Online ExpertTrack in IT & Computer Science

Programming Applications with Python

Kickstart your programming career by learning how to program simple applications in Python.

Created by

FutureLearnFutureLearn

Learn more

In collaboration with

GitHubGitHub

Learn more

Endorsed by

Coventry UniversityCoventry University

Learn more

Get in-demand skills in programming with Python

This programming ExpertTrack will give you a comprehensive introduction in how to use Python.

Learning using videos, quizzes, and assignments, you’ll gain the skills needed to start a career as a developer, or more effectively manage a development team with a better understanding of the power of Python.

Start programming applications in Python

You’ll begin by exploring best practice for reading and creating files and directories in Python, learning how Python is used for data collection, wrangling, and exploration.

Data analysis and collection are key real-world skills that are increasingly sought-after, forming a crucial pillar of the emerging digital economy.

Learn how to create a graphics user interface (GUI)

GUIs are key for any web service, and Python underpins many of the most-used GUIs today.

On the second course in the ExpertTrack, you’ll discover the Tkinter Python library and explore how you can use it to make a successful GUI.

You’ll create buttons, sliders, images, dropdown boxes, and add images, leaving you ready to apply practical skills to your own GUI project.

Discover the power of web scraping

On the final course in the series, you’ll get further core programming training in Python, including exploring Python libraries, HTTP requests, and the key elements of APIs.

You’ll learn what web scraping is, its pros and cons, and how to perform it yourself using BeautifulSoup.

Is there demand for digital technology professionals?

According to the latest Tech Nation report, there was a 150% increase in demand for roles within the digital technology sector between 2015-2018.

A more recent analysis by Microsoft, completed post-pandemic, has forecast an additional UK job capacity of 2 million in software development and programming between 2020 and 2025.

How important is Python?

Python is the world’s leading programming language, cited by RedMonk Analyst firm co-founder Stephen O’Grady (2020) as vitally important to web services thanks to its flexibility.

Leading web services such as Google, Dropbox, and Instagram are underpinned by Python, while its use in data analysis and number crunching make it indispensable in academia.

Python’s importance to the digital economy continues to grow as services offering automation and augmentation become increasingly common.

Industry statistics

  • Median base salary

    £35,000
  • UK job openings/month

    1,841

Key skills you will learn

  • Python
  • Programming
  • APIs
  • Web Development

Learning outcomes

By the end of the ExpertTrack, you’ll be able to...

  • Identify key elements of data analysis using Python
  • Identify and define key elements for web development and elements needed to create a GUI using Python
  • Articulate key elements for APIs
  • Identify and define key elements for webscraping using Python

Experience required

This ExpertTrack will teach you the fundamentals of programming applications with Python and you will walk away with the foundations to enter a programming career or differentiate yourself in multiple digital technology roles.

No prior experience is required to succeed in this ExpertTrack.

On this ExpertTrack we’ll be using Python. We recommend you use a computer to access these elements.

Getting started

This ExpertTrack would appeal to:

  • Learners looking for an entry-level role as a programmer.
  • Established technology professionals wanting to better understand the versatility of Python.
  • Technology team leaders wanting training in key concepts to more effectively manage development teams.

ExpertTrack course overview

  • Course 1

    Discover how to read and create files and directories in Python, and how Python is used for data collection and exploration.

    1 test

    4 weeks

    4 hours per week

    • Week 1

      Reading and writing files in Python
      • Welcome to the course!
      • Reading and writing files
      • Working with directories
      • Wrap-up
    • Week 2

      Working with directories
      • Introduction
      • Working with directories
      • Wrap-up
    • Week 3

      Data analytics and data collection
      • Introduction
      • General framework and process for data analytics projects
      • Data collection
      • Wrap-up
    • Week 4

      Data wrangling and data exploration
      • Introduction
      • Data wrangling
      • Data exploration
      • Wrap-up
      • Graded course test
  • Course 2

    On this second course in the ExpertTrack, you’ll discover how to create a GUI using Python and start to explore creating APIs.

    1 test

    4 weeks

    4 hours per week

    • Week 1

      Graphics User Interface I
      • Introduction
      • GUI libraries
      • Creating GUI applications
      • Wrap-up
    • Week 2

      Graphics User Interface II
      • Introduction
      • Creating GUI applications (contd..)
      • Wrap-up
    • Week 3

      Web Development with Python
      • Introduction
      • Web development frameworks
      • Python frameworks for web development
      • Wrap-up
    • Week 4

      Creating APIs with Python
      • Introduction
      • Designing APIs
      • Pros and cons of using Python for web development
      • Wrap-up
  • Course 3

    On the final course of this ExpertTrack, consider applications for APIs and Python, and explore the purpose of web scraping.

