If you’re considering a dive into the world of computer science, finding the right course to get you started can be overwhelming.
Udemy, one of the largest online learning platforms, offers a wide range of computer science courses.
Whether you’re looking to build programming skills, understand computer fundamentals, or prepare for a career in tech, there are plenty of options.
But with so many choices, how do you find the courses that are beginner-friendly and truly worth your time?
In this article, we’ll explore the five best computer science courses for beginners available on Udemy right now.
These courses are selected based on their content, teaching style, practical approach, and strong student reviews. Let’s dive into the details and help you make an informed choice.
Udemy Overview
Udemy is one of the largest online learning platforms, offering a vast range of courses in various fields, including computer science, programming, business, personal development, and more.
With over 155,000 courses taught by expert instructors, Udemy caters to learners of all levels, from beginners to advanced professionals.
The platform’s flexibility allows students to learn at their own pace, with lifetime access to course materials once purchased.
Udemy courses often include video lectures, quizzes, assignments, and hands-on projects to ensure a comprehensive learning experience.
The courses are accessible on multiple devices, including computers, tablets, and smartphones, enabling students to learn anytime and anywhere.
The platform’s user-friendly interface and affordability make it popular among learners looking to develop new skills or change careers.
In addition to individual courses, Udemy also offers specialized certifications and career tracks to help learners achieve specific professional goals.
Udemy provides reviews and ratings from previous students, allowing prospective learners to assess the quality of a course before enrolling.
Whether you’re learning to code, improving your data analysis skills, or exploring new hobbies, Udemy offers a wide variety of options to meet diverse learning needs.
1. Coding for Beginners: You Can Learn to Code!
Instructor: Greg Hamilton
When it comes to starting from scratch, Coding for Beginners: You Can Learn to Code! is an excellent starting point. This course is designed for people who have never coded before, offering a hands-on approach to learning programming.
The course begins with visual programming languages like Scratch. These languages allow you to understand the logic of programming without getting bogged down by syntax.
Once you’ve grasped the basic concepts, the course transitions into Python, one of the most beginner-friendly and widely-used programming languages.
Throughout, the course uses a mix of instructional videos, quizzes, and practical exercises to ensure you’re actively learning.
Why It’s Great:
Many beginners find programming daunting, and this course is designed to eliminate that fear. It makes the learning process fun and straightforward.
The step-by-step approach helps you understand concepts like loops, conditionals, and functions — all while writing actual code. This practical approach helps learners quickly see results and build confidence.
Who Should Take This Course:
If you have zero coding experience and want to start coding immediately in an approachable, engaging way, this course is for you. It’s especially good for people who prefer a hands-on, project-based learning approach.
What Students Say:
Students rave about how this course breaks down complex topics into bite-sized lessons that are easy to understand.
Many highlight how Greg Hamilton’s teaching style is friendly and encouraging, which makes the process of learning programming much less intimidating.
2. Computer Science 101: Master the Theory Behind Programming
Instructor: Kurt Anderson
For those who want to learn the fundamentals of computer science before diving into coding, Computer Science 101 by Kurt Anderson is a fantastic choice.
This course doesn’t focus purely on programming; instead, it builds a strong foundation in computer science theory.
Students will gain an understanding of how computers function, the basics of algorithm design, data structures, and the important concept of Big O notation (which helps evaluate the efficiency of algorithms).
While it doesn’t involve much coding at first, it’s perfect for students who want to understand the why behind the code before jumping into writing programs.
Why It’s Great:
The value of this course lies in its theoretical approach. Understanding concepts like algorithms, recursion, and data structures will make you a much better programmer in the long run.
It teaches you how to think like a computer scientist, and that’s crucial for tackling more advanced coding problems later.
Who Should Take This Course:
This course is great for beginners who are serious about learning the theory behind computer programming and want a strong conceptual foundation.
It’s especially ideal for anyone interested in understanding how algorithms and data structures work, which will serve you well in more advanced courses.
What Students Say:
Learners often praise this course for explaining difficult concepts like Big O notation in simple terms.
Many students comment that they now feel much more confident in their understanding of programming because of the solid theory they gained from this course.
3. Computer Programming for Beginners
Instructor: Various (Udemy)
Computer Programming for Beginners is a broad, all-encompassing course designed to introduce beginners to multiple programming languages.
This course covers Python and JavaScript, two of the most popular languages used in both web development and general software programming.
The course’s structure offers a solid balance between coding theory and hands-on coding exercises. You’ll not only learn how to write basic code, but also how to structure and organize your programs effectively.
This makes it easier for you to transition from beginner to intermediate coding levels.
Why It’s Great:
This course is excellent for beginners who want to explore multiple programming languages without feeling overwhelmed.
The inclusion of both Python and JavaScript makes this course especially versatile because these two languages are used in many fields, from web development to data analysis.
The interactive approach helps students learn by doing, which accelerates the learning process.
Who Should Take This Course:
If you’re interested in learning more than one programming language and want to see the differences and similarities between Python and JavaScript, this course is a great fit. It’s a good option if you’re still exploring which programming language might be best for your career.
