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Click Start by the University of Leeds - Computer Programming for Everyone

Discover the art of computer programming and learn what code can do with the Institute of Coding and 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.

"This is a really good course for those that know nothing if programming and want to get started, find out about it or just have a go. "- Shellie
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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: Coding, Data Engineering, Digital Skills
Age range: Open to all ages

Kickstart Your Programming Journey

This flexible course explores the fundamentals of computer programming and problem-solving through coding.

Learn How and Why We Code
Discover what computers excel at and how programming helps solve real-world challenges.

Explore Coding Languages
Use a block-based coding language to understand different programming types and their applications.

Write Your First Program
Apply key principles by creating your own computer programs and building essential coding skills.

Featured in the UK Government’s Skills Toolkit.

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?

  • Key developments in computing
  • Explore what code can do
  • How programming works in real life
  • Writing basic code
  • Solving a more complex problem with code
  • Finding out what a development team does

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to…

  • Summarise key developments in the advent of computer technology.
  • Identify where algorithms are used in the real world.
  • Solve basic block-language programming exercises.
  • Discuss the roles and responsibilities involved in making software.
  • Solve more advanced block language exercises with expressive solutions.
  • Describe the features and advantages of text-based coding languages.
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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 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: Coding, Data Engineering, Digital Skills
Age range: Open to all ages