    1 test

    4 weeks

    4 hours per week

    • Week 1

      Working With APIs
      • Welcome to the course!
      • Python libraries for networking
      • HTTP Requests
      • Wrap-up
    • Week 2

      JSON, error handling, and exceptions
      • Introduction
      • HTTP requests
      • Error handling
      • Wrap-up
    • Week 3

      Web scraping
      • Introduction
      • Introducing web scraping
      • Web Scraping libraries
      • Wrap-up
    • Week 4

      Web scraping libraries and more
      • Introduction
      • Introducing BeautifulSoup
      • Pros and cons of web scraping
      • Wrap-up
      • Graded Course Test

Prove you're job ready

Highlight the new, job-relevant skills you’ve gained and supplement existing qualifications with a hard-earned, industry-specific digital certificate – plus one for every course within your ExpertTrack.

  • Learn the latest in your chosen industry or subject.
  • Complete each course and pass assessments.
  • Receive certificates validated by the educating organisation.
  • Impress employers with learning outcomes you can add to your CV.
  • Make your career dreams a reality.

Download a PDF

How ExpertTracks work

Join an ExpertTrack to master new skills in your chosen specialist area. Work through a series of topic-focused courses at your own pace, and pass the final assessment to earn a digital certificate award which proves your expertise.

Join a free 7-day trial

Decide if the ExpertTrack is right for you with free access to the full suite of courses and assessments for a week.

Keep learning for $39/month

Pay a monthly subscription fee of $39 for as long as it takes you to complete the ExpertTrack. You can learn at your own pace and cancel at any time.

Earn digital certificates

Receive a certificate for every completed course and pass the final assessment to earn a digital certificate.

Become an expert

Use your specialist training to progress further in your career or build expertise in areas you’re passionate about.

World-class learning with FutureLearn

FutureLearn is a leading social learning platform and has been providing high quality online courses for learners around the world over the last ten years.

This ExpertTrack is in collaboration with GitHub

Learn how leading industry technology provider Github is used to drive business success.

This ExpertTrack is endorsed by Coventry University

This ExpertTrack is endorsed by Coventry University and delivered by FutureLearn as a quality professional development programme.

Meet your instructor

Hi everyone. I'm Jey, a professional accredited engineer that is looking to create innovations inside the engineering industry. My interests include deep learning, cryptography and quantum computing.

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

Want to know more about learning on FutureLearn? Using FutureLearn

What are our learners saying?

Add a new skill or forge a new path

"I recommend Futurelearn to anyone looking to learn and upskill...If you are in the job market, you might want to add a new skill or forge a new path."

They bring the classroom right to you

"FutureLearn courses are always interesting and informative. They bring the classroom right to you and send you on a journey to explore new ideas and offer interesting topics."

Start learning today - free 7-day trial

After your free trial you can:

  • Pay $39 per month to keep learning online
  • Have complete control over your subscription; you can cancel any time
  • Work at your own pace and set your own deadlines at every stage
  • Only pay while you’re learning; the subscription will cancel automatically when you finish
  • Complete online assessments to test your knowledge and prove your skills
  • Earn digital course certificates and a final award that you can share online, with potential employers, and your professional network
  • Keep access to the content of courses you complete even after your subscription ends

FAQ

ExpertTracks are a series of online courses designed to help you master new skills in specialist areas. You pay a monthly subscription fee which includes access to all courses within the ExpertTrack, as well as assessments and the final digital certificate.

Each ExpertTrack comes with a 7-day free trial period. You may cancel your subscription at any time and your subscription will automatically cancel when you finish the courses and assessments in your chosen ExpertTrack.

Yes. All of our ExpertTracks come with a 7-day free trial. You may claim one free trial period per ExpertTrack.

You have seven days before you will be charged your first monthly subscription fee. When you join an ExpertTrack you automatically receive a 7-day free trial period. You can cancel at any time during the trial period and no payment will be taken from your account.

Please see our full refund policy here.

No, all of our ExpertTracks consist of fully online courses. This means you can take an ExpertTrack from anywhere in the world.

No. ExpertTracks are designed for you to master new skills in a specialist area. You will earn a digital certificate that proves your learning, but it does not carry accreditation.

If you’re looking for certified or accredited courses, many of our microcredentials offer university credit or professional certification.

Have more questions about ExpertTracks? Read the ExpertTracks FAQs, or contact us.