Learn to use Python online – and for more than just programming.

Join this online Python course for beginners and get a comprehensive introduction to the Python programming language and its data capabilities.

Studying with university computer scientists, you’ll learn:

  • how to program in Python
  • how to use Python libraries, including NumPy, pandas and Dash
  • how to access, clean up and present data visually from a range of sources.

As well as mastering the basics of Python programming, you’ll learn to use Python to make sense of complex data, and gain insights from data – whatever your sector.

Who can join this online Python course?

This is a distance-learning Python course for complete beginners. It’s open to anyone keen to learn how to program or gain insights from data.

You do not need to have any Python or programming knowledge to complete this course.

Fits around full-time work

This course is designed to fit around work. With flexible hours and 24/7 study access.

You’re in expert hands

We’ve been delivering online and distance learning for decades.

20% alumni discount

University of Aberdeen alumni get 20% off this online course.

What you’ll study

First, we’ll introduce you to the Python programming language. You’ll learn how to use Python and how to program. You’ll use your new skills to write short programs.

You’ll then explore Python libraries – what they are, and how to use them. You’ll examine several popular libraries and approaches to data presentation and visualisation.

Finally, you’ll take a look at real-world aspects of dealing with data, including:

  • how to access data from various sources
  • data clean-up, and
  • good programming practice.

By the end of the course, you’ll be able to apply your skills and gain insights into information hidden within data.

You’ll learn how to present data to the best effect from lots of different data sources.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to…

  • Read and write code in Python.
  • Create short programs in Python.
  • Use standard Python libraries to process and visualise data.
  • Perform basic data clean-up.
  • Apply good programming practice.
  • Access, analyse and gain insight into data from a range of sources.
  • Evaluate the best way to present complex data from a range of sources.

How you’ll study

Online learning

This distance-learning Python course is delivered flexibly, 100% online.

You can study with us anywhere in the world and manage your study hours to suit you.

Your teaching

This course is taught at postgraduate level but you do not need any experience in programming or Python to join the course.

Teaching is delivered through MyAberdeen, our online Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). It holds all the materials, tools and support you’ll need in your studies. Take a look around MyAberdeen.

You can access your learning materials on computer, smartphone and laptop, 24 hours a day. You’ll find a range of resources at your fingertips, including:

  • video lectures
  • practical online help sessions with experienced demonstrators
  • discussion boards with colleagues and tutors
  • the online resources of our award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library.

Your tutors

You’ll learn from experienced computer science graduates from our School of Natural and Computing Sciences.

You’ll be assessed entirely online via:

  • programming exercises related to each section of the course (typically weekly).

Each exercise will be auto-graded.

The course totals approximately 100 hours of study and assessment time. That’s around 12.5 hours per week.

This is an indicative guide to the time required for a typical student at this level to achieve the learning outcomes.

You can largely set your own study hours each week to cover the materials. MyAberdeen is available 24/7, so you can log in and study when it suits you.

Activities at fixed times

There may be some activities that you have to attend at a fixed time, such as online meetings with your tutor or assessments with deadlines. But otherwise, you can access and work through the course at your convenience.

Our first-class support structure will ensure that you aren’t alone in your studies. You’ll have contact with your tutors via MyAberdeen and email. You can use social media and discussion boards to chat with your fellow students too.

We provide a wide range of services to support you in your studies and beyond:

Wherever you are in the world, you’ll feel part of our very special Aberdeen learning community.

Your course coordinator

Professor Nir Oren

Nir is a Professor in Computer Science at the University Aberdeen, with research interests in Artificial Intelligence. He uses Python extensively in his research and teaching.

View Nir’s profile

Where this will take you

Careers

Programming is becoming critically important as a basic skill.

By completing this university short course, you’ll gain the introductory knowledge you need to:

  • further your career in a variety of sectors
  • unlock hidden information within business data.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Your employer or professional institute may recognise this course for CPD hours. Talk to your employer or institute to find out more.

Free career support

Access our free careers service while you study.

  • 1:1 appointments
  • CV checks
  • Interview prep
  • Job opportunities

See how our careers service can help you.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

We welcome students from all over the world.

This course has no formal entry requirements. You do not need to provide proof of your qualifications.

