Coding bootcamps: Why attend one?

What is a coding bootcamp?

If you are pursuing a career in technology, a coding bootcamp can be a viable alternative to university or a useful addition to your STEM degree. A coding bootcamp is a concentrated course designed to teach coding at a level sufficient to launch your career in technology. Coding involves using programming languages to write instructions that enable computers to perform specific tasks, and it is a crucial skill in many STEM fields. As a result, coding bootcamps are becoming increasingly popular. If you are interested in quickly advancing to a career with growing job opportunities, a coding bootcamp could be for you.

This article will help you determine whether to choose a coding bootcamp over a university education, and will guide you on how to select the best bootcamp to align with your career goals.

Who is a coding bootcamp for?

Coding bootcamps offer intensive training and are designed for individuals who would like to start a career in technology quickly.

If you are interested in another area of STEM, such as science, engineering, or medicine, and want basic coding awareness, an online certification course may be more suitable. These courses can offer a basic introduction to coding relevant to your field without requiring the extensive time and financial investment of a bootcamp. Examples include Bioinformatics for Biologists and the Code Med Course for medics, which integrate coding skills into specific STEM contexts.

Coding bootcamp or degree?

In some cases, the answer to choosing between a coding bootcamp and degree may be both! Many individuals find that combining a degree with a coding bootcamp can enhance their career opportunities, especially in fields where technology intersects with other STEM disciplines. For example, bioinformaticians may have a biology degree and then complete a specialised coding bootcamp to bridge their knowledge of biology with advanced coding skills! However, if your main interest is in a technology career, coding bootcamps can be a viable path on their own.

If you have a specific technology career in mind, coding bootcamps offer a faster, more focused route into the field through intensive, targeted training. On the other hand, if you have a broader interest in technology and want a more comprehensive education, a university degree can provide a wider range of knowledge and prepare you for various roles within the industry.

To help you decide between a coding bootcamp and a degree, refer to the comparison table below, which summarises some of the key differences.

What types of coding bootcamps are there?

In-person vs online bootcamps

Coding bootcamps offer different modes of study, catering to various learning styles and schedules. Since coding is inherently computer-based, many bootcamps take place entirely online. However, some bootcamps offer face-to-face instruction through in-person tutorials, lectures, and collaborative activities.

To determine whether an online or in-person coding bootcamp best suits your needs and preferences, it can be helpful to create a pros and cons table.

Can I do a coding bootcamp part-time?

Coding bootcamps often provide more flexible modes of study compared with universities, as they are typically pursued alongside other commitments. Many bootcamps offer the option of being taken full-time, part-time, or at your own pace (self-paced).

How long are coding bootcamps?

Full-time bootcamps typically last about 12 weeks, with classes and assignments taking up at least 20 hours per week. Part-time bootcamps last longer, at around 24 weeks. This allows students to accommodate other commitments. These courses often prioritise evening and weekend classes, recognising that many people are busy during the day.

Self-paced bootcamps allow you to progress through the course at your own pace with no time limit for completion. These courses are usually online and require strong time management and self-motivation.

Self-paced or part-time options can be ideal if you:

• Need to work alongside your degree
• Have caregiving commitments
• Manage a health condition
• Have any other time-consuming commitment
• Struggle with intense workloads and prefer a more manageable pace

How to get into a coding bootcamp

How to find a coding bootcamp

You can browse the coding bootcamps available online by searching for ‘coding bootcamps’, ‘coding courses’, or ‘coding programmes’. Given the wide range of options available, it is often best to search on comparison websites, where different bootcamps are compiled in one place and can be filtered to narrow down your options. Bootcamp comparison sites include SwitchUp and CourseReports.

Which bootcamp is best for you?

Different coding bootcamps prepare you for different technology careers, so it’s important to choose one that aligns with your career goals. Focus on bootcamps that teach coding languages most relevant to your desired career path. If you don’t have a specific career aspiration, general introductory bootcamps can provide training in widely-used languages such as Python, which are applicable across various software engineering specialisms and STEM fields.

To help you choose, the table below highlights some of the best coding bootcamps for different career interests and the languages they typically teach. If you are still unsure, consider reaching out to current or potential employers to find out which programming languages are most valued in your field of interest.

Best UK coding bootcamps of 2024 by STEM career of interest

Other factors to consider when choosing a coding bootcamp

Once you have found bootcamps which suit your career aspirations, there are a few other factors to consider…

Is the bootcamp accredited?

Accredited bootcamps have been assessed to ensure they meet a set standard. This ensures you receive high-quality teaching and a legitimate education. This is particularly important for paid courses. Look for the accrediting body for each course, and research each one to check they are legitimate. You can also reach out to the accrediting body directly to check the bootcamp is not using their endorsement without permission.

