Different degrees offerd by UNISA

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Blikkie

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Good morning!

I hope someone can assist, I am planning on studying programming through UNISA, I do not have the option to study full time. However I noticed that there are a couple of different degree on offer with programming.

They are as follow:

1.Applied Mathematics and Computer Science Stream Qualification code: 98801 - AMC
http://www.unisa.ac.za/qualificatio...ficationsreg/UGH/Qualifications/98801AMC.html

2. Qualification stream: Mathematics and Computer Science Stream Qualification code: 98801 - MCS
http://www.unisa.ac.za/qualificatio...ficationsreg/UGH/Qualifications/98801MCS.html

3. Qualification stream: Mathematics and Information Systems Stream Qualification code: 98801 - MIS
http://www.unisa.ac.za/qualificatio...ficationsreg/UGH/Qualifications/98801MIS.html

4. Bachelor of Science in Computing Qualification code: 98906
http://www.unisa.ac.za/qualificatio...alificationsreg/UGH/Qualifications/98906.html

Can someone please explain to me what the difference in career / type of jobs / job progression would be between the degrees?

It would really help to receive your input, thank you!
 
My opinion is that some form of mathematics pairing is incredibly useful. In particular with computer science. It opens up many doors that aren't available to those with just computer science or IS degrees. Are you good at maths, BTW? Obviously, if you hate it, it's not for you.

I believe that 1 and 2 are the strongest courses listed. There will be quite a bit of overlap between the two. I personally did CS and Pure Maths (option 2) as an undergraduate. It provides a pathway to doing scientific software engineering, financial quantitative development (try get some stats courses in as well), mathematically rich computer science (machine learning, algorithms, graphics, etc.), and generally gives you a more rigorous perspective on programming and computer science. I personally have found the work in this area to be more interesting, and more lucrative.

Some more detail in short:

CS vs IS: IS tends to focus more on the application of computing to business practices. CS tends to be more scientific (algorithms, compilers, graphics, Databases via relational algebra, etc.).

Maths vs. App. Maths: The non-"applied" maths is often called "pure maths". Pure maths tends to rigorously study the components of maths itself, while applied maths tends to focus on using maths to solve problems (modeling fluids, physical interactions, the universe). Practically both streams will cover the fundamentals like calculus, linear algebra, etc. Applied maths will focus more on differential equations, and their application. Pure maths will study maths rigorously, which will include topics such as algebra, topology, real analysis, etc.
 
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Thank you :)

I should maybe add, that I am a bit older. I am currently a chartered account, completed my studies through UNISA as well. But really not enjoying the work.

I was a real nerd at school. I used to love algebra, trig and calculus at school and was good at it, but would require extra elbow-grease to refresh those skills now. Geometry was not however my favourite subject. Therefore I am not scared to put in the work to master mathematical components / subjects and would prefer a more robust degree with more potential.
 
Sure!

They generally cover everything from scratch in the degree to establish the nomenclature, but they do it really quickly. Also, unless you do a geometry course, the type of geometry done at school (proofs, circle geometry, etc.) generally isn't covered or required at all. Pure maths does involve doing proofs though, especially in the later courses (real analysis, algebra, topology, etc). Applied maths has relatively fewer proof heavy courses.

Nothing wrong with being older - I expect that your accounting experience will give you a unique perspective, that may well be advantageous.
 
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Blikkie said:
Thank you :)

I should maybe add, that I am a bit older. I am currently a chartered account, completed my studies through UNISA as well. But really not enjoying the work.

I was a real nerd at school. I used to love algebra, trig and calculus at school and was good at it, but would require extra elbow-grease to refresh those skills now. Geometry was not however my favourite subject. Therefore I am not scared to put in the work to master mathematical components / subjects and would prefer a more robust degree with more potential.
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I completed my articles and have BCompt accounting degree. Been programming now for 15+ plus years. Your experience in the accounting field will tend to favour you going the IS route, but the CS route will open up many more possibilities. If you go the IS route you may find yourself programming only in financial services. Not saying you will be stuck, just have more opportunities there, which is okay if you don't mind it.

My experience and training in auditing has served me well in process analysis and being able to liaise with business owners.
 
