Programming & coding courses
Help me choose a courseIntroduction to Programming & coding
An online programming or coding course will give you the skills you need to work in the information and communication technology (ICT) industry. You’ll learn how to use programming language (code) so you can tell computers, websites, apps or software how to perform tasks.
A programming and coding course will also equip you with soft skills including teamwork, project management, and problem solving so you’ll be job ready.
Whether you want a short introduction or a full qualification, Open Universities Australia has an online programming and coding course for you.
Explore programming & coding coursesDiscover programming & coding courses
Online programming & coding subjects and short courses
Software Engineering: Transform
Professional training
AXI-SE-T- Duration:
- From 12 weeks
- Price:
- From $10,350
- Start dates:
- Any time
Front-End Web Development: Transform
Professional training
AXI-FE-T- Duration:
- From 12 weeks
- Price:
- From $8,099
- Start dates:
- Any time
Undergraduate
TAS-KIT101- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
- Start dates
- Starts 24 Feb 2025, 21 Jul 2025
Undergraduate
TAS-ZAT113- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
- Start dates
- Starts 24 Feb 2025, 21 Jul 2025
Introduction to Programming and the UNIX Environment
Undergraduate
UNE-COSC110- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
- Start dates
- Starts 24 Feb 2025, 23 Jun 2025, 20 Oct 2025
Undergraduate
USA-COMP1048- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
- Start dates
- Starts 07 Apr 2025, 22 Sep 2025
Online programming & coding degrees
Bachelor of Information Technology
Undergraduate
UNE-BIT-DEGAdapt and innovate as an IT specialist
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
Diploma of Applied Technologies (ICT)
Undergraduate
TAS-ICT-DIPAlign with rapid IT transformation and shape your future
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 1 year full time or part time equivalent
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Information Technology Open Degree Pathway
Undergraduate
LAT-ICT-PTHPlug into information technology opportunities
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 1 year full time or part time equivalent
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology
Undergraduate
SWI-ICT-DEGBecome an ICT professional
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
Need help choosing the right course?
Our student advisors are here to guide you with expert advice on:
- Enrolling and planning your studies
- Finding a study option that suits your needs
- Understanding your funding options
When would you like to chat?
Let me pick a time
Find a time that suits you for a free 1:1 consultation with a student advisor.
Call me anytime
A student advisor will call you, usually within 30 minutes during business hours.
Looking for other ways to start the conversation? Contact us
Student reviews
We support thousands of students on their study journey every year
Our advisors are here to help with your study goals from enrolment to completion 7 days a week.
Programming & coding study FAQs
Are coding and programming the same thing?
Coding and programming go hand in hand but are different. Programming means developing the sequence of instructions (called programs) that computers follow to perform tasks. These instructions are then translated into code that software programs can understand. Programming languages include JavaScript, Python, C++ and many more.
What will I learn in a programming or coding course?
Depending on your course, you’ll learn:
- Systems analysis and design
- Networking
- Data and database management
- Project management
- Modular programming
- Algorithms
- Programming and markup languages, such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript and Python
- Program design
- Software engineering and development
- Web development
- Problem solving
- Cyber security
How long is a programming or coding course?
It depends on the course and whether you choose something short or long-term. Here’s a general guide:
Course | Duration |
---|---|
Single subject | 10-18 weeks |
Short course | 10-18 weeks |
Undergraduate certificate | 6 months (if full time) |
Diploma | 1 year (if full time) |
Associate degree | 2 years (if full time) |
Bachelor degree | 3 years (if full time) |
Graduate certificate | 6 months (if full time) |
Graduate diploma | 1 year (if full time) |
Masters degree | 2 years (if full time) |
If you study a degree in programming or coding through Open Universities Australia, you have the flexibility to choose how many subjects you take per term. This means you can complete your qualification at a faster or slower pace than you would on campus.
Why should I study programming and coding?
Programmers and coders are responsible for building our digital future. Computer programs, apps, software and websites are a part of our everyday lives, so you’ll become a much-needed expert.
In fact, software programming is one of the most in-demand fields in Australia. Completing a relevant course is a great way to future-proof your career.
