MOOCS
MOOCs
QUICK JUMP MENU
LEARN NEW TECH
SKILLS
The CFG Massive Open Online Courses come in two forms – our MOOC Sprints and our MOOC Challenges. Together, our MOOCs are great for beginners or those with some tech knowledge and know-how!
Our MOOC Sprints are 4-week quick learning courses that will give you a good foundational knowledge across key tech topics, including languages, problem-solving and career confidence.
Following our Sprints, our MOOC Challenges allow you to test your knowledge and skills with a challenge, project or task with real-life examples and problem-solving.
OPEN SESSIONS
FREE TO ATTEND
These 100% free MOOC sessions will introduce you to in-demand tech concepts and languages, and other key skills.
They are a great way to get a taste of different tech concepts, languages, and career tips’n’tricks, whilst building your knowledge and skills across various tech areas.
We often have our partner companies helping us host these sessions, so there is also a great opportunity to find out how tech works across different organisations and take part in live Q&A sessions.
These sessions are open to all CFG members across the globe!
INFO SPOT: MOOC SPRINTS & CHALLENGES
Much like any tech role, you’ll get involved in sprints to build and ship new tech features and products. We thought the term ‘sprint’ was a fitting name for a 4-week MOOC powerhouse learning session focused on a key topic where you will walk away with new skills and knowledge.
Not only that, after completing a MOOC Sprint, you will have the opportunity to test your knowledge further by taking part in a MOOC Challenge linked to your Sprint topic.
Our MOOC Sprints are open to all CFG members globally and are 100% free for all participants.
MOOC Sprints are run over 4 weeks, with one x 1-hour session per week going into the detail of a key topic area.
At the end of the 4 weeks, you’ll walk away with a deeper knowledge of a key topic and have the opportunity to test your knowledge with our MOOC Challenge – which will follow after each Sprint!
There will be a range of topics from introductions to languages, problem-solving, career pathways and more!
Each MOOC Sprint will include LIVE sessions (or recorded if you can’t make it), a session quiz, and upon completion by the deadline, a certification.
What we love most about our new MOOC Sprints is that they are great for all CFG members – from beginners to those further along their tech journey.
Tech is an ever-evolving area, and building your knowledge base is sure to continue throughout your career. MOOC Sprints are great for those starting and wanting to learn more about a topic, or for those who have done our class or CFGdegree and want to gain additional knowledge and skills in a topic area.
AND, our MOOCs are available for all CFG members globally!
Our MOOC Sprints will be hosted LIVE by our amazing instructors with some special guests from partner companies for key sessions.
In the LIVE sessions, you can ask any questions, get unstuck on any ‘not-so-sure-bits’ and ask guest partners about life at their company and career pathways.
To gain access to our new MOOC Sprints, we’ll send you to our new member area online where all of our MOOC sessions will take place and you can track your progress and access course materials.
We know that sometimes life gets in the way of a good MOOC session, so we will be keeping our MOOC Sprint sessions available online for some time after each of the LIVE sessions.
This means you can watch and learn in your own time, in whatever time zone, accessing the video sessions and associated content to complete each MOOC Sprint.
PLUS, when you complete the MOOC Sprint, you will receive a certificate to recognise your achievement. There is a completion deadline for each MOOC Sprint to receive a certificate, after which you can head over to our “On Demand Library” where you can catch up on any of the Sprints for a limited time.
We’re unleashing some mini hackathon vibes with our MOOC Challenges. Our MOOC Challenges will allow members to test their knowledge in a key topic area with a project or challenge to complete.
Much like a hackathon, there will be a kick-off event, time to develop your response, and a final presentation session – with this all happening over four weeks.
Challenges and projects are a great way to not only test your knowledge but also for building a portfolio and adding to your CV!
Our MOOC Challenges are 1-hour weekly sessions which are open to all CFG members globally and are 100% free for all participants. If you would love to take up the challenge but don’t think you have the skillset for it, check out our related Sprints first to get yourself challenge ready!
