OpenCourser brand icon
Sign in
We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

An Introduction to Cryptography

Kevin Matthews, James Shuttleworth, Dominique D, Serena Turton, Derrick Newton, Fadzayi Guri, Antal Goldschmidt, Natasha Macmanard, Martyn Clayden, Ana Karnesova, Parminder Kaur, Matt Compton, and Melissa B.

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more The Institute of Coding supported the development of this course in response to consultation with industry representatives from the healthcare, manufacturing and automotive sectors. This course is for people who want to understand more about the way cryptography keeps our communications safe, either out of curiosity or to prepare for advanced study of the topic. Please note that the individuals detailed in the ‘Who will you learn with?’ section below, are current staff members and may be subject to change. You can use the hashtag #cryptography to talk about this course on social media.

Read more

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more The Institute of Coding supported the development of this course in response to consultation with industry representatives from the healthcare, manufacturing and automotive sectors. This course is for people who want to understand more about the way cryptography keeps our communications safe, either out of curiosity or to prepare for advanced study of the topic. Please note that the individuals detailed in the ‘Who will you learn with?’ section below, are current staff members and may be subject to change. You can use the hashtag #cryptography to talk about this course on social media.

Topics Covered

  • The mathematical concepts underpinning cryptography
  • Classical cryptography and historical ciphers
  • The basics of cryptanalysis
  • Random number generation
  • Hashing
Enroll now

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Activities

Coming soon We're preparing activities for An Introduction to Cryptography. These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.

