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Click Start by the University of Leeds - An Introduction to Programming Using Python

Learn Python programming essentials and how to kickstart your tech career with the University of Leeds. This course is open to all ages and is free for 3 weeks. You can also buy the course for £39 and you’ll receive a certificate if eligible.

"A dedicated python course that isn't stupidly expensive. The curriculum is very informative and a good learning opportunity for python." - Tuan
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This course is brought to you by:

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

Learn Python and Kickstart Your Coding Journey

This flexible course from the University of Leeds introduces Python programming fundamentals to help you build confidence in coding.

Master Python Basics
Learn core concepts like variables, data types, and input/output operations to create your own Python applications.

Apply Coding Ethically
Explore the ethical implications of programming, including privacy, security, and technology’s societal impact.

Learn from Industry Experts
Guided by specialists from the University of Leeds, this course equips you with the skills to solve real-world problems and advance in tech.

Click Start was developed by the Institute of Coding (IoC) – a national collaboration of universities, charities, and employers – and initially funded by Nominet, the public benefit company and guardian of the .UK web domain, which works with charities and organisations that seek to improve lives through technology. This funding supported this course between 2023 and 31st September 2025.

The programme was originally created with the aim to help tackle the UK’s digital skills gap and social mobility by offering accessible skills and training opportunities. Between 2023 and 2026, Click Start provided training to over 180,000 learners globally, including over 35,000 young people aged 18–35 in the UK who may not have previously had access to such 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

Learn programming basics and Python syntax. Understand algorithms, propositional logic, and variables. Create simple programs and explore computer science’s impact across diverse sectors.

Introduction to programming

Dive into programming by defining its essence, mastering key terms, and understanding diverse languages. Conclude by exploring Visual Studio Code, where you’ll write and edit your first Python program.

Fundamental programming principles

Explore computer components and their programming roles to uncover programming fundamentals. Learn why mastering algorithms, problem-solving, pseudocode, and logical propositions is essential for advancing your programming skills.

Basic Python syntax

Master basic Python syntax to start writing programs using Visual Studio Code on Coursera. Engage in exercises to reinforce concepts like variables, data types, user input, output, and problem-solving through simple algorithms.

Flow control and loops

Discover key programming concepts: conditionals and loops. Learn how conditionals make decisions for complex tasks. Write Python programs using if statements, for loops, and while loops.

Functions

Explore the concept of functions—reusable code blocks—in Python. Learn to write and call functions, understand built-in functions, and differentiate between arguments and parameters.

Writing a complete program: Program a robot to move in space

Bring together your programming knowledge to program a robot! Work within a text-based environment or optionally explore a GUI. Translate pseudocode to Python, solve problems with code, and guide a robot.

Course consolidation and Test

Congrats on finishing the course! You’ve learned programming basics, algorithms, logic, variables, data types, input/output, comments, conditionals, loops, and functions.

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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 ‘Introduction to Programming Using Python’ 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.

This course is free for 3 weeks. You can also buy the course for £39 and you’ll receive a certificate if eligible.

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