Why should I study programming and coding online?
Studying online means you don’t need to attend face-to-face tutorials and lectures. Instead, you can study in the evenings, on weekends or between work shifts, and gain industry experience alongside your qualification.
If you’re unsure what course is best for you, consider upskilling through a short course or single undergraduate subject to take programming and coding for a test drive. These study options are covered by HELP funding, which means you’re not obligated to pay anything upfront, and you’re not locked into a full qualification if you change your mind.
Do I need any prior coding or programming experience to enrol?
You do not need any prior coding experience to enrol in an online programming or coding course through Open Universities Australia.
There may be other entry requirements depending on the course you are interested in. You can check what they are by clicking on a course that you want to learn more about.
Some of the undergraduate courses available through us don’t have any entry requirements. Instead, you can get in through our single subject entry pathway. When you go to enrol, we’ll recommend 2 to 4 subjects that you should start with. Once you successfully complete them, you can continue into the qualification, with full academic credit. This unique enrolment option isn’t available anywhere else.
Book a chat with us to find out more.
What programming languages are covered in these courses?
Learning a programming or markup language is an essential tool for any IT career. You will learn the latest and most used languages in an online programming course. This could include:
- C#
- C++
- CSS
- HTML
- PHP
- Python
- JavaScript
- Java
- SQL
What career opportunities can I explore after studying programming or coding?
You will be qualified for a range of jobs once you’ve completed one of the online coding or programming courses through Open Universities Australia.
Programmers and coders work in both private and public sector roles including:
- Web developer
- Software developer or engineer
- Systems analyst
- App or game designer
- IT manager
- Network architect
- Data architect
- Cloud engineer or architect
- Big data engineer
- Front-end developer
- JavaScript developer
- UI developer
How do I enrol?
Here at Open Universities Australia, we make enrolling online as straightforward as possible. To get started, find the course for you by browsing the options on this page. You can also compare different qualifications using our handy comparison tool, or request help from one of our student advisors.
When you’ve made your choice, click ‘Apply now’ on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We’ll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
Please note that enquiries and applications for some courses are handled directly by the university. If this is the case, it will be indicated on the course listing page.
For more information about enrolment, read our online self-service enrolling instructions. If you get stuck at any time, contact us and we’ll talk you through it.
What if I’m not sure programming and coding is the right choice for me?
Interested in ICT but not sure what field of study you want to pursue? Have a look at the courses we recommend below:
I'm interested in... | We recommend exploring... |
maths and analysing data | data science courses |
protecting organisations from digital threats or attacks | cyber security courses |
a more general overview of IT | computer science courses |
creating and managing software apps | software development courses |
Student stories and study advice
Skip minimum wage with these high-paying entry-level jobs for uni graduates
Not all salaries are created equal, but with a university qualification under your belt, landing an entry-level role doesn't necessarily mean low pay. Is your dream job on this list?7 in-demand digital skills you can learn with Academy Xi
Want to future proof your career by becoming more technically savvy? We’ve got 7 new courses to help you do just that.Why you should learn how to code
Looking for ways to level up your tech-savviness? Learn coding—it will also give you more control over your work and career.What are the most popular programming languages?
Want to crack the code for a career in IT or software development? What’s more popular between Python and Java? It’s time to brush up on your programming language skills.We’re here to guide you to the right uni course
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation helping every Australian to access thousands of university courses.
Over 523,000 students have enrolled in university through us since 1993.
How we can help you
Studying through Open Universities Australia means we take care of the guesswork and administration of university study, so you can focus on learning.
You don't need a strong academic history to go to uni
We make it possible for everyone to start university through single subjects, regardless of ATAR or study experience. These subjects are covered by government loans, and can be used to upskill or gain entry into a qualification.
You have the flexibility to start at multiple points during the year
We’re not restricted by a traditional academic calendar, so you can enrol when it suits your life. You also have total control over how you study. You can scale up (or down) your study load and even pause your course if you need to.
You can rely on us as an unbiased destination for online tertiary education
As a not for profit, we have your best interests at heart. Our advisors are here 7 days a week to guide and support you. It’s our priority to get you qualified with the university of your choice.