By now, you might be familiar with the terms ‘blockchain’ and ‘cryptocurrency’. You’ve probably heard about people in their 20s becoming Bitcoin millionaires, the massive 2018 cryptocurrency crash and even popular meme coins like Dogecoin. Needless to say, blockchain and cryptocurrency are booming sectors with a fascinating history. As we look ahead, it’s clear that the future of blockchain and cryptocurrency is even more exciting.
As a result, you might want to study blockchain technology or explore cryptocurrency courses in Australia. But when it comes to your cryptocurrency study journey, you may not know where to start. In this guide, we outline the best cryptocurrency courses Australia has to offer. With this knowledge, you’ll be able to choose the right education pathway for you.
What is cryptocurrency?
Before embarking on your cryptocurrency study journey, it’s important to understand what cryptocurrency is. Put simply, cryptocurrency is a decentralised, digital currency that has no central bank or administrator. As a result, money can be sent directly from user to user without external interference. All transactions are recorded and verified on a public ledger, which is supported by blockchain technology. While blockchain refers to the systems that underpin cryptocurrencies, cryptocurrency refers to the currency itself.
The first-ever and most popular cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, was first released in 2009. Since then, cryptocurrency and blockchain technology have exploded, making it clear that these innovations are here to stay.
Now that you’re familiar with the definition of cryptocurrency, you may be wondering about how to study blockchain technology or how to start a blockchain business. One of the best ways to get involved in cryptocurrency in Australia is to study blockchain technology or complete a cryptocurrency course. Let’s take a look at some of the best types of cryptocurrency courses in Australia.
Short courses
There are hundreds of short courses available that focus on cryptocurrency. Online short courses offer the fundamentals to get you started, including the names of big cryptocurrencies – such as Bitcoin, Ethereum and Solana – and how blockchain technology relates to business practices. Courses vary from two weeks to six months in duration, and many are freely available. You can find some of these short courses through large private education companies, such as LinkedIn Learning and Coursera.
You can also look for specialised short courses with Australian education providers. Many tertiary institutions offer short courses or single units on topics like blockchain solutions, strategy and applications, and cryptocurrencies. Courses like these may be available online or in person; be sure to check the institution’s website for additional details on the course you’re considering.
Certificates
If you’re hoping to land a job in either of these industries, you may want to consider getting a formal certificate or diploma in applied blockchain or cryptocurrency. Employers in these sectors highly value the technical knowledge and skills you’ll gain through these certifications. TAFE institutions offer several courses on blockchain, and there are some VET courses available too. These courses focus on business modelling and management and how this relates to blockchain implementation and application.
Bachelor degrees
Those striving for cryptocurrency-focused careers will want to pursue an in-depth qualification, such as a bachelor degree. Several Australian universities now offer bachelor degrees in business with specialisations in blockchain technology. These degrees give you a broad foundation in business, as well as a solid understanding of digital business innovations, including cryptocurrency. This type of qualification would lead nicely into a postgraduate certification, which we’ll explore in the following section.
Postgraduate degrees
Maybe you’ve already completed a bachelor degree in a related field but you want to give yourself an added competitive edge in the job market. Maybe you have big dreams of working in a managerial position. In a number of circumstances, a postgraduate degree is a key component in achieving success.
Certain Australian universities offer postgraduate business degrees – such as graduate certificates, graduate diplomas and master degrees – that incorporate blockchain technology and cryptocurrency. These qualifications are designed to prepare you for the unique opportunities and challenges of the blockchain and/or cryptocurrency career.
Careers in cryptocurrency
Blockchain technology is relevant to many industries (e.g., business, marketing, accounting, economics and finance) and hundreds of jobs. If you’re interested in the technical side of the industry, you may choose to work as a data scientist, web developer, computer or machine learning engineer, or security architect. If you’re passionate about business and marketing, you can pursue a career as a digital marketer or marketing manager. Hoping to work in the cryptocurrency niche specifically? Explore a career as a cryptocurrency broker or consultant.
The possibilities are endless; be sure to explore the many types of blockchain careers here.
Cryptocurrency resources
Want to learn more about blockchain before deciding if you want to study cryptocurrency? Visit the MoneySmart cryptocurrency web page or read any of the books on Amazon’s list of crypto best books on cryptocurrency.
