Programming & coding courses

A computer programming or coding course will allow you to work in the information and communication technology sector. You’ll learn computer language (code) fundamentals so you can tell computers how to perform complex tasks—and bring websites, apps and software to life.

Programming and coding courses will also equip you with soft skills like teamwork, project management, and problem solving.

You’re not alone in wondering whether coding and programming are the same thing. They’re not, although they are closely related. Coding requires skills in computer programming languages such as HTML, CSS, Java or Python. Programmers develop the instructions for how a program should run. Coders translate these instructions into code, which is the language that software programs can understand.

Programmers and coding experts developed every program or application you use daily. For instance, a programmer developed the bank app that allows you to pay for your groceries with a tap of your phone, bank card or smartwatch. A coding expert translated the instructions developed by the programmer into language that the software can understand. This process is what allows applications like these to function.

You’ll gain the skills you need to work in an IT or software development role. Depending on your course, you’ll learn:

• Systems analysis
• Systems design
• Networking
• Databases
• Project management
• Modular programming
• Algorithms
• Programming languages such as HTML, CSS or Python

It depends on the course and whether you choose something short or long-term. Here’s a general guide:

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.

Programmers and coders are responsible for building our digital future. With so much of our everyday lives involving computer programs and applications, these experts are needed now more than ever.

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.

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.

There are a lot of reasons to study your course online through us.

• You can enrol without entry requirements 
  We have a unique open-door policy that makes it possible for everyone to enrol in university study, no matter their academic history. If you don’t meet the entry requirements for a degree, we’ll help you get in through single undergraduate subjects and transition into a qualification from there.
• You have total control over how you study
  Upskill without committing to a whole degree upfront. Or enrol in a full degree, but take it a subject at a time. We’ll introduce you to flexible study options you didn’t even know about, so you can fit uni around what matters to you.
• You’ll graduate with the same qualification as an on-campus student
  Once you enrol through us, you’ll study online with the university that provides your degree. This means that when you complete your qualification, you’ll graduate with the same degree as on-campus students.
• We’ll help you navigate the university world
  Our friendly student advisors will be your guide every step of the enrolment journey. They'll help you compare universities, choose a course, provide documentation and understand your finance options.

You’ll be qualified for a range of jobs once you’ve completed one of the online coding or computer programming courses available through Open Universities Australia.

As a graduate, you’ll be able to find work with tech giants like Microsoft or IBM, in agritech, financial services, engineering or healthcare. Many industries are digitising, so your skills will be in high demand in almost any field you want to work in.

Programmers and coders work in both the private and public sectors in 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

Enrol in a single subject to get a taste of the content for any qualification you’re interested in. The subjects available through us are covered by HELP funding, which means eligible students aren’t obligated to pay for their studies upfront.

Or book a free phone consultation with a student advisor to discuss your available study options. We’ll help you find the course that suits you best.

Before starting an enrolment, it’s important to read the entry requirements for your chosen course to ensure that you’re eligible to apply. If you don’t quite meet the requirements, we may be able to help you find a pathway into your course through open-entry subjects, which anyone can study.

Chat with us to find out more.

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.