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Programming & coding courses

Learn programming and coding skills to develop apps, games, software and computer programs

Help me choose a course

Introduction 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 courses
Open Universities Australia student, Ben, outside in front of a building.
Benjamin studied information technology with RMIT through Open Universities Australia

Discover programming & coding courses

Online programming & coding subjects and short courses

Academy Xi

Software Engineering: Transform

Professional trainingAXI-SE-T

Duration:
From 12 weeks
Price:
From $10,350
Start dates:
Any time
Academy Xi

Front-End Web Development: Transform

Professional trainingAXI-FE-T

Duration:
From 12 weeks
Price:
From $8,099
Start dates:
Any time
University of Tasmania

Programming Fundamentals

UndergraduateTAS-KIT101

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 24 Feb 2025, 21 Jul 2025
University of Tasmania

Programming Principles

UndergraduateTAS-ZAT113

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 24 Feb 2025, 21 Jul 2025
University of New England
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
University of South Australia

Object Oriented Programming

UndergraduateUSA-COMP1048

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 07 Apr 2025, 22 Sep 2025
View all subjects

Online programming & coding degrees

University of New England

Bachelor of Information Technology

UndergraduateUNE-BIT-DEG

Adapt and innovate as an IT specialist

Study method
100% online
Duration
3 years full time or part time equivalent
University of Tasmania

Diploma of Applied Technologies (ICT)

UndergraduateTAS-ICT-DIP

Align 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.
La Trobe University

Plug 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.
Swinburne University of Technology

Become an ICT professional

Study method
100% online
Duration
3 years full time or part time equivalent
View all bachelor degrees

Discover 45 ways to study programming & coding with leading Australian universities.

Explore programming & coding courses

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  • Understanding your funding options

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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:

CourseDuration
Single subject10-18 weeks
Short course10-18 weeks
Undergraduate certificate6 months (if full time)
Diploma1 year (if full time) 
Associate degree2 years (if full time) 
Bachelor degree3 years (if full time)
Graduate certificate6 months (if full time)
Graduate diploma1 year (if full time)
Masters degree2 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:  

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 datadata science courses
 protecting organisations from digital threats or attackscyber security courses
a more general overview of ITcomputer science courses
creating and managing software appssoftware development courses

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We’re here to guide you to the right uni course

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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.

Enrol in courses from 25 of Australia's leading universities

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