Each MOOC Challenge will begin with a kick-off event where the challenge statement and project will be presented.
Usually, these will be presented by our partner companies who may be seeking solutions to real-life tech challenges and looking for tech talent to show them the way!
Our MOOC Challenges are open to all CFG members globally!
It is always good to challenge yourself and put new skills (or old ones!) to the test!
Our MOOC Challenges are designed to follow our MOOC Sprint topics so that those who have participated in the Sprints can then test what they have just learnt.
These challenges are open to all participants, however, our linked Sprints are here to give you all the tools and skill sets to complete.
From the kick-off date, you will have four weeks to submit your response.
Finally, after all of your hard work, you get the opportunity to showcase your work to our partners who are your judges. Showcase all you have learned and worked on with a final presentation where one of our lucky challengers will be awarded the winner.
The final session will take place after around four weeks of free time to complete the challenge.
We are incredibly excited to have our partner companies involved and to see your solutions presented to the challenge.
Problem-solving is a key skill to have in tech and being able to showcase that you have participated in MOOC Challenges will be a great booster to any CV and portfolio.
Each member that takes part and completes the MOOC Challenge will receive a certificate to confirm participation.
You’ll also have a great project to add to your portfolio and be able to add this to your GitHub, website or other pages showcasing your work!
MOOC SPRINTS & CHALLENGES
Our NEW MOOC Sprints and Challenges can be found below. We will be launching more Sprints and Challenges in the coming weeks and months so make sure you tune in to our socials and emails for updates (and come back and check here!)
LIMITED TIME: 26.09.23
Free and open to all CFG Members
Intro to Coding
The live sessions for this MOOC Sprint have ended, but you have until 26th September 2023 to get full marks and earn a certificate.
Coding is how we communicate with computers! If you want to dip your toe into the world of programming, this MOOC is perfect for you. Each week, you’ll get an overview of different elements of coding and a great foundation to start building upon your knowledge further. It could be the first step in your journey to getting into tech!
Session 1: What is coding and why is it important?
- Intro to coding
- Compiler vs Interpreter
- Low level vs High level programming language
- Basic concepts of computer programming, such as variables
- Different types of data types – Integer, Floating points (Decimals), Booleans
Session 2: Different forms of Data Structures
- Operators in programming- +,-,*,/,%,&,|, >,<,!,~, etc
- Strings
- Lists or Arrays
- Associated arrays such as Dictionary, Maps
Session 3: Control structures and Functions
- Conditional Statements – If, Else if and Else
- Loops – for, while, do-while and their basic structure
- Commonly used keywords with Loops- break, continue, pass
- Functions
Session 4:Errors, Types of errors and Error Handling
- Syntax errors, logic errors, runtime errors
- How to troubleshoot and debug code
- Art of Pseudocode and making flowchart
- A small taste of how to write simple programs in a programming language, such as Python
*NEW* MOOC CHALLENGE
Free and open to all CFG Members
Intro to coding
STARTS: Tuesday 26 September @ 7:30PM
Our MOOC Challenges give you the opportunity to test your knowledge and skills with a challenge, project or task using real-world examples.
CHALLENGE SESSIONS
Week 1 – Tuesday 26th September (Kick-off event & challenge revealed)
Weeks 2 & 3 – Thursday 28th September – Project work begins for final hand on Tuesday 17th October
Week 4: Tuesday 24th October – Winners announced
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE, BUILD A PORTFOLIO
Challenges and projects are a great way to not only test your knowledge but also for building a portfolio and bits on your CV!
OPEN TO ALL
Our MOOC Challenges are also open to all CFG members globally and are 100% free for all participants.
LIMITED TIME: 04.10.23
Free and open to all CFG Members
Intro to iOS Development
The live sessions for this MOOC Sprint have ended, but you have until 4th October 2023 to get full marks and earn a certificate.
