CodeClan – Scotland’s digital skills academy which closed suddenly in August 2023 – is relaunching early 2026 with new courses in software engineering and agentic AI.
The Edinburgh-based academy, whose assets were taken on by CodeBase, the tech ecosystem builder, begins with a 9-month software engineering programme for ‘first-timers’ and a 12-week applied agentic AI programme for experienced engineers.
The ‘hybrid, immersive courses’ are underpinned by project-based learning, collaboration on real-world challenges, and guidance from leading industry figures and experts. Project work and sessions will primarily take place on weekday evenings so that participants can continue with their existing careers while studying for new careers in tech.
The software engineering programme will start with learning JavaScript and C/C++ coding, before tackling advanced topics like object-oriented design and network programming. Through hands-on projects, cohort participants will write around 12,000 lines of code, build a portfolio, and graduate as entry-level software engineers.
CodeBase CEO Stephen Coleman said: “Tech isn’t just for the chosen few, it’s for anyone ready to roll up their sleeves and make a change – we don’t just want to teach code, we want to build futures. From software engineering to harnessing AI, our programmes are built for staying ahead of the tech curve and training for tomorrow’s tech today. Overall, we know there is an acute requirement for up-skilling to address the digital skills gap, and the potential to accelerate economic growth.”
The applied agentic AI programme begins with implementation of single and multi-agent systems, with live team challenges and in-person sessions to kick off and close the course. By the end of the programme, graduates will be equipped to build, deploy, and optimise enterprise-scale agentic AI systems with impact.
Lauren Wilson, head of mobilisation at CodeBase, said: “CodeClan will teach you to think like a developer. Autonomy, problem-solving, and resilience are baked into every project. These traits future-proof your career, so you’re not just coding, you’re shaping your work ethic and approach to complex challenges.”
Martin Boyle, VP transformation, CodeBase, said: “Success takes more than just coding skills. It’s how you learn, the mindset you bring, and the community behind you. Backed by industry expertise in Scotland’s thriving tech sector, we combine all three – in ways traditional courses don’t match.”
Iain Mackie, CEO and co-founder of Malted AI, which works in the finance sector, said: “Scotland has the talent, research institutions, and ambition to be a meaningful player in European AI. However, investment in AI education and skills is vital to keep Scotland competitive, and CodeClan’s applied agentic AI programme can play a big part.”
CodeBase acquired select assets of digital skills academy CodeClan when it went into liquidation in 2023, before launching a pilot coding programme last year in partnership with Scottish colleges and Silicon Valley education platform Qwasar.