This thread is popped up at just the right time! I was about to apply to study stream 4, but cguy's breakdown really tells me I should give serious consideration to 1 and 2.

@cguy, I've completed a BSc.Eng (Civil) at Wits. I did Maths (for Engineers) 1 and Maths (for Engineers) 2, which I am guessing is more applied mathematics than pure mathematics. Do you have any advice with regards to what would be more advantageous?

Edit: I should probably qualify my statements more. I have a strong interest in computational geometry, parallel programming, analytics and programming things like Arduinos to do random tasks.
 
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XennoX said:
This thread is popped up at just the right time! I was about to apply to study stream 4, but cguy's breakdown really tells me I should consider 1 or 2.

@cguy, I've completed a BSc.Eng (Civil) at Wits. I did Maths (for Engineers) 1 and Maths (for Engineers) 2, which I am guessing is more applied mathematics than pure mathematics. Do you have any advice with regards to what would be more advantageous?
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There is certainly an overlap. Maths 1 probably very much the same. In my experience engineering maths tends to avoid a lot of the formal maths theory, but likely included some linear algebra and some differential equations (did it?). I also expect that the engineering maths probably covered a lot of signal processing (Fourier series, etc.). So I expect that you will see some new things starting in 2nd year for both, and certainly 3rd year.

As for which to do - it's a bit hard to say. I did the applied maths 1st and 2nd year courses and pure maths as a major, so I got to see about 2/3rds of applied maths as well - I recommend doing as much of both as your course allows.

3rd year applied maths tended to be a bit physics heavy - the "application" was primarily relativity and such, but that is likely a side effect of being in a department full of cosmologists. Doing app maths as a major is definitely useful for modeling work, and quantitative work in your career.

Pure maths is useful if whatever career you choose tends to delve deeply into mathematical topics. I have found it essential to becoming "maths literate", which is very helpful when reading the more advanced academic papers on computer science and machine learning, although very little at 3rd year onwards has had any direct application.
 
Thank you Zippy, it helps knowing that being a CA will not be a total loss! :)

I think the CS route sound like a better option as I would prefer having more possibilities.

Just have to figure out which one :whistle:
 
XennoX said:
This thread is popped up at just the right time! I was about to apply to study stream 4, but cguy's breakdown really tells me I should give serious consideration to 1 and 2.
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While I have math2, personally I think the math1 you can do as part of option 4 is sufficient in most cases. Later math gets very theoretical and I am not convinced it will improve things that much for you, unless you get involved in a couple of very specific areas of software dev. Knowing more is always better obviously, but I would rather recommend doing more CS modules as part of option 4. Also, if you already have an engineering degree, you may be able to get exemption from first year math, which could save you a fair bit of time completing your CS degree. Studying at Unisa is a long road, so if you can cut some time off, I would highly recommend it.
 
Off tangent: I'm questioning your need to start literally from scratch considering you're a qualified CA. Considering your background it might be far more advisable to move into financial systems programming (ERP) e.g. SAP ABAP as this would provide a lot more common ground than the math heavy Unisa modules you quoted.

Plus SAP ABAP is one of the easier languages to learn (with many starter courses available), as for the challenge: the part that usually trips up many ABAP beginners is an implied understanding on financial systems and processes; which should be fairly easy for you (especially if your financial career has exposed you to SAP). Salary-wise, SAP ABAP consultants are some of the higher earners in the market if that counts for anything.

Ps. the same would apply to other ERP systems like Oracle, PeopleSoft, JD Edwards, SAGE, ... yet the transition to another is fairly simple if you already have a good understanding of the process.
 
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Thank you [)roi(], I will look into this as well.

The reasoning behind the degree was that I want the ability to work overseas and thought that might be the safer qualification to obtain.
 
Blikkie said:
Thank you [)roi(], I will look into this as well.

The reasoning behind the degree was that I want the ability to work overseas and thought that might be the safer qualification to obtain.
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Glad to help.
Financial Systems / ERP Programming is a global demand, so whilst your accounting degrees won't automatically convert to local equivalence; the programming experience does. Plus most ERP systems have well established mobile frameworks, so going the ERP route is certainly never going to be restrictive.
 