This being said, there are very few bootcamps which are accredited. So, to try to find the most reliable bootcamps you can look out for:

• Courses with a reliable provider, such as a university or large company
• Recommendation from comparison courses, such as SwitchUp and Course Report
• Reading previous student reviews of the bootcamp
• Look at bootcamp outcome reports

Is there career support?

The level of career support varies between coding bootcamps. Often, paid bootcamps will offer more support than those which are free. Career support could include job placement assistance, mock interviews, and soft skills training. If you are interested in working for a particular company after the bootcamp, it could be beneficial to see if they have affiliated bootcamps. Training in these programmes can enhance your application and make you a more attractive candidate to that company.

How is the coding bootcamp structured?

As well as bootcamp type (whether online, in-person, part-time, or full-time), the structure of each course will differ by duration, assessment, and teaching style. Some will require specific learning hours, most will include exams, and the teaching style could span from self-paced reading to live online sessions. A run-down of course structure should be available on the bootcamp’s website. Check if the structure suits your schedule and learning style!

Do you get a certificate for completing the coding bootcamp?

Consider whether the bootcamp awards a certification upon completion. While not essential, a certification can be helpful in proving your participation. Some also offer certifications that reflect your achievement level, allowing you to distinguish yourself from other job applicants.

How much does the coding bootcamp cost?

The cost of coding bootcamps can range from free to thousands of pounds, and the price does not always reflect the course quality. It is imperative to consider what you are getting for your money. Specialised bootcamps may be worth the price if they allow for significant career advancement.

If you are a beginner, unsure of your career aspirations and looking for an introduction to coding, online courses may be a better low-cost option. Alternatively, bootcamps may offer trial periods or introductory modules, allowing you to gauge your commitment before investing a significant amount of money.

You will not be able to apply for tuition loans, as with university courses, but there are other funding options to finance coding bootcamps:

• Deferred tuition: Some bootcamps allow you to pay your fees in instalments once you complete the course and have secured a job
• Scholarships: Offered by some bootcamps if you meet certain eligibility requirements
• The National Skills Fund: For those who have not yet obtained an A Level equivalent
• Employer funding: If your employer supports your continuing professional development, they may offer funding to cover the cost of the bootcamp
• Free courses for underrepresented groups: Free courses are run for those who are underrepresented in the technology industry, such as Girls Who Code

How do you apply to a coding bootcamp?

Application processes for coding bootcamps vary. Some are open to all applicants, regardless of background, while others may require you to have a base level of coding knowledge. To demonstrate your knowledge, courses may require you to complete an introductory course, an assessment task, or an interview. It’s important to check and understand these requirements before applying. Our applying for STEM Careers guide has useful information for general interview preparation.

What to do after a coding bootcamp

What you do after completing a coding bootcamp depends on where you were in your STEM career when you started the course.

If you were pursuing further education, your bootcamp will have opened doors to new learning opportunities; perhaps you can join a coding society, or apply for a bachelor’s degree or a conversion course into technology (if you already have a bachelor’s).

If you were looking to begin your technology career, you can incorporate the bootcamp into the education section of your CV. The evidenced skills you have acquired should make you stand out as you begin applying for STEM careers.

If you were already working in a STEM job, you may use your new skills to seek career advancement or transition to a new specialty. Almost 60% of bootcamp graduates get a salary increase from their employers.

If you enjoyed the coding bootcamp and wish to progress further with this skill, consider enrolling in advanced-level bootcamps that focus on more niche areas in coding.

Will a coding bootcamp guarantee you a job?

Some coding bootcamps, such as Springboard, advertise a ‘job guarantee’. This means the bootcamp provider will either:

• Refund the tuition fee if you do not find any employment despite actively trying
• Offer deferred tuition, where you do not pay tuition fees until you have a job
• Offer an income-share agreement, where you pay tuition fees once you have a job, as a percentage of your income with interest

These offers do not guarantee you a specific job. Your chance of securing a particular role following a coding bootcamp depends on how relevant your experience is, the strength of your application, and how competitive the job is. However, with the increasing demand for skills in technology, a coding bootcamp is likely to increase your employability.

According to a 2020 report, bootcamps are well-respected by employers, with 32% of hiring managers actively hiring bootcamp graduates and over 70% considering them to be as, or more, qualified than other candidates.

Should I do a coding bootcamp?

Coding bootcamps offer a practical, accelerated route to advance in various STEM careers, especially those in technology. The table below summarises the benefits and challenges of a coding bootcamp, helping you evaluate whether the advantages outweigh the potential difficulties for your personal and professional goals.

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