Join our exciting new IOS Development MOOC and go on an adventure of innovation and creativity! Are you ready to harness the power of technology and create the future with your app ideas? Unleash your potential as you explore the fascinating world of iOS app development. Gain hands-on experience, learn the newest tools and frameworks, and see your ideas come to life on the legendary Apple platform.
Session 1: Hello, CFG: Introduction to iOS App Development
- Introduction to iOS Development
- Our first App:
- Introduction to Views
Session 2: Hello, Draughts: Navigation + Some Swift Basics
- Navigating between views
- Swift basics through the task of creating a board
- Variables
- Arrays/Ranges
- Loops
- Conditionals
Session 3: Let’s Play: Interactivity, Data Management/persistence
- Getting user input
- Saving values for the lifetime of the app
- Adding buttons
- Functions in swift
Session 4: Analysis: Best practices + future steps
- Look at some iOS design/development principles in light of the app so far
- Available iOS toolkits/libraries e.g. for navigation, apple pay etc
- How to put one’s app on the App Store
- Resources to learn more
Limited Time: 05.10.23
Free and open to all CFG Members
Intro to Web Dev
The live sessions for this MOOC Sprint have ended, but you have until 5th October 2023 to get full marks and earn a certificate.
Web Dev is quite simply the work involved in building a website! In this MOOC, we will cover the basics of HTML, CSS and JavaScript, all of which are essential programming languages that allow different components to be built into the websites you see today. Our Web Dev MOOC will give you a good understanding of what goes into building a website, and you’ll be quizzed each week on what you’ve learnt!
Session 1: Intro to HTML
- What Is HTML?
- Essential HTML, Boilerplate and Syntax
- HTML with CSS and Javascript
- Coding Practice – Building the foundations of your website
Session 2: Intro to CSS
- What is CSS
- Basic Syntax
- Accessibility
- Coding Practice: Styling your first website and linking CSS to HTML
Session 3: Intro to JS
- What is Javascript?
- Data Types
- Variables
- Functions
- Coding Practice – Developing interactivity and linking to relative files
Session 4: JS – The DOM
- Advanced JavaScript
- The DOM
- Coding practice: Use the DOM to change our website
*NEW* MOOC CHALLENGE
Free and open to all CFG Members
Intro to web dev
STARTS: Thursday 5 October @ 7:30PM
Our MOOC Challenges give you the opportunity to take all you have learned in our Web Dev Sprint and build your first website from scratch by coding in HTML, CSS and JS!
CHALLENGE SESSIONS
Week 1 – Thursday 5th October (Kick-off event & challenge revealed)
Weeks 2 & 3 – Monday 9th October – Project work begins for final hand on Thursday 26th October
Week 4: Thursday 2nd November – Winners announced
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE, BUILD A PORTFOLIO
Challenges and projects are a great way to not only test your knowledge but also for building a portfolio and bits on your CV!
OPEN TO ALL
Our MOOC Challenges are also open to all CFG members globally and are 100% free for all participants.
*LIVE* MOOC SPRINT: GET CERTIFIED (FOR FREE!)
Free and open to all CFG Members
intro to python
STARTS: Monday 4th September 2023 @ 6.00PM
Python is an interpreted, object-oriented, high-level programming language with dynamic semantics. Python is commonly used for developing websites, task automation, data analysis, and data visualisation. Due to the nature of Python, it is regularly used in industries and roles such as accountants and scientists, for a variety of everyday tasks.
Session 1: Introduction to Python
LIVE Session: Monday 4th September @ 6 PM (BST)
- Install Python on your machine
- Why learn Python?
- Hello World!
