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Click Start by the University of Leeds - An Introduction to Cryptography

Delve into the inner workings of cryptographic tools and techniques with the University of Leeds. This course is free and open to all ages!

"Great overview and introduction to cryptography, in an easy to understand manner" - Matt
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This course is brought to you by:

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Free
Short Course
Provider:
University of Leeds
Course length:
6-8 hours per course
Delivery method:
Online
Price:
Free
Subjects: Cryptography, Digital Skills
Age range: Open to all ages

Master Cryptography for Data Security

This flexible and free two-week course from the University of Leeds explores cryptography’s role in protecting sensitive information.

Learn Encryption and Decryption
Understand the fundamentals of cryptography, from historical ciphers to modern encryption techniques.

Explore Modern Cryptographic Methods
Discover RSA, hash functions, and digital signatures to ensure data integrity and secure online communication.

Understand End-to-End Encryption
Learn how E2EE safeguards data transmission and enhances cybersecurity in the digital world.

This free 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.

The programme, which launched in 2023, helps to tackle the UK’s digital skills gap by offering skills and training to more than 26,500 learners across the country who may not have previously had opportunities.

If you sign up to a Click Start programme, you’ll also get access to GetMyFirstDigitalJob, an online platform designed to help you find and land a digital job. It’s your new hub for jobs, support, and guidance for your digital career.

You’ll get access to job opportunities from employers looking for fresh talent, and a dedicated careers coach who’ll give you one-on-one support to guide you through your job search journey. There’s also learning modules to boost your employability skills in the areas you need them most, and exclusive live events where you can get your questions answered by experts from across the digital industry.

There’s never been a better reason to join a Click Start programme!

GetMyFirstDigitalJob was built by BCS and The Talent People to support the Click Start programme.

The Click Start by University of Leeds programme covers digital skills, as well as personal and professional development, designed to help you apply for a new job or access new opportunities with better pay.

This course takes 6-8 hours to complete, and you can learn at your own pace, on your own schedule, from the comfort of your home. All learning is self-guided, so you might do the course in less time!

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What will I learn?

Course Introduction

Understand the world of cryptography, where secret codes and encrypted messages secure our digital communications and transactions. Explore simple and modern ciphers, understanding their importance in today’s technology.

Simple cryptography

Explore the fundamentals of cryptography and its significant role in modern life. Learn about ancient Greek and Roman ciphers, and practice encrypting and decrypting messages using these historical techniques.

Simple ciphers

Explore historic ciphers and their relevance in modern cryptography. Learn about different types of simple ciphers and practice applying them to encrypt and decrypt messages.

An introduction to modern cryptography

Learn modern cryptography techniques, focusing on private and public key cryptography. Explore the concepts and differences between these two cryptographic methods, which are essential for securing communication on the Internet.

Uses of modern cryptography

Explore modern cryptographic techniques used in everyday life. Learn about end-to-end encryption and digital signatures, and their roles in securing communications and verifying message authenticity.

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
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FAQS

Anyone can do this programme. However, Click Start is designed to support under-represented groups. The aim is to give you the digital skills you need to find new opportunities. Or get better pay. Or simply do what you want to do in life.

To start this free ‘Introduction to Cryptography’ course now simply click here to join

All you need is an open mind. You don’t need experience. You don’t need to have been to university. All you need is curiosity and be ready to learn new things. Maybe you want a new direction? Maybe you want to upskill? Maybe you want a raise or promotion in your current role? Click Start gives you the head start you need.

It’s completely free. And no, there’s no catch. This programme has been developed in partnership with the Institute of Coding (IoC) and has been funded by Nominet to help reduce the UK’s digital skills gap.

This course is run by the University of Leeds, and the courses are hosted on the Future Learn platform. The Click Start programme was developed by the Institute of Coding and is funded by Nominet.

Free
Short Course
Provider:
University of Leeds
Course length:
6-8 hours per course
Delivery method:
Online
Price:
Free
Subjects: Cryptography, Digital Skills
Age range: Open to all ages