There is a digital skills shortage in the UK labour market right now. This popular course will leave you well-placed to take advantage of the many coding roles available or to progress in your current position.

Learning outcomes

  • Learn about the principles of coding
  • Develop your understanding of the different stages in the software development cycle
  • Learn about coding terminology and develop understanding of the key principles of writing code
  • Explore the different coding types
  • Develop your understanding of best practice in coding
  • Learn about different methods of testing and the DevOps process
  • Learn about effective communication and project management in coding
Apply now Can I study for free?
  • FREE online course
    100% online study
  • Course duration
    15 weeks
  • Recommended study
    10 hours per week
  • Study requirements
    No existing qualification required
  • Qualification
    Nationally recognised and accredited Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Coding
  • Assessments
    5 to pass
  • Success rates
    94% of our learners pass
  • First-class support
    Online and by phone

Who is this course for?

This course is designed for learners who are looking to gain an introduction to coding. It will support the learner to progress into further study and support those interested in progressing to employment in a coding or IT related role.

Course details

Each unit contains an assessment to demonstrate your knowledge of each subject area. Once you successfully complete all units you will achieve a Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Coding.

Unit 01 Understand the principles of coding

Your learning goals:

  • Know about coding languages
  • Understand job functions in coding
  • Understand the software development lifecycle
  • Assessment
    Unit 1 Assessment
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Unit 02 Understand terminology used in coding

Your learning goals:

  • Understand basic computer terminology
  • Understand coding acronyms and terminology
  • Understand key principles when writing code
  • Assessment
    Unit 2 Assessment
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Unit 03 Understand coding design principles

Your learning goals:

  • Know about different coding types
  • Understand what is meant by compiled and interpreted code
  • Understand what is meant by a pure function
  • Assessment
    Unit 3 Assessment
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Unit 04 Understand the processes and practice of coding

Your learning goals:

  • Understand the principles of best practice in coding
  • Understand the methods of testing code
  • Understand DevOps processes
  • Assessment
    Unit 4 Assessment
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Unit 05 Understand the importance of communication and project management in coding

Your learning goals:

  • Understand the importance of communication
  • Understand the purpose of feedback in developing communication skills
  • Understand the principles of project management
  • Understand Agile developments
  • Assessment
    Unit 5 Assessment
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Can I study for free?

This course is available to anyone who meets the following criteria.

  • Living in England
  • Aged 19 or over from the 31 August 2022 (born before 01 September 2003)
  • A citizen of a country within the European Economic Area (EEA) and a resident in the EEA for the last 3 years
  • Not in receipt of any other government-funded training.

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You may also qualify if you're:

  • Employed and in receipt of a low wage
  • A non-EEA citizen with permission by UK government to live in the UK which is not for educational purposes, and lived in England for at least 3 years
  • A family member of an EU national
  • A refugee
  • Asylum Seeker.

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Take a look at our frequently asked questions for further information about course funding.

Course availability

Free places on this course are currently available in these regions.

Cambridge and Peterborough

 Available now

England Non-Devolved

 Available now

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We do not currently have places available in the following regions. Please sign up and apply for the course to register your interest. We will then contact you when places do become available.

Greater London

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Greater Manchester

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Liverpool City Region

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North of Tyne

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Sheffield City Region

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Tees Valley

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West Midlands

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West of England

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West Yorkshire

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Take a look at our frequently asked questions for further information about course funding.

Comprehensive support

Your Tutor

Your Tutor

As a vision2learn student you’ll have the support of a dedicated tutor throughout your studies.

Forums

Forums

Use our online forum for support and discussion with other students.

Customer Care

Customer Care

We offer in-depth online support whenever you need it.

Phone

Phone

Our friendly team are available from 9am–8pm Monday to Thursday and 9am–5pm Friday (excluding Bank Holidays). Alternatively, you can visit our FAQs page for further information.