- Variables
- Conditions
- Tutorial: Drawing snowflakes with turtles exercise
Session 2: Operations in Python
LIVE Session: Monday 11th September @ 6 PM (BST)
- Arithmetic
- Assigning Values
- Comparing values
- Assessing Logic
- Manipulating bits
Session 3: Functions, conditionals, loops
LIVE Session: Monday 18th September @ 6 PM (BST)
- Loops
- Writing/Manipulating Lists
- Data Types
- Correcting Errors
Session 4: Final Session
LIVE Session: Monday 25th September @ 6 PM (BST)
- Python Libraries
- Challenge explanation
- Further development and Opportunities with Python
*NEW* MOOC CHALLENGE
Free and open to all CFG Members
intro to python
STARTS: Monday 9th October @ 7:30PM
CHALLENGE SESSIONS
Week 1 – Monday 9th October (Kick-off event & challenge revealed)
Weeks 2 & 3 – Wednesday 11th October – Project work begins for final hand on Monday 30th October
Week 4: Monday 6th November – Winners announced
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE, BUILD A PORTFOLIO
Challenges and projects are a great way to not only test your knowledge but also for building a portfolio and bits on your CV!
OPEN TO ALL
Our MOOC Challenges are also open to all CFG members globally and are 100% free for all participants.
*LIVE* MOOC SPRINT: GET CERTIFIED (FOR FREE!)
Free and open to all CFG Members
intro to web app security
STARTS: Wednesday 27th September 2023 @ 6.00PM
Session 1: Introduction to Secure Software Development/ DevSecOps
LIVE Session: Wednesday 27th September @ 6 PM (BST)
- Introduction to software development lifecycles
- Development, Security and Operations (DevSecOps) processes
- Secure Application Architecture
Session 2: Web App Security: Common vulnerabilities
LIVE Session: Wednesday 4th October @ 6 PM (BST)
- OWASP Top 10 2021
- CWE Top 25 2023
- Example case studies (e.g injection, XSS, SSRF and DOS).
- Managing third party risks & dependencies
Session 3: Web App Security: Securing Apps
LIVE Session: Wednesday 11th October @ 6 PM (BST)
- Discovering software vulnerabilities
- Code Reviews for Security
- Defending against common attacks
Session 4: API Security
LIVE Session: Wednesday 18th October @ 6 PM (BST)
- Python Libraries
- Challenge explanation
- Further development and Opportunities with Python
*LIVE* MOOC SPRINT: GET CERTIFIED (FOR FREE!)
Free and open to all CFG Members
cv & applications
STARTS: Thursday 12th October 2023 @ 6.00PM
An inevitable part of any career is submitting CVs and applications for roles. For tech roles in particular, you are often expected to provide a portfolio and go through a tech assessment. Our CVs & Applications MOOC will give you the foundational knowledge to build upon in your tech career, including how to manage Imposter Syndrome and portray your best self throughout the process.
Session 1: Introduction to CV’s : structure and formatting
LIVE Session: Thursday 12th October @ 6 PM (BST)
- Why having a good CV is important
- How someone makes a decision on your CV
- A general structure CV’s should follow
- How someone reading your CV may scan it – in an F or Z pattern
Session 2: How to make your CV stand out
LIVE Session: Thursday 19th October @ 6 PM (BST)
- What people think will make their CV stand as opposed to how you can actually stand out
- Dissecting each section of a CV with detailed advice:
- Personal branding and how it can provide great content for your CV
- Linking other content such as a portfolio, github profile
- Use of AI to write your CV (or rather advising people against it)
Session 3: Navigating tech job applications
LIVE Session: Thursday 26th October @ 6 PM (BST)
- Where to find and apply for tech jobs
- Advice on tracking your applications
- Should you write cover letters for your applications?