But you do need to check the entry guidance above to understand the level of teaching delivered, to decide if this course is right for you.

If you do not have qualifications from the UK, check the equivalent teaching level for your country.

Visa requirements

You do not need a student visa to study online with us.

English language requirements

Teaching is delivered in English.

You do not have to provide proof of your English language skills to join this course. But we want to make sure that you can use English well enough to study successfully.

Recommended level of English

For this course, we recommend the following level of English language proficiency.

These are our Postgraduate Standard requirements, and these are minimum scores.

IELTS Academic, IELTS UKVI Academic, and IELTS Online (not IELTS Indicator or IELTS General Training)

  • 6.5 overall
  • 5.5 for listening, reading and speaking
  • 6.0 for writing

TOEFL iBT and TOEFL iBT Home Edition

  • 90 overall
  • 17 for listening
  • 18 for reading
  • 20 for speaking
  • 21 for writing
  • TOEFL DI code is 0818

Cambridge English: B2 First, C1 Advanced, or C2 Proficiency

  • 176 overall
  • 162 for listening, reading and speaking
  • 169 for writing

LanguageCert Academic/LanguageCert Academic SELT

  • 70 overall
  • 60 for listening, reading and speaking
  • 65 for writing

LanguageCert International ESOL B2 Communicator (Written and Spoken) – Online / In-centre

  • Overall High Pass
  • 33 for listening, reading and speaking
  • 38 for writing

Oxford ELLT Digital – English Language Level Test Online

  • 7.0 overall
  • 5.0 for listening, reading and speaking
  • 6.0 for writing

PTE Academic (online test not accepted)

  • 62 overall
  • 59 for listening, reading, speaking and writing

Duolingo tests taken from 1 July 2024 onward

  • 120 overall
  • 95 for listening, reading and speaking
  • 105 for writing

University of Aberdeen English Pre-sessional Programme (PSE)

  • Pass
  • Valid for one year. Refresher can be offered if out of date

Pre-sessional academic English preparation programmes undertaken at other UK universities

  • Pass at an equivalent of 6.5 (C1)
  • B2 in all four skills
  • Certification must be within one year prior to the start of your course

For full information about language requirements, see our English Language Requirements page.

You will need access to:

A computer (PC, laptop or Mac) operating on either:

  • Windows 10 or later
  • macOS 10.15 (Catalina) or later.

Most teaching materials are smartphone- and tablet-friendly. But we recommend a proper laptop or desktop for completing assignments comfortably.

Reliable internet access

We recommend:

  • a wired connection
  • a minimum download speed of 2 Mbps so you can take part fully in live sessions.

Speakers or headphones

  • We recommend a headset with built-in microphone and earphones if you’re likely to study in an environment with background noise.
  • A webcam is optional, but you may like to use one for some interactive sessions.

Software

We’ll give you access to Office365 applications. This means you can use online versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and install these programs on up to five personal devices.

If your course requires specialist software, we’ll provide you with access to this and a licence that lasts throughout your studies.

See our detailed IT requirements for more information.

When you study with us, you can expect a first-class support structure so that you’re never alone in your studies.

But learning online does mean you have to motivate yourself and manage your own time.

Your most important commitment will be time – the time to work through, reflect on and understand your teaching materials.

Before you start a course that involves a high degree of independent study, we recommend looking at the time you will be able to devote to your studies each week:

  • Be realistic
  • Create a weekly schedule as a guide

If you have any questions about studying online, get in touch with our friendly team. We’re here to help.

Fee payment

Your course fee needs to be paid in full before you start your course.

We accept payment via Visa Debit, Visa Credit and Mastercard.

Ways to save

You may be able to get help funding this course via:

  • discounts – if any discounts are available for this course, they’ll appear in the section below
  • employer sponsorship – we accept full and partial fee payments from sponsors.

Find out more about funding options.

Student card

All our students are entitled to a University of Aberdeen student card. This gives you access to a range of student discounts around the city and online.

This is an online Python course for complete beginners.

You do not need to have any programming or Python experience to join this course.

You do not need to have a degree in order to join this course or complete it successfully.

You decide if this course is suitable for you. There are no formal entry requirements.

Apply for this course

Start date
27 January 2025
Cost
£985
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