6 IT certifications to transform your career

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to move up the ranks, the right qualification can make all the difference. In as little as five weeks, you can sharpen your skills, build confidence, and make an impression with employers.

In this guide, we’ll explore six of the best certifications for IT, featuring flexible, industry-recognised courses tailored to suit different schedules, budgets, experience levels and career paths.

So, whether you’re breaking into the industry, aiming for a promotion, or future-proofing your skills, there’s something here for you.

Let’s get started.

What are IT certifications?

IT certifications offer a hands-on way to learn new skills and deepen your knowledge in key areas of technology.

Delivered online by renowned industry experts, these flexible courses let you study at your own pace, working through engaging modules while tackling real-world projects and assessments.

Along the way, you’ll even widen your professional network and benefit from the expert mentoring and career coaching of your tutors.

By the end, you’ll not only have an industry-recognised qualification, but also the skills, experience, and portfolio to stand out to employers.

6 IT certifications to transform your career

Here are six of the best IT certifications that will help you enhance your skills, develop valuable experience, and open up new career opportunities—no matter where you’re starting from.

1. Software Engineering

Uncover the skills to launch your career as a software engineer with this hands-on, 12-week bootcamp from General Assembly. 

Whether you’re just starting to code or looking to formalise your skills, this beginner-friendly course will equip you with the knowledge, experience, and confidence to become a junior full-stack web developer, and kickstart an exciting career in tech.

You’ll master front-end and full-stack development using in-demand languages like Python and JavaScript while learning to build applications and solve technical problems like a seasoned pro.

Alongside coding labs and real-world projects, you’ll also get career coaching to develop a portfolio that showcases your work to employers.

Course highlights:

• Learn the essentials of software engineering and front-end development.
• Build full-stack applications using Python and modern JavaScript frameworks.
• Gain hands-on experience with data structures, APIs, and generative AI.
• Get support in creating job-ready portfolio projects, including full-stack apps and in-browser games.

Cost:

£9,000 (with financing options available)

Duration:

12 weeks

Requirements: 

None—this bootcamp is beginner-friendly and open to anyone passionate about a tech career.

Created by: 

General Assembly

Want to know more? 

Explore the Software Engineering microcredential on FutureLearn.

2. Introduction to Data Visualisation with Python

Take your career to new heights by mastering Python programming and data visualisation in this postgraduate-level qualification from the University of Aberdeen.

Designed for professionals of all backgrounds, this 8-week course will equip you with the skills to pull insights from complex data and present them clearly to different audiences. 

You’ll get hands-on experience in using Python libraries like NumPy, pandas, and Dash, and learn how to use these tools to process, analyse, and visualise data effectively.

As data visualisation becomes increasingly crucial to helping businesses make more informed and accurate decisions; these skills will make you an asset to employers across a range of industries.

Course highlights:

• Learn to read and write code in Python and create short programs.
• Master the art of presenting data effectively using tools like NumPy, pandas, and Dash.
• Earn 10 university credits that can be used towards further study.

Cost:

£985 

Duration:

8 weeks

Requirements:

There are no entry requirements, but a 2:2 undergraduate degree or relevant experience is recommended. 

Created by:

University of Aberdeen

Want to know more? 

Discover the Introduction to Data Visualisation with Python today. 

3. Supply Chain Cybersecurity

Learn how to protect yourself and your business from digital threats by mastering the fundamentals of supply chain cybersecurity.

In just five weeks, you’ll develop practical skills to identify, report, and mitigate cybersecurity threats online. 

You’ll also receive coaching on how to safeguard your organisation’s interests while staying compliant with data laws and industry standards.

With expert guidance, you’ll explore real-world case studies, develop a customised cybersecurity strategy, and acquire skills highly sought after by employers across a range of industries.

As cyber threats evolve, this certification equips you with the tools to progress your career, and protect your business for years to come.

Course highlights:

• Understand the fundamentals of cybersecurity, including how to spot and report threats effectively.
• Recognise risks in supply chains and implement effective mitigation strategies.
• Gain insights into protecting personal profiles and business data in a digital world.
• Engage in hands-on assessments to apply the skills you’ve learned.

