Honours in Computer Science (UCT)

[Precision]

Hey guys

I will be (hopefully) graduating at the end of the year with a BSc. Computer Science from UCT. I'm still thinking of what to do next year, but I am considering doing honours (I have applied for honours, and I think I stand a reasonable chance of getting in).

What I wanted to know is : What extra doors does honours open up? Is there a pay rise associated with having your honours? Can you guys give example of companies looking especially for honours graduates?

 

[cguy]

I definitely suggest doing honours. In terms of opening doors from a "piece of paper" perspective, it provides an easier path to immigration, and possibly a small initial pay rise. The real benefit is what you learn from it. An honours CS degree builds upon the work you did in your B.Sc., and it's likely the first time that you will do really advanced course work - unlike 2nd and 3rd year in a B.Sc., there is a higher than "pass" requirement, to get in, which acts as a filter, and allows for a relatively intense final year.

Also, this is usually the first year you will get to first interact closely with the staff members, and you will work on a large, complex research project with them for your main project. I learned more CS in my honours year, then I did in my first 3 years combined. You do have to be careful to take the right subjects though - beware of "filler" courses - these abound.

There aren't too many companies in SA that are looking specifically for honours graduates, but what you learn, will likely give you an advantage when being prioritized by HR departments or hiring managers, and it will give you an edge in your interview, and therefore a higher chance at scoring the "better" (subjective...) jobs, and most importantly an advantage in your career.

 

[S1ght]

In all honesty I think the most Honours has helped me is by having it on my CV. Maybe a little exposure to more specialised things but nothing that I've actually been able to use in the real world. Having an undergrad is becoming quite common these days so at most I think it could be used to give you that slight edge when looking for a job but I don't think having Honours would make you any better as a programmer than a guy coming out of undergrad.

That being said, it's definitely a whole level than undergrad. The constant assignments, research then straight into tests/exams makes it quite brutal year compared to any of my undergrad years. I would recommend just doing it and getting it done with. It's 1 more year and then you're done so if you're lucky enough to get a bursary or something then why not

 

[BobsLawnService]

If you have the opportunity to do so then definitely get your Honours. It does give you a competetive edge in the marketplace and it may not be obvious but it definitely positively affects your long term earning potential.

 

[gkm]

I would also highly recommend doing it.

 

[CrazYmonkeY159]

Did my undergrad and honours at UC,T and just finished my masters a few weeks ago

Must say as somebody who does his own further education in Software Engineering outside of the curriculum I still learned a lot especially in design and security (and high performance computing). I will also say that you will probably form a real bond with your honours class and it is something that I've never felt since high school. It was the best academic year that I had at UCT and always will be. Expect many late nights, and assignments that you may just not be interested in but all in all its brilliant.

If you are unsure about what to do in 2015 but have the opportunity to do honours, do it, what is 1 year lost in industry experience in the bigger picture? There's also the notion that our 3 year BSc degrees are not really recognized in some countries so there is that too.

To be honest the reason why I did masters was because I was not too sure that I wanted to work yet, did a lot of interning during my time as a student and just wanted a "break" from 8-5 days (I also want the opportunity to applied for highly educated visas in certain western countries )