- Job advert jargon buster – what do they actually mean
Session 4: Smashing your interview (and some other tips)
LIVE Session: Thursday 2nd November @ 6 PM (BST)
- How to use a brag document and how to use this to help you with writing your CV
- How to navigate the conversation around salary
- Some examples of interview processes that tech roles may have
- How to conduct comprehensive research on companies (and potentially interviewers) for interview prep
*NEW* MOOC CHALLENGE
Free and open to all CFG Members
CV & APPLICATIONS
STARTS: Thursday 16th November @ 7:30PM
We challenge you to ‘Create your GitHub Profile’. Create your GitHub profile page to show off your projects and experience.
CHALLENGE SESSIONS
Week 1 – Thursday 16th November (Kick-off event & challenge revealed)
Weeks 2 & 3 – Monday 20th November – Project work begins for final hand on Thursday 7th December
Week 4: Thursday 14th December – Winners announced
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE, BUILD A PORTFOLIO
Challenges and projects are a great way to not only test your knowledge but also for building a portfolio and bits on your CV!
OPEN TO ALL
Our MOOC Challenges are also open to all CFG members globally and are 100% free for all participants.
*LIVE* MOOC SPRINT: GET CERTIFIED (FOR FREE!)
Free and open to all CFG Members
Machine Learning
STARTS: Monday 16th October 2023 @ 6.00PM
Machine Learning (ML) plays an important role in the future of tech. Being able to process huge data sets, look for patterns, whilst continuously learning and improving is the essence of AI & ML. Throughout this MOOC Sprint, you’ll be exposed to key concepts to build your knowledge.
Session 1: Introduction to Machine Learning
LIVE Session: Monday 16th October @ 6 PM (BST)
- What is Machine Learning?
- Testing and Training Data
- The ML Landscape
- Useful Skills for the ML World
Session 2: Type of ML and Python for Machine Learning
LIVE Session: Monday 23rd October @ 6 PM (BST)
- Supervised Machine Learning Overview
- Unsupervised Machine Learning Overview
- Reinforcement Machine Learning Overview
- Python for Machine Learning
Session 3: K-Nearest Neighbour
LIVE Session: Monday 30th October @ 6 PM (BST)
- Introduction to K-Nearest Neighbour
- Uses of KNN
- Python Implementation of KNN
Session 4: Linear Regression
LIVE Session: Monday 6th November @ 6 PM (BST)
- Introduction to Linear Regression
- Uses of Linear Regression
- Using Linear Regression with Python
- Introduction to Neural Networks
*NEW* MOOC CHALLENGE
Free and open to all CFG Members
Machine Learning
STARTS: Monday 20th November @ 7:30PM
Our MOOC Challenges give you the opportunity to test your knowledge and skills with a challenge, project or task using real-world examples.
CHALLENGE SESSIONS
Week 1 – Monday 20th November (Kick-off event & challenge revealed)
Weeks 2 & 3 – Wednesday 22nd November – Project work begins for final hand on Monday 11th December
Week 4: Monday 18th December – Winners announced
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE, BUILD A PORTFOLIO
Challenges and projects are a great way to not only test your knowledge but also for building a portfolio and bits on your CV!
OPEN TO ALL
Our MOOC Challenges are also open to all CFG members globally and are 100% free for all participants.
*LIVE* MOOC SPRINT: GET CERTIFIED (FOR FREE!)
Free and open to all CFG Members
Solving problems with Python
STARTS: Tuesday 17th October 2023 @ 6.00PM
Python is an interpreted, object-oriented, high-level programming language with dynamic semantics. Python is commonly used for developing websites, task automation, data analysis, and data visualisation. Due to the nature of Python, it is regularly used in industries and roles such as accountants and scientists, for a variety of everyday tasks.
Session 1: Python basics: Variables and Data types
LIVE Session: Tuesday 17th October @ 6 PM (BST)
- What is Python and why should you learn it?
