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Programming & coding courses

Learn the technical skills you need for an in-demand profession

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Introduction to Programming & coding

With so much of our everyday lives influenced by programs and applications, there’s never been a better time to study programming and coding. Learn to read, write and plan out code or develop your very own mobile applications, games and computer programs.

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
Swinburne University of Technology

Become an ICT professional

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

Bachelor of Data Analytics

UndergraduateUSA-BDA-DEG

Transform data into meaningful insight

Study method
100% online
Duration
3 years full time or part time equivalent
Torrens University Australia

Diploma of Information Technology

UndergraduateTUA-INF-DIP

Begin your journey into professional IT practice

Study method
100% online
Duration
1 year full time or part time equivalent
View all bachelor degrees

Discover 43 ways to study programming & coding with leading Australian universities.

Explore programming & coding courses

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Programming & coding study FAQs

What is a computer programming or coding course?

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.

Are coding and programming the same thing?

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.

What do you learn in a computer programming or coding course?

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
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. 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.

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.

Why should I study online through Open Universities Australia?

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.
What jobs can you get with a computer programming or coding degree?

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:

How do I know which course is right for me?

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.

How do I know if I’m eligible to apply for a course?

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.

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.

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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

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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.

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