain. Learn how to start coding for blockchain systems or work with cryptocurrency data and develop the skills needed for these roles.

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...

Identify what skills are required to succeed in a career in Blockchain
Evaluate different blockchain technologies, their advantages and disadvantages over centralised approaches, including social, legal and ethical considerations
Describe the concepts and principles of a blockchain
Explain common use cases and applications of blockchain

Who is the course for?

This introductory course is designed for individuals eager to boost their employability through cutting-edge digital skills. If you’re looking to break into the tech industry or elevate your career prospects, this course is your gateway.

Click Start, a programme dedicated to bridging the digital divide for underrepresented groups, provides free access to this blockchain course from the prestigious University of Leeds. As a participant, you’ll enjoy unrestricted access to course materials, graded assignments, and certificates—all at no cost. This initiative not only equips you with essential blockchain knowledge but also provides an excellent starting point for anyone interested in blockchain or a career in tech.

Who will you learn with?

Sam Wilson

I am currently an Associate professor in the School of Computer Science, University of Leeds. Graduating with a PhD in theoretical computer science I am focused on computer science pedagogies.

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.

Endorsers and supporters

supported by

funded 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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