- Variables
- Data types
Session 2: Problem solving: FOR loops and Functions
LIVE Session: Tuesday 24th October @ 6 PM (BST)
- Methods
- User input
- Importing and installing modules
- For loops
- Functions
Session 3: Decision making: Booleans and Conditional Statements
LIVE Session: Tuesday 31st October @ 6 PM (BST)
- Comparison operators
- Logical Operators
- If statements
- While loops
Session 4: Reading, writing and analysing data from files
LIVE Session: Tuesday 7th November @ 6 PM (BST)
- Reading/Writing text files
- Working with CSV files
- Pandas DataFrame
- Processing the data: statistics module
*NEW* MOOC CHALLENGE
Free and open to all CFG Members
Solving Problems with Python
STARTS: Monday 20th November @ 7:30PM
Get ready to tackle our “Solving Problems with PYTHON” challenge! Dive into the world of Black Box testing on binaries and master the art of replicating their functionality in Python. But that’s not all—unlock the secrets of a Python program’s hidden agenda.
CHALLENGE SESSIONS
Week 1 – Tuesday 21st November (Kick-off event & challenge revealed)
Weeks 2 & 3 – Thursday 23rd November – Project work begins for final hand on Tuesday 12th December
Week 4: Tuesday 19th December – Winners announced
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE, BUILD A PORTFOLIO
Challenges and projects are a great way to not only test your knowledge but also for building a portfolio and bits on your CV!
OPEN TO ALL
Our MOOC Challenges are also open to all CFG members globally and are 100% free for all participants.
MOOC SPRINT: ON DEMAND LIBRARY
Even though these live MOOC Sprints have ended, you can still catch up and access all the recorded content led by our fantastic instructors.
Much like any role in tech, you’ll get involved in sprints to build and ship new tech features and products. Our MOOC Sprint on-demand library features quick learning courses that will give you good foundational knowledge across key tech topics, including coding languages, problem-solving and career confidence. MOOC sprints are open to all CFG members globally and are 100% free for all participants.
*Please note there is no certification on completing MOOCs from the on-demand Library. If you would like to get certified, please join our live sessions above.
available on demand until 12.10.23
AGILE & SCRUM
Are you ready to revolutionise the way you work and propel your career to new heights? In today’s competitive business landscape, organisations seek professionals who can drive efficiency, foster collaboration, and deliver exceptional results. This MOOC will empower you with the knowledge and skills to effectively navigate complex projects, adapt to changing requirements, and deliver value at every stage.
Session 1: Introduction to Agile and Scrum
- Agile vs. Waterfall
- Different Agile Frameworks
- Benefits and features of Scrum
Session 2: Sprints, teams and ceremonies
- Team members involved in Scrum
- What is a sprint
- Scrum ‘ceremonies’
Session 3: Jira to manage your Scrum project
- Introduction to Jira
- How to create a stories & epics
- Boards, Filters & JQL
Session 4: Scrum in real life
- More Jira: Dashboards
- Common Scrum misconception & challenges
- Scrum master day-to-day
available on demand until 16.10.23
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
Are you eager to unlock your full potential and make significant strides towards professional success? Our Career Development MOOC is designed to empower individuals like you, equipping you with the essential skills and strategies needed to excel in today’s competitive job market. With this MOOC, you’ll gain invaluable insights and actionable knowledge that will set you apart from the crowd and open doors to exciting opportunities!
Session 1: Introduction
- Understanding what career development means to you and carving out your own path
- How to move up and also do lateral moves after you start a career in tech
- Career development is not just about your technical skills, it’s so much more!
Session 2: Goal setting, brag documents and feedback
- How to set career goals and actually stick to them
- Keeping a brag document to track your achievements and make them visible
- How to utilise your brag document to elevate your career in multiple ways
- How to gain useful feedback from your manager, team and wider business
Session 3: The power of networking and personal brand for career development
- The difference between a personal brand and an online presence and how to build them
- How to network effectively
- Curating a powerful intro approach on LinkedIn
Session 4: Career Fulfilment
- What is a non-promotable task and why should you be aware of them?
- Understanding your businesses “currency” but also your personal currency
- Getting fulfilment out of your career