Introduction to Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies
Time: 18:15 - 21:15
Location: Hybrid (choose either online or in-person)
This course will be delivered online or in person. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
Course Code: CEN12
Choose a start date
Duration: 4 sessions (over 4 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Center for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
This non-technical course will teach you the foundational principles of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies through a range of applications we encounter in our daily life. It also explores the regulatory framework and ethical considerations on usage and endorsement.
Disclaimer
The aim of this course is to educate, it is neither to provide advice on cryptocurrency investing; nor to advocate cryptocurrency trading.
Please be aware there are always risks associated with crypto. This course, provided by City Lit, is not a registered broker or investment advisor and it has no control over markets, no affiliations or partnerships with any cryptocurrency exchanges or crypto wallets. City Lit do not recommend any platforms or applications and cannot provide any advice on specific technologies. All information provided is purely for educational purposes. The College does not accept any liability for any loss, harm or damage whatsoever caused in reliance upon such information. No one can predict crypto markets with certainty. Please be aware of the risks involved with any trading done in any financial market. Do not trade with money you cannot afford to lose.
You can choose to attend this course either live online or in person.
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.
What will we cover?
Introduction to Blockchain Technology
- How blockchain technology works
- Types of blockchains (public; private; consortium)
- Can blockchain help combat disinformation?
Introduction to Cryptocurrencies and Bitcoin
- History of bitcoin
- How bitcoin transactions work
- Bitcoin mining and consensus mechanisms
Introduction to Altcoins and Smart Contracts
- Popular altcoins (e.g., Ethereum, Ripple)
- Smart contracts
- Use cases of smart contracts
ICOs, Tokens, and Decentralised Finance (DeFi)
- Initial coin offerings (ICOs)
- Utility tokens vs. security tokens
- DeFi projects and risks
Regulation and Real-World Applications
- Supply chain and blockchain
- Healthcare and blockchain
- Voting systems and blockchain
- Legal and ethical consideration.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Explain what blockchain technology is
- Identify key types of cryptocurrencies and their function within decentralised finance
- Outline the ethical dilemmas and regulatory stance related to blockchain and cryptocurrencies
- Debate on the risk framework, the need for financial education and the risk of ill-advised investments
- Strategise on how you can apply ethical principles in your professional roles/lives.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is an introduction to Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies suitable for beginners. There are no pre-requisites.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be taught step by step through using presentations, case studies, participating in debate with your peers and by completing practical exercises. There is no homework.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
There are no additional costs.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Please click here to view all our courses in the Technology area.
Disclaimer:
The aim of this course is to educate, it is neither to provide advice on cryptocurrency investing; nor to advocate cryptocurrency trading.
Please be aware there are always risks associated with crypto. This course, provided by City Lit, is not a registered broker or investment advisor and it has no control over markets, no affiliations or partnerships with any cryptocurrency exchanges or crypto wallets. City Lit do not recommend any platforms or applications and cannot provide any advice on specific technologies. All information provided is purely for educational purposes. The College does not accept any liability for any loss, harm or damage whatsoever caused in reliance upon such information. No one can predict crypto markets with certainty. Please be aware of the risks involved with any trading done in any financial market. Do not trade with money you cannot afford to lose.
Dr. Vina Theodorakopoulou, a PhD holder in behavioural economics, brings over 25 years in financial services and a keen interest in alternative finance, fintech and insurtech. As an esteemed educator at London's CityLit, she imparts knowledge in Ethics in AI, ESG, Cybersecurity in Business, Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies. Vina's career, including corporate insurance, showcases her thought leadership, with recent contributions to the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) on business decision-making, governance and workplace transformation amidst technological progress. A Fellow at the RSA and Board Member at GAIN, Vina actively champions accessibility to digital skills and financial education, reflecting her commitment to fostering cognitive diversity.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.