Blikkie said:
Thank you [)roi(], I will look into this as well.

The reasoning behind the degree was that I want the ability to work overseas and thought that might be the safer qualification to obtain.
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It probably is safer. The USA conversion rate is 3 years experience to 1 year of education, so if you do a B.Sc. honours, you have sufficient education to get an H1B just based on the degree, otherwise you would need 12 years of experience. IIRC, the education and experience needs to be relevant too, so it's not clear that you will be able to spin your B.Com. or accounting experience as relevant. Other countries may or may not account for experience and education that's different from your job.

As [)roi(] says, there is global demand for ERP, although I expect the work to be more interesting in a top tech company, and I also expect probably higher pay on average at a top tech company too (interestingly, actuaries and SAP specialists aren't anywhere near as prestigious as they are in SA). I also wouldn't bank on the visa application going that smoothly without 12+ years of experience at it though (possibly less for UK/Aus/etc.).
 
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cguy said:
It probably is safer. The USA conversion rate is 3 years experience to 1 year of education, so if you do a B.Sc. honours, you have sufficient education to get an H1B just based on the degree, otherwise you would need 12 years of experience. IIRC, the education and experience needs to be relevant too, so it's not clear that you will be able to spin your B.Com. or accounting experience as relevant. Other countries may or may not account for experience and education that's different from your job.

As [)roi(] says, there is global demand for ERP, although I expect the work to be more interesting in a top tech company, and I also expect probably higher pay on average at a top tech company too (interestingly, actuaries and SAP specialists aren't anywhere near as prestigious as they are in SA). I also wouldn't bank on the visa application going that smoothly without 12+ years of experience at it though (possibly less for UK/Aus/etc.).
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I got my UK skills visa because of my accounting degree even though I had not worked in the field for over 10 years. I also got my current programming job because I had the degree. A degree was a requirement for the job. That it was an accounting degree and not a CS degree did not count against me. Obviously this not always going to be the case, but often that you have a degree is enough. Although, I'm not sure if I had BA Fine Arts(hope i don't offend any BA folks), that I still would have got the job. :)
 
zippy said:
I got my UK skills visa because of my accounting degree even though I had not worked in the field for over 10 years. I also got my current programming job because I had the degree. A degree was a requirement for the job. That it was an accounting degree and not a CS degree did not count against me. Obviously this not always going to be the case, but often that you have a degree is enough. Although, I'm not sure if I had BA Fine Arts(hope i don't offend any BA folks), that I still would have got the job. :)
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It really depends on the policy, and how carefully people pay attention to it. My last company required a BSc or Engineering degree (or extensive specialized experience), however, nobody noticed when a friend of mine with a BA in history got through. They only found out once they had made the offer. Wasn't a big deal though - the degree is used for narrowing down the selection, and if he got through the interview, he got through it. People would have been pissed if he had sucked and had wasted a few hours of time on him though. ;) I believe that they did make sure to train new HR staff to check that the degree is relevant in the future though.
 
Why not have a look at CGMA/CIMA? As a CA you'll be exempted for quite a few levels and then you get a more "global" qualification (and its not as boring as CA/audit work). I'm sure with those kind of qualifications you really wouldn't need to have a degree to prove you can program.
 
Thank you cguy and zippy!

I still think doing the degree might be the better option for me, and hopefully I will be able to move over to a more relevant experience position while in South Africa at some stage.
 
rorz0r said:
Why not have a look at CGMA/CIMA? As a CA you'll be exempted for quite a few levels and then you get a more "global" qualification (and its not as boring as CA/audit work). I'm sure with those kind of qualifications you really wouldn't need to have a degree to prove you can program.
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rorz0r I looked into CIMA a while back and you are correct that I would have quite a few exemptions, however the accounting field in general is not for me, therefore I am not going to per sue the CIMA qualification. But I do appreciate suggestion :)
 
Thank you for the thread. Guys, I have just been admitted into the 98801 - AMC (Applied Mathematics and Computer Science) program for the 2019 academic year. I need someone who was doing his/her first year during the 2018 year who can provide me with the 2018 academic material [Tut letters and past exam papers, etc]
 
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