Distance learning - Computer Science Degree

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dalefrench

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Hey guys

I have been a software developer for the past 6 odd years and only have a couple certificates to my name. I'm thinking about doing a CS degree through Unisa or similar and am just seeking some advice from other developers who have done the same.

- Is Unisa a reputable university for a CS degree?
- Is the Unisa CS curriculum up to date?
- Are there any other colleges / universities that offer CS degree via distance learning?
- How hectic is it to do a CS degree while still working full-time?

Thanks in advance!
 
Yes.
Yes.
Nothing I would recommend.
It's difficult, but many people do it - you don't have to complete it in 3 years, so you can take it slow too.
 
I did mine while working and did ok and it was definitely worthwhile.
Actually I miss studying in the evenings now.
 
Yes Unisa is reputable and their curriculum is up to date (I just wrote my last exam today). How hectic it is depends on how many modules you take at once. I took the maximum possible which was ok for all the years except this last year. I've basically had no social life, but I'm done (Assuming I pass).

Their admin processes can be a bit of a drag, but they do have some competent people working there. I think the shear number of students applying to study can slow things down, but once you're registered everything generally works well.
 
probably c++ and python
The specific language is probably less important what what you think.
 
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dalefrench said:
Thanks!

Out of curiosity, what are the main programming languages taught in this degree?
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Im doing the Bsc Informatics, that has a lot of similar modules. Im doing C++ and did some delphi. I believe at one stage the second delphi course was going to be swopped to python (1st one was good. 2nd was totally useless and a waste of time, badly supported).

The C++ modules are solid though.

Think the CS degree might have some Assembly in it as well.
 
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Brawler said:
I did mine while working and did ok and it was definitely worthwhile.
Actually I miss studying in the evenings now.
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How did you get a job without a qualification? It's difficult enough with one so I can't imagine how hard it must be without one. I would appreciate the opportunity to work while studying as well.
 
Potential CS said:
How did you get a job without a qualification? It's difficult enough with one so I can't imagine how hard it must be without one. I would appreciate the opportunity to work while studying as well.
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I got a diploma straight after matric.
Used the diploma to get foot in door (i.e. R3k pm job) and have worked my way up. After a few years started the BSc.
 
Brawler said:
I got a diploma straight after matric.
Used the diploma to get foot in door (i.e. R3k pm job) and have worked my way up. After a few years started the BSc.
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What are the chances of one getting a job with just a matric and studying part-time with UNISA in the tech industry?
 
Potential CS said:
What are the chances of one getting a job with just a matric and studying part-time with UNISA in the tech industry?
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Depends on the circumstances / company you are trying to get in. I was studying comp sci and had nothing other than matric when I went for my interview. Not sure why they agreed to take me, but they did. I think the fact that I was studying towards something they wanted an employee to have really helped. Don't underestimate that.
 
mr_norris said:
Depends on the circumstances / company you are trying to get in. I was studying comp sci and had nothing other than matric when I went for my interview. Not sure why they agreed to take me, but they did. I think the fact that I was studying towards something they wanted an employee to have really helped. Don't underestimate that.
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I don't know but maybe you could be of assistance in the tech companies you'd suggest one approach under such circumstances?
 
Potential CS said:
I don't know but maybe you could be of assistance in the tech companies you'd suggest one approach under such circumstances?
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Do you have any relevant skill sets yet? I would focus on self teaching yourself some some useful base line skills. E.g., if you have experience building, configuring and networking your own PCs, perhaps desktop support or junior sys admin. If you have any self taught programming skills or web dev skills, these may come in handy.

I did some small (approx two week each) freelance coding projects when I was in high school, another small coding contract when I was in 1st year. I worked for the university from 2nd year onwards as a student worker (tutor, TA, etc.).

Even this small amount of experience helped me with my studies and first permanent software dev job.
 
I've been learning programming and coding by myself since the beginning of the year just to refresh since I last did it when I was in high school.

So far I'm well versed with python and HTML... I'm trying to familiarize myself with the other programming languages as well.

It's just hard not having an income at the moment with bills and rent waiting to be paid every month.

I'm even squatting with a friend right now.
 
Apologies for necro'ing this thread but wanted to jump on here and ask what the opinion is on the BCom Informatics versus the Bsc Informatics.

Im considering this as my second option in case i dont gain access to my first choice.

I'm a little scared of the Bsc computer science due to all the math.

My end goal would be Business/systems analyst or cyber security. Maybe using IT audit as an entry point to gain work experience and entry into the industry.
 
Paragon said:
Apologies for necro'ing this thread but wanted to jump on here and ask what the opinion is on the BCom Informatics versus the Bsc Informatics.

Im considering this as my second option in case i dont gain access to my first choice.

I'm a little scared of the Bsc computer science due to all the math.

My end goal would be Business/systems analyst or cyber security. Maybe using IT audit as an entry point to gain work experience and entry into the industry.
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From what I read, Bcom takes a business orientated approach and Bsc focuses on programming and engineering side without math. At Unisa, they have very similar modules.
 
I applied for Informatics.
Busy waiting on the result of that
 
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Paragon said:
Apologies for necro'ing this thread but wanted to jump on here and ask what the opinion is on the BCom Informatics versus the Bsc Informatics.

Im considering this as my second option in case i dont gain access to my first choice.

I'm a little scared of the Bsc computer science due to all the math.

My end goal would be Business/systems analyst or cyber security. Maybe using IT audit as an entry point to gain work experience and entry into the industry.
Click to expand...

Infomatics, but even then you have little business related knowledge(on paper), as a matter of fact if you want to be an auditor I would say that it is almost a disadvantage to know too much about CS or Informatics as either degree does not teach you how to audit etc etc - my suggestion, BCom and ITIL certifications, as many of them as you can do in a lifetime

If you want to go into Cyber Security, N+, A+, Linux+, Server+, CCNA, MCSE and teach yourself how to code and basic CS to start off(This takes longer than a degree and CCNA requires you to ReCert every 2 years IIRC)
 
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