Here we signpost some of the best Blockchain and Cryptocurrency courses online to study in the UK. We also suggest why this is a good type of skill to develop, who it might suit, and what you can expect to learn in a Blockchain and Cryptocurrency course.
Blockchain and cryptocurrency have gained significant attention for their potential to revolutionise industries, particularly finance, supply chain management, and digital security. Studying these fields provides opportunities to explore emerging technologies, expand technical skills, and understand decentralised financial systems.
Below is a guide on why someone should pursue this type of course, the ideal candidates for such studies, the common modules included, and five leading online courses in the UK.
Why Choose Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Training?
- Growing Industry Demand: Blockchain technology and cryptocurrency are growing rapidly, with numerous industries exploring their applications, leading to an increasing need for skilled professionals.
- High Earning Potential: Jobs related to blockchain, cryptocurrency, and decentralised finance (DeFi) often offer high salaries, especially for technical roles like blockchain development.
- Diverse Career Opportunities: Blockchain skills are valuable in various sectors, including finance, healthcare, supply chain, and entertainment, providing versatile career paths.
- Cutting-Edge Innovation: The field of blockchain is at the forefront of technological innovation, attracting individuals interested in pioneering technologies and solutions.
- Decentralised Finance (DeFi): Cryptocurrency is a key component of DeFi, a system that aims to disrupt traditional financial services by making them more accessible and transparent.
Who Should Study Blockchain and Cryptocurrency?
- Tech Enthusiasts: Individuals who are passionate about technology, innovation, and disruptive digital solutions would find blockchain and cryptocurrency fascinating.
- Finance Professionals: People working in finance who want to expand their knowledge of decentralised finance systems, cryptocurrencies, and blockchain applications in banking and investment.
- Developers and Programmers: Software engineers and developers seeking to learn about blockchain protocols, smart contracts, and decentralised applications (dApps).
- Entrepreneurs and Innovators: Entrepreneurs looking to create startups or implement blockchain-based solutions in various industries like fintech, supply chain, or healthcare.
- Researchers and Academics: Scholars interested in exploring the theoretical and practical aspects of blockchain technology, cryptography, and distributed ledger systems.
Common Modules Covered in a Cryptocurrency or Blockchain Course
- Introduction to Blockchain Technology
This module covers the fundamentals of blockchain, including its structure, how it works, and its role in enabling cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum.
- Cryptocurrency and Decentralised Finance (DeFi)
Learn about the concept of cryptocurrency, how decentralised finance operates, and the impact on traditional financial markets.
- Smart Contracts and Decentralised Applications (dApps)
An in-depth look at smart contracts—self-executing contracts with the terms directly written into code—and how they power decentralised apps on platforms like Ethereum.
- Blockchain Development and Programming
Focuses on the technical side, teaching languages such as Solidity and programming frameworks like Hyperledger for building blockchain applications.
- Blockchain in Business and Industry
Explores real-world use cases of blockchain technology across different industries, including healthcare, logistics, finance, and entertainment.
- Security and Cryptography in Blockchain
Covers the security mechanisms, cryptographic principles, and consensus algorithms that ensure the integrity and safety of blockchain networks.
- Legal and Regulatory Issues in Cryptocurrency
Reviews the regulatory environment surrounding blockchain and cryptocurrencies, including laws on digital assets, tokenisation, and international compliance.
This module covers the fundamentals of blockchain, including its structure, how it works, and its role in enabling cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Learn about the concept of cryptocurrency, how decentralised finance operates, and the impact on traditional financial markets.
An in-depth look at smart contracts—self-executing contracts with the terms directly written into code—and how they power decentralised apps on platforms like Ethereum.
Focuses on the technical side, teaching languages such as Solidity and programming frameworks like Hyperledger for building blockchain applications.
Explores real-world use cases of blockchain technology across different industries, including healthcare, logistics, finance, and entertainment.
Covers the security mechanisms, cryptographic principles, and consensus algorithms that ensure the integrity and safety of blockchain networks.
Reviews the regulatory environment surrounding blockchain and cryptocurrencies, including laws on digital assets, tokenisation, and international compliance.
Top Online Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Courses
Below are some of the top online blockchain and cryptocurrency courses from leading UK and global training providers:
Certified Blockchain Expert – Blockchain Council
Overview: This professional certification course covers blockchain fundamentals, smart contracts, consensus algorithms, and real-world applications in industries like finance and supply chain.
Duration: 4-6 hours (Self-paced).
Certification: Certified Blockchain Expert (CBE) certification.
Link: www.blockchain-council.org/certifications/certified-blockchain-professional-expert/
Blockchain Specialisation – Coursera (Offered by University of London)
Overview: This specialisation covers blockchain theory, its technical underpinnings, and how it’s applied in various industries. It includes courses on cryptography, smart contracts, and business models.
Duration: Approximately 4-5 months (Part-time, 5-10 hours per week).
Certification: Specialisation certificate from Coursera and the University of London.
Link: https://www.coursera.org/specializations/blockchain