What Students Say:
Many learners appreciate how this course introduces them to two languages. Students often mention how the course prepares them to build simple projects and how they appreciate the gradual, structured approach that helps them understand programming fundamentals.
4. Computer Science 101 – Computers & Programming for Beginners
Instructors: Timothy Meixner & Johannes Ruof
If you’re interested in more than just programming and want to understand how computers work, Computer Science 101 – Computers & Programming for Beginners is a great choice.
This course offers an introduction to both the hardware and software sides of computing, providing an essential background that will help you understand the bigger picture.
You’ll cover topics such as binary code, data storage, and the fundamentals of operating systems. The course also provides an introduction to basic programming concepts, so it’s a great starting point for beginners who are unsure about whether they want to focus on hardware, software, or both.
Why It’s Great:
The biggest advantage of this course is that it doesn’t focus solely on coding. By learning about how computers work at a high level, students gain a more rounded understanding of technology.
This course is fantastic for those who want context before they dive deep into any specific area of computer science, such as coding, web development, or systems design.
Who Should Take This Course:
If you are curious about both hardware and software and want to get a broader perspective of computer science, this course is a great fit.
It’s also ideal if you are undecided about which area of computer science you’d like to specialize in and want to explore the basics of multiple fields.
What Students Say:
Students often mention that this course helped them see the “big picture” of how computers operate.
Many comment that it was a great starting point because it made them feel more confident when moving on to more specialized programming courses.
5. The Ultimate Beginners Course for Computer Science or IT
Instructor: Anand George
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to both IT and computer science for absolute beginners. It covers key topics like computer hardware, operating systems, basic programming, and networking fundamentals.
The course is designed to give you a high-level understanding of how all these elements come together to make a computer system work.
If you’re looking for an all-encompassing starting point that touches on both the theory and practical aspects of computer science, this is an excellent choice.
You’ll also gain valuable knowledge on how IT professionals approach problems and how computer systems are used in various industries.
Why It’s Great:
The course offers a deeper dive into the hardware side of computing, something that many beginners miss out on when focusing purely on programming.
This gives you a solid understanding of the entire computer science ecosystem, which is useful for making career decisions down the road.
Who Should Take This Course:
Beginners who want a well-rounded introduction to the world of computing and IT will find this course very useful. It’s a good fit for those who want to explore the foundational concepts of computer science and IT at the same time.
What Students Say:
Students enjoy the variety of topics covered in this course, noting how it offers a broader perspective than many other beginner courses.
Learners appreciate the instructor’s ability to break down complex subjects and make them understandable.
How to Choose the Right Course for You
When choosing a beginner’s computer science course, think about what kind of learning style suits you best. Do you want to get straight into coding, or would you prefer learning the theory first?
Are you more interested in software development, or do you want a broader understanding of hardware and networking?
Here’s a quick guide to help:
- You want to start coding right away: Try Coding for Beginners: You Can Learn to Code!
- You prefer to learn the theory behind programming: Go for Computer Science 101: Master the Theory Behind Programming.
- You’re curious about multiple programming languages: Take Computer Programming for Beginners.
- You want to understand how computers work in general: Check out Computer Science 101 – Computers & Programming for Beginners.
- You want a well-rounded introduction to IT and computer science: Choose The Ultimate Beginners Course for Computer Science or IT.
Conclusion
Choosing the right course to kickstart your journey in computer science can be challenging, but with the right guidance, it becomes an exciting and rewarding experience.
The five courses highlighted in this article cater to different learning preferences and goals, whether you’re interested in hands-on coding, understanding the theory behind programming, or getting a broader view of IT and computer systems.
For those who want to jump straight into coding, Coding for Beginners: You Can Learn to Code! provides an excellent, accessible starting point.
If you prefer to build a solid foundation of computer science theory before diving into coding, Computer Science 101: Master the Theory Behind Programming will give you the necessary insights.
Courses like Computer Programming for Beginners offer the flexibility of learning multiple languages, while Computer Science 101 – Computers & Programming for Beginners introduces both hardware and software concepts in a beginner-friendly way.
Finally, The Ultimate Beginners Course for Computer Science or IT offers a well-rounded introduction to both computer science and IT.
The key is to select a course that aligns with your learning style and future aspirations. Regardless of which course you choose, remember that consistency, practice, and curiosity are essential to mastering the concepts of computer science.
FAQs
What is Udemy?
Udemy is an online learning platform offering thousands of courses in various subjects, from computer science to personal development, taught by expert instructors.
How does Udemy work?
You purchase a course, and then you have lifetime access to the materials, including video lectures, quizzes, and assignments, which you can complete at your own pace.
Are Udemy courses free?
Most Udemy courses are paid, but there are also many free courses available. Prices vary depending on the course and promotions.
Can I get a certificate from Udemy?
Yes, Udemy provides a certificate of completion for most courses, which can be added to your resume or LinkedIn profile.
How do I choose the right course on Udemy?
Check course reviews, ratings, and the course preview to ensure it fits your learning goals and style. You can also browse by category or skill level to find the best match.