Cost:

£463

Duration:

5 weeks (10 hours per week)

Requirements:

Basic computer skills (e.g., email, web browsing, word processing)

Created by:

Federation University

Want to know more?

Learn about Supply Chain Cybersecurity via FutureLearn

4. Machine Learning for Healthcare

Develop in-demand data science skills and learn how to apply them to solve healthcare challenges in this postgraduate-level microcredential from the University of Aberdeen.

Over 14 weeks, you’ll explore the ins-and-outs of machine learning and AI in healthcare, gaining practical insights into data science workflows.

This certification equips you with the skills to address technical, legal, and ethical considerations while applying machine learning to real-world healthcare problems, helping you break into the growing field of health data science.

Designed to be stackable, this microcredential also allows you to use your credits toward an MSc in Applied Health Sciences or Health Data Science.

Course highlights:

• Understand the applications, benefits, and challenges of machine learning in healthcare.
• Gain practical skills with R by using machine learning algorithms with real-world datasets.
• Address technical, legal, and ethical issues related to the use of AI in healthcare.
• Participate in group activities and one-on-one tutorials with expert support.

Cost:

£1,290

Duration:

14 weeks (flexible, online learning)

Requirements:

There are no entry requirements, but it’s recommended you have either a 2:2 undergraduate degree or relevant working experience.

Created by:

University of Aberdeen

Want to know more?

Find out how this microcredential can help launch your career in health data science. 

5. User Experience Design

Get the skills you need to launch a career as a UX Designer with this full-time, 12-week bootcamp from General Assembly. 

Whether you’re new to UX design or looking to cement your place in the industry, this programme offers the practical insights you need to create user-friendly digital products that drive revenue and build customer loyalty.

Through hands-on projects and expert instruction, you’ll build a portfolio of your own professional-standard designs while mastering end-to-end UX processes—from user research to prototyping and testing.

Plus, with career coaching and networking opportunities, you’ll be able to catch the eyes of potential employers as you embark upon an exciting career.

Course highlights:

• Conduct user research, competitive analysis, and usability testing.
• Learn to build user flows, wireframes, prototypes, and visual designs with tools like Figma.
• Collaborate with product teams to address technical constraints in Agile workflows.
• Create a professional-standard portfolio showcasing both solo and group projects.

Cost:

£9,000 (with financing options available)

Duration:

12 weeks (full-time, on-site or online)

Requirements:

No prior experience is required, but 20 hours of preparatory lessons are available to help you hit the ground running.

Created by:

General Assembly

Want to know more?

Learn how this bootcamp can help you succeed in UX design.

6. Big Data – Aligning Strategy, Analytics & Operations

Discover how to unlock the potential of big data to drive business growth with this on-demand, 10-week certification from Nottingham Business School.

Big data can help businesses make better decisions, streamline processes, and increase their organisational success. And through this certification, you’ll learn how to lead, manage and implement big data solutions that will make you an invaluable asset to any team.

By working through engaging modules at your own pace, you will earn a certificate of completion, 10 UK Level 7 credits towards further study, and position yourself as a leader capable of driving innovation and success.

Course highlights:

• Become an expert in developing and implementing big data solutions that align with business goals.
• Build confidence in understanding core big data concepts and their applications within your organisation.
• Explore governance issues to manage big data ethically and competently.
• Learn how to leverage data as a competitive advantage in your organisation.

Cost:

£650

Duration:

10 weeks (on-demand)

Level:

Postgraduate

Requirements:

• There are no entry requirements, but some professional work experience is recommended.

• For a taster, you can also complete this short course from Nottingham Business School.

Created by:

Nottingham Business School, Nottingham Trent University

Want to know more?

Discover how this course can empower you to drive big data solutions.

Final thoughts

If you’re ready to break into the tech industry or take your skills to the next level, these six IT certifications will give you what you need to succeed. 

With hands-on learning, expert mentoring, and industry-recognised qualifications, you’ll be well-positioned to stand out in today’s competitive job market. 

Ready to level up your career in tech? 

Start transforming your tech career today with FutureLearn.