Online Microcredential in IT & Computer Science

Cisco: Python Programming (OpenEDG) 

Prepare for a future in programming as you learn from experts at Cisco and The Open University.

Created by

The Open UniversityThe Open University

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Endorsed by

Cisco Networking AcademyCisco Networking Academy

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Enrolment closes soon! Join by 25 Mar 2024 at 23:59

Develop in-demand skills in Python programming

Ready to upskill and learn one of the most in-demand and fastest-growing programming languages?

Python is a popular programming language used for everything from web and software development to scientific applications across every sector and industry. It’s used by large and well-known organisations, data scientists, network automation experts, and many more.

On this microcredential, you’ll gain a solid understanding of the Python programming language as well as gaining hands-on experience and practical skills.

Discover how Python programming is one of the essential growth areas within computing, digital technologies, and DevOps

This microcredential will help kick start your career in programming, whether you’re just starting out or already working as a digital technology professional. You’ll gain industry-recognised skills and enhance your employment and career progression opportunities.

Become skilled in applying practical Python coding concepts

You’ll learn to think algorithmically, analyse a problem, and translate it for a computer to process. You’ll understand how to design, develop, and improve multi-module programmes, and analyse and model real-life problems using object-orientated programming techniques. You’ll also learn how coders operate within software development, and how a programme is applied in a computer environment.

You’ll access your learning via FutureLearn and by setting up a free account on Cisco’s NetAcad platform. Throughout the course, you’ll take part in weekly activities to support and consolidate your learning. At the end of the course, you’ll submit an assessment which is marked and graded by subject matter experts.

Endorsed by Cisco and the OpenEDG Python Institute

This course is designed by leading experts from The Open University’s award-winning Cisco ‘NetAcad’ academy – the largest Cisco Academy in the UK.

Prepare for the PCAP – Certified Associate in Python Programming certification

By the end of this course, you’ll be fully prepared to take the OpenEDG Python Institute’s PCEP – Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer and PCAP – Certified Associate in Python Programming certifications, setting you up to future-proof your career.

Industry statistics

  • Median base salary

    £35,000
  • UK job openings/month

    1,841

What skills will you learn?

  • Object Oriented coding
  • Procedural coding
  • Application of coding concepts
  • Coding with Python
  • Use of modular coding
  • Application of coding based numerical skills

What you will achieve

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

  • Describe a comprehensive range of coding technologies, practices, and applications
  • Experiment with a coding environment 
  • Design a simple coding solution to a given problem 
  • Apply a range of practical coding concepts  
  • Synthesise a range of practical coding skills 

Are you eligible for this microcredential?

You don’t need any prior experience or qualifications to enrol on this undergraduate microcredential. In preparation, if you do not have basic networking coding experience we recommend The Open University’s free OpenLearn short course Simple Coding.

All required skills and foundational knowledge are covered within this microcredential of Python programming.

The course material does not assume learners are currently working. Past experiences will be just as relevant.

Is this microcredential right for you?

This microcredential will benefit anyone currently working in, or wanting to start a career in, a comprehensive range of globally relevant Digital Technologies disciplines including:

  • DevOps Engineer
  • Software Developer
  • Cyber Security Professional
  • Data Scientist

The course has a global focus and delivers transferable skills for diverse sectors and organisations.

Syllabus

What happens before, during, and after your microcredential

  • Before learning

    You’ll have access to our online welcome area where you’ll be able to read any information relating to your microcredential.

    Prior to joining this course, if you do not have basic networking coding experience we recommend The Open University’s free OpenLearn short course Simple Coding.

  • Course

    From 25 Mar 2024

    Cisco: Python Programming (OpenEDG) 

    Prepare for a future in programming as you learn from the experts at Cisco and The Open University.

    10 weeks

    10 hours per week

  • After learning

    Your submitted assessment will be marked and graded by subject matter experts. You’ll continue to have ongoing access to the course materials.

    You’ll be fully prepared to take the OpenEDG Python Institute’s PCAP - Certified Associate in Python Programming exam.

What you will receive

10 UK credits at Undergraduate level from The Open University and a Certificate

Credits are awarded on passing the final assessment. These will be at undergraduate level 4 of the Framework for Higher Education (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) / level 7 of the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework.

Find out how credits work and where you can use them in our FAQs.

A Certificate of Completion from Cisco Networking Academy

Passing the course with 70% or higher at first attempt will earn you a Certificate of Completion.

Learn more about this organisation

Additional benefits

Passing the final course-based assessment with 70% or higher at the first attempt grants a 50% discount on the optional OpenEDG Python Institute PCAP examination (to be redeemed within 30 days of issue).

What is a microcredential?

Microcredentials are designed to upskill you for work in rapidly-growing industries, without the time and cost commitment of a full degree. Your microcredential can stand alone as an independent credential, and some also offer academic credit to use towards a degree.

Learn online with expert instructors

Complete online courses led by experts over multiple weeks with a dedicated group of professionals.

Complete project-based assessments

Test your understanding with online tutor-marked assessments and exercises.

Earn a professional credential

Finish your learning and pass your assessments to gain an accredited credential.

Advance further in your career

Use your microcredential as evidence of your specialised skills and progress further in your industry.

Career-focused learning by The Open University

As the UK’s largest university, The Open University (OU) supports thousands of students to achieve their goals and ambitions via supported distance learning, helping to fit learning around professional and personal life commitments.

  • Established

    1969
  • Location

    Milton Keynes, UK
  • World ranking

    Top 510Source: Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2020

This microcredential is endorsed by Cisco Networking Academy

Endorsed by Cisco Networking Academy and OpenEDG Python Institute. Cisco are a global manufacturer of infrastructure networking and cybersecurity focussed technologies, with their own Corporate Social Responsibility-based education programme.

Delivered by experts

Experienced network engineer, passionate about programming and automation. Interested in finding new methods for developing the knowledge of students.

Dr Amel Bennaceur is an engineer, researcher, and educator in Computing. She is an Associate Professor at The Open University. She published 30+ papers in top journals and conferences.

Enthusiastic about teaching digital, network engineering & cybersecurity - been doing it for a very long time. Also: iconoclast, herder of geeks, nerds & enthusiasts.

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."

When would you like to start?

We aim to run our microcredentials every few months. Join on the date that suits you or register to hear about future runs and updates.

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FAQ

We can accept payments made by card (Visa, Mastercard and American Express) or PayPal via our online system.

You will have 14 days from the day the course starts to apply for a refund. If this Microcredential has any non-refundable costs they will be stated in the ‘Overview’ section above. You can find more information in our cancellation and refund policy.

Microcredentials are designed to fit around your life and timezone.

There may be live events as part of your studies, but these will be recorded and can be watched afterwards if you aren’t online for the live broadcast.

No, microcredentials are designed to be taken anywhere in the world. You won’t need the right to study in the country where the university offering the microcredential is based.

Microcredentials are stand-alone courses designed to meet specific learner and employer needs. Those awarded by The Open University have academic credit value at either undergraduate or postgraduate level, and, if appropriate, this may be used towards selected Open University qualifications. For more details, including eligible qualifications, visit The Open University’s Counting microcredentials towards OU qualifications page.

The credit awarded may potentially be used at another university, subject to the agreement of the receiving institution.

Want to know more? Read the microcredential FAQs, or contact us.