Career center

Learners who complete An Introduction to Cryptography will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We haven't picked any books for this reading list yet.
Cover image
Handbook of Applied Cryptography
Save
A comprehensive and foundational reference work in applied cryptography. While published in 1996, it remains a vital resource for researchers and practitioners due to its depth and breadth of coverage on cryptographic techniques and mathematical foundations. It is often used as a graduate-level textbook.
Handbook of Applied Cryptography (Discrete...
Hardcover
$$$$
Handbook of Applied Cryptography (Discrete...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Introduction to Modern Cryptography
Save
This textbook provides a rigorous and up-to-date introduction to modern cryptography. It is suitable for advanced undergraduate and graduate students.
Introduction to Modern Cryptography: Third Edition...
Hardcover
$$$
Introduction to Modern Cryptography (Chapman &...
Hardcover
$$$
Introduction to Modern Cryptography: Principles and...
Hardcover
$$$
Introduction to Modern Cryptography (Chapman &...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Cryptography Engineering
Save
Focuses on the practical aspects of designing and implementing secure cryptographic systems. It's an excellent resource for software engineers and system architects, bridging the gap between theoretical cryptography and real-world deployment. It highlights common pitfalls and provides guidance on building secure systems.
Cryptography Engineering: Design Principles and...
Paperback
$$
Cryptography Engineering: Design Principles and...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Serious Cryptography
Save
Provides a practical introduction to modern cryptography with a focus on real-world applications and implementation pitfalls. It is suitable for undergraduate students and working professionals, particularly those with a programming background. It covers essential concepts and valuable reference for understanding how cryptographic primitives are used securely.
Serious Cryptography, 2nd Edition: A Practical...
Paperback
$$
Serious Cryptography: A Practical Introduction to...
Paperback
$$
Serious Cryptography: A Practical Introduction to...
Kindle Edition
$$
Serious Cryptography, 2nd Edition: A Practical...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Quantum Computation and Quantum Information
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of quantum computation and quantum information, including its applications to cryptography. It is suitable for advanced students and researchers.
Quantum Computation and Quantum Information: 10th...
Hardcover
$$$
Quantum Computation and Quantum Information...
Paperback
$$$$
INTRODUCTION TO QUANTUM COMPUTATION AND INFORMATION
Hardcover
$$
Quantum Computation and Quantum Information: 10th...
Unknown Binding
$$$$
Quantum Computation and Quantum Information: 10th...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Guide to Elliptic Curve Cryptography
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of elliptic curves and their applications in cryptography. It is suitable for advanced students and researchers.
Guide to Elliptic Curve Cryptography (Springer...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Foundations of Cryptography: Volume 2, Basic...
Save
The second volume in Goldreich's foundational series, this book delves into the basic applications of the theoretical concepts introduced in Volume 1. It is essential for a deep theoretical understanding of cryptographic applications and is aimed at advanced graduate students and researchers.
Foundations of Cryptography: Volume 2, Basic...
Paperback
Check
Foundations of Cryptography: Volume 2, Basic...
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Cryptography in C and C++
Save
Provides a practical guide to using cryptography in C and C++ to develop secure applications.
Cryptography in C and C++
Paperback
$$$
Cryptography in C and C++
Paperback
$$
Cryptography in C and C++
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Technologies
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of blockchains and cryptoassets, including their underlying cryptography. It is suitable for both beginners and advanced students.
Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Technologies: A...
Hardcover
$$
Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Technologies: A...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Code Book
Save
Offers a broad and accessible introduction to the history and concepts of cryptography, suitable for high school and early undergraduate students. It covers a wide range of topics from historical ciphers to modern encryption, providing excellent foundational knowledge. While not a technical reference, it's a highly engaging read that sparks interest in the field.
The Code Book: The Science of Secrecy from Ancient...
Paperback
$$
The Code Book: The Secrets Behind Codebreaking
Paperback
$
The Code Book : The Secret History of Codes and...
Paperback
$$
the-code-book--the-secret-history-of-codes-and-code...
Paperback
$$
Code Book (Usa)
Hardcover
$$$$
The Code Book Publisher: Anchor; Reprint edition
Paperback
$$
(日本語) The Code Book = Ango kaidoku : rozetta suton kara...
Tankobon Hardcover
$$$
The Code Book: The Science of Secrecy from Ancient...
Hardcover
$$$
The Code Book: The Science of Secrecy from Ancient...
Kindle Edition
$$
The Code Book: The Secrets Behind Codebreaking
Kindle Edition
$
Cover image
Introduction to Modern Cryptography
Save
Considered a standard textbook for introductory cryptography courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels. provides a rigorous theoretical foundation with an emphasis on formal definitions and proofs of security. It's essential for students seeking a deep understanding of cryptographic principles.
Introduction to Modern Cryptography
Paperback
Check
Introduction to Modern Cryptography
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Applied Cryptography
Save
A classic and comprehensive survey of cryptographic protocols and algorithms. While some of the algorithms covered may be outdated for current implementation, this book remains an invaluable reference for understanding the breadth of cryptography and its historical development. It's particularly useful for those interested in the practical application of cryptography.
Applied Cryptography: Protocols, Algorithms and...
Hardcover
$$$
Applied Cryptography: Protocols, Algorithms, and...
Paperback
$$
Applied Cryptography: Protocols, Algorithms, and...
Hardcover
$$$$
Applied Cryptography: Protocols, Algorithms, and...
Paperback
$$$$
Applied Cryptography: Protocols, Algorithms and...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
An Introduction to Mathematical Cryptography
Save
Offers a cohesive introduction to public-key cryptography with a strong focus on the underlying mathematics, including number theory and algebraic geometry. It's suitable for advanced undergraduate and graduate students with a solid mathematical background.
An Introduction to Mathematical Cryptography...
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Understanding Cryptography
Save
An excellent textbook that balances theoretical concepts with practical examples, making it suitable for undergraduate students and those new to the field. It covers fundamental cryptographic concepts and is known for its accessible approach.
Understanding Cryptography
Paperback
Check
Understanding Cryptography
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Real-World Cryptography
Save
Focuses on the cryptography used in real-world systems and applications. It's a practical guide for developers and security professionals, covering topics like TLS, cryptocurrencies, and secure messaging. It provides insights into how cryptographic concepts are applied in practice.
Real-World Cryptography
Paperback
$$$
Real-World Cryptography
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Foundations of Cryptography: Volume 2, Basic...
Save
This is the first volume of a two-volume set that presents the theoretical foundations of cryptography in a detailed and comprehensive manner. It must-read for anyone interested in the theoretical underpinnings of cryptography and is suitable for advanced graduate students and researchers.
Foundations of Cryptography: Volume 2, Basic...
Paperback
Check
Foundations of Cryptography: Volume 2, Basic...
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Cryptography
Save
Provides a solid introduction to the theory and practice of cryptography, suitable for advanced undergraduate and graduate students. It covers a wide range of topics and includes a good balance of theoretical concepts and practical algorithms.
Cryptography: Theory and Practice (Textbooks in...
Paperback
$$
Cryptography: Theory and Practice
Unknown Binding
$$
Cryptography and Coding: 18th IMA International...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
A Course in Number Theory and Cryptography
Save
Explores the connections between number theory and cryptography. It is mathematically rigorous and suitable for students with a strong background in number theory. It provides a deeper understanding of the mathematical principles behind many cryptographic algorithms.
A Course in Number Theory and Cryptography...
Paperback
$$$
Cover image
Everyday Cryptography
Save
Offers an accessible introduction to the fundamental principles of cryptography and its applications in everyday life. It is suitable for beginners and those who want to understand the basic concepts without deep mathematical detail.
Everyday Cryptography 2 / e (Korean Edition)
Paperback
$$$
Everyday Cryptography
Unknown Binding
$$$
Everyday Cryptography: Fundamental Principles and...
Kindle Edition
$$
Modern Cryptography for Beginners
Save
A beginner-friendly guide covering the history and fundamental concepts of modern cryptography. is suitable for those with little to no prior knowledge of the subject and provides a good starting point for understanding the basics.
Modern Cryptography for Beginners
Paperback
Check
Modern Cryptography for Beginners
Kindle Edition
Check

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:
Facebook
LinkedIn
Reddit
X
Link
Email

Similar courses

Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Time
12 hours
Via
FutureLearn
Institution
Coventry University
Instructors
Kevin Matthews
James Shuttleworth
Dominique D
Serena Turton
Derrick Newton
Fadzayi Guri
Antal Goldschmidt
Natasha Macmanard
Martyn Clayden
Ana Karnesova
Parminder Kaur
Matt Compton
Melissa B.
Share this
Share to help others discover this course.
Facebook LinkedIn X Reddit Link Email
Begin learning today
Enroll now to gain full access to An Introduction to Cryptography.
Enroll now
Save for later
Add this course to your list. Find it anytime.
Save
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser