Computing & Microsoft Basics
Ready to master the digital tools that power the modern world for free?
With UCOL’s free Introduction to Computing and Microsoft programmes you’ll gain the skills every employer is looking for! Whether you’re new to technology or want to sharpen your skills, these courses will give you confidence to study and work smarter.
Learn the essentials of computing and dive into the most popular Microsoft applications so you can create professional documents, organise data and master spreadsheets, design presentations and craft eye-catching publications.
Explore our programmes below and chat to our friendly team.
Computing & Microsoft Basics
Whether you need a refresher course or you're wanting to learn new computing skills, these free courses will leave you confident and ready to study or work smarter.
Introduction to Computing
UCOL Manawatū in Palmerston North, UCOL Whanganui
10-week blocks with flexible days and times
Courses run year-round throughout 2026.
Palmerston North
Starting in Term 2
Dates and times TBC
Whanganui
Commencing 26 Jan 2026
Monday and Tuesday, 9am - 12pm, and 5pm - 7pm
Get confident with computers for free!
Introduction to Microsoft Word
10-week blocks with flexible days and times
Courses run year-round throughout 2026.
Palmerston North
Starting in Term 2
Dates and times TBC
Whanganui
Commencing 26 Jan 2026
Monday and Tuesday, 9am - 12pm, and 5pm - 7pm
Turn ideas into polished pages! Learn the essentials of Microsoft Word processing for free!
Introduction to Microsoft Excel
10-week blocks with flexible days and times
Courses run year-round throughout 2026.
Palmerston North
Starting in Term 2
Dates and times TBC
Whanganui
Commencing 26 Jan 2026
Monday and Tuesday, 9am - 12pm, and 5pm - 7pm
Take control of data and boost your productivity - unlock the power of Microsoft Excel for free!
Introduction to Microsoft PowerPoint
Flexible days and times to complete 40 hours of learning
Courses run year-round throughout 2026.
Palmerston North
Starting in Term 2
Dates and times TBC
Whanganui
Commencing 26 Jan 2026
Monday and Tuesday, 9am - 12pm, and 5pm - 7pm
Design professional, eye-catching presentations – learn how to master Microsoft PowerPoint for free!
Introduction to Microsoft Publisher
Flexible days and times to complete 40 hours of learning
Courses run year-round throughout 2026.
Palmerston North
Monday – Friday, 9am - 12pm
Monday and Tuesday evening, 5 - 7pm
Whanganui
Monday and Tuesday 9am - 12pm, and evenings 5pm - 7pm
From blank page to brilliant layouts – learn how to design professional documents for free!
Introduction to Microsoft Access
Flexible days and times to complete 40 hours of learning
Courses run year-round throughout 2026.
Palmerston North
Monday – Friday, 9am - 12pm
Monday and Tuesday evening, 5 - 7pm
Whanganui
Monday and Tuesday, 9am - 12pm, and evenings 5pm - 7pm
Organise smarter, work faster! Learn how to build and manage databases for free!