The cost of python training courses uk can vary significantly, ranging from completely free resources to several thousand pounds for intensive, career-focused bootcamps. The price is influenced by several factors:
- Format: Online self-paced, live online, in-person workshops, or full-time bootcamps.
- Duration: A few hours, a few days, several weeks, or several months.
- Depth and Specialization: Basic introductions vs. advanced topics like machine learning or web development.
- Provider: Individual instructors, established online platforms, private training companies, or universities.
- Included Services: Certification, career support, project reviews, mentorship.
Here’s a breakdown of the typical costs you can expect for different types of Python training in the UK:
1. Free and Low-Cost Online Resources (Often £0 – £50 / month)
This category is excellent for getting started or for supplementary learning.
- Official Python Documentation & Tutorials: Completely free.
- YouTube Channels: Many content creators offer free Python tutorials.
- Codecademy Free Tier: Interactive lessons for basic Python syntax.
- University-led MOOCs (Free Audit Track): Platforms like Coursera and edX often allow you to audit courses for free, giving you access to video lectures and readings, but usually without graded assignments or a certificate.
- Introductory Courses on Platforms (during sales): Udemy frequently has sales where courses can be purchased for as little as £10-£20.
Typical Cost: Free to a small one-time purchase.
2. Online Self-Paced Courses (Typically £10 – £500 / course or £20-£50/month subscription)
These platforms offer more structured learning with assignments, quizzes, and often a certificate of completion.
- Udemy: Individual courses can range from £10-£20 (during sales) to £100-£200 at full price. Large “bootcamp” style courses can be at the higher end.
- Coursera: Individual courses can cost around £30-£70. Specializations (a series of courses) might be £200-£500 or require a subscription (e.g., Coursera Plus at around £40/month, which gives access to many courses).
- DataCamp: Typically operates on a subscription model, around £20-£35 per month, providing access to their entire library of interactive Python and R courses for data science.
- edX: Similar to Coursera, individual courses can be £50-£200 for a verified certificate, with XSeries (course bundles) being more.
Typical Cost: Varies widely, but generally £20 – £50 per month for subscriptions or £50 – £250 for a single comprehensive course.
3. University Short Courses & CPD Modules (Typically £150 – £1,000)
Many UK universities offer short, part-time courses in Python, often aimed at professional development.
- Birmingham City University: A “Python Fundamentals” short course could be around £150.
- University of Oxford (Continuing Education): A “Python Programming for Data Science: Introduction” short course might cost around £310.
- Robert Gordon University (RGU): “Introduction to Python Programming” might be around £500, with potential fee waivers for Scottish residents.
- Harper Adams University: An “AI for Python” short course might be around £150-£220 (online vs. in-person).
Typical Cost: £150 – £800 for most short courses, depending on duration and university. Some may offer free options through specific funding initiatives (e.g., Institute of Coding “Click Start” courses).
4. Instructor-Led Live Online / In-Person Workshops (Typically £500 – £3,500+)
These offer a more interactive and often intensive learning experience with direct instructor guidance.
- Multi-day Workshops: Training providers like PTR Associates list courses such as “Python Programming Fundamentals” (3 days) or “Data Analysis with Python” (3 days) at around £2,550. “Advanced Python” (4 days) is priced around £3,250.
- Learning Tree International: Their “Introduction to Python Training” is around £1,870 (3 days, instructor-led). An “Advanced Python” course is listed around £2,195.
- Smaller Local Training Centres: May offer more competitive prices, often around £500-£1,500 for a few days of training.
Typical Cost: £500 – £3,500+ for 3-5 day courses, varying significantly by provider and level of specialization.
5. Coding Bootcamps (Typically £3,000 – £15,000+)
Python is often a core language taught in immersive coding bootcamps focused on data science, machine learning, or software engineering. These are full-time, intensive programs designed for career change.
- Le Wagon (Data Science Bootcamp): Their Data Science bootcamp in London (9 weeks) is around £7,500.
- General Assembly (Data Science Immersive, Software Engineering Immersive): While not exclusively Python, Python is heavily used. Their bootcamps can cost upwards of £8,000 – £10,000+.
- HyperionDev: Offers various bootcamps (Software Engineering, Data Science) with prices starting from around £5,995, with flexible payment plans.
- Noble Desktop: A “Python Developer Certificate” program might range from £3,000 – £5,000+, depending on duration and exact content.
Typical Cost: £3,000 – £15,000+, with significant variation based on the bootcamp’s reputation, duration, and included career services. Many bootcamps offer flexible payment plans, loans, or Income Share Agreements (ISAs).
Factors Influencing Cost:
- Live Instructor Interaction: More direct interaction usually means higher cost.
- Duration and Intensity: Longer, more intensive courses cost more.
- Career Support: Bootcamps with job placement assistance or extensive career services charge a premium.
- Certification: Some courses include the cost of external certification exams (e.g., Python Institute), while others require separate payment.
- Reputation: Established providers and university-affiliated courses often have higher fees.
Before enrolling, always check the total cost, what’s included (materials, software licenses, support, exam vouchers), and if there are any hidden fees. While the cost can vary widely, the investment in a good Python training course can significantly boost your career prospects in the UK.