BSc Computing through UNISA

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0xDEADBEEF

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Hi everyone

I have studied BSc Computer Science at Stellenbosch for 2 years, and unfortunately didn't get to finish it (only got through about half of second year). I've registered to study at UNISA this coming semester in BSc Computing. I wanted to know how is that degree, in terms of difficulty and coding languages done, and with regards to job applications after graduating? Is it as recognised as a BSc Computer Science degree in South Africa, as well as worldwide? And another question - how long do they take to sort out your subject exemptions at UNISA, given that you've applied for exemptions from certain subjects?
 
All universities in SA have to adhere to this standard: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_African_Qualifications_Authority. The UNISA BSc is as recognised anywhere in the world as a BSc from Stellenbosch. So if you decide that you want to emigrate, it is internationally recognised. Don't let anyone try and tell you otherwise. There are a few companies out there that mention they only interview candidates who have BSc's from certain universities, the majority of which are not worth your time to even consider making a job application.

The perception from some quarters is that the UNISA BSc degree is easy. For the most part it is just like any undergraduate degree, you need to study in order to pass. The difficulty you will have is that there are no lectures. There are a couple of modules that have prevented some students from obtaining the degree, namely COS3711 (advanced programming). Some other notable mentions are COS3712 (computer graphics), COS3761 (formal logic) and COS3751 (AI). I actually enjoyed all the subjects just mentioned, all the concepts you learn from them IMO have direct application to modern software development.
 
One point on international recognition is that some countries and some employers only accept 4-year BSc degrees, so you may want to do a 4-th year honours degree if you plan to go that route.
 
Syzygy78 said:
All universities in SA have to adhere to this standard: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_African_Qualifications_Authority. The UNISA BSc is as recognised anywhere in the world as a BSc from Stellenbosch. So if you decide that you want to emigrate, it is internationally recognised. Don't let anyone try and tell you otherwise. There are a few companies out there that mention they only interview candidates who have BSc's from certain universities, the majority of which are not worth your time to even consider making a job application.

The perception from some quarters is that the UNISA BSc degree is easy. For the most part it is just like any undergraduate degree, you need to study in order to pass. The difficulty you will have is that there are no lectures. There are a couple of modules that have prevented some students from obtaining the degree, namely COS3711 (advanced programming). Some other notable mentions are COS3712 (computer graphics), COS3761 (formal logic) and COS3751 (AI). I actually enjoyed all the subjects just mentioned, all the concepts you learn from them IMO have direct application to modern software development.
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I have been wondering this exact same thing.

I have been in IT and development for over 10 years but 0 formal qualification (not even Matric) and doing pretty well self taught but it's hard to convince a job agency mediating as the middle man without the piece of paper.

So as I already have some really great experience, a UNISA degree sounds like a good option and will open the door in so many ways even if it's "frowned upon" by some companies.

Thank you for the info!
 
I tend to rate a BSc CS from Unisa pretty highly when interviewing a candidate, because it tends to show a lot of perseverance. Studying while working is a tough road, so shows character when somebody did that. Good chance they will finish the project when the going gets rough. I would rate it equal with the top residential varsities in the country and much higher than some of the others.
 
Greetings fellow people of the web!! May you guys help me to obtain the 2016 B.Sc Computing Tutorial Letters from UNISA.
ii have applied to do that program during 2017 and I need to familiarise myself with the course content. I need the 1st Year 2016 academic material (i.e. tutorial letters, test questions & exam papers ..etc..).

Thank you in advance.

Regards,

Elcana
 
Elcana said:
Greetings fellow people of the web!! May you guys help me to obtain the 2016 B.Sc Computing Tutorial Letters from UNISA.
ii have applied to do that program during 2017 and I need to familiarise myself with the course content. I need the 1st Year 2016 academic material (i.e. tutorial letters, test questions & exam papers ..etc..).

Thank you in advance.

Regards,

Elcana
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I would just wait until you can register for the modules you want to do. You might read through loads of material and then not do the modules for some time, or the syllabus might change slightly.

Googling the course codes might lead to finding info on them. StudyNotesWiki and WikiStudent were also a great resources I used. I am sure you might find someone with the tut letters for this year over on studynoteswiki.

I'd just wait until I've registered, and read over the latest tut letters from myUNISA. They usually do upload past exams as well.
 
I'm stuck with the same Q.

Seems UNISA's BSc in Computing curriculum is pitched somewhere in between a BSc in IT and a BSc App Math & CS.

Why name the degree differently? why not just name it BSc in Computer Science?
 
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