restudying for a computer science degree

[Arex]

Hey all,

I unfortunately haven't made the best choices when it comes to studying and I regret not doing my degree in computer science for programming and software development. Instead, i'm nearly 26(still young i guess) with a business admin degree (which i did in an overseas university) and would like to see what options I have to try and get into software development before its too late.

I have a full time job now which I use to pay for my financed car and I don't save much per month as most of it goes to rent, bills etc.(anything i save up goes to my car). I can try get some finance from Family back home.

What options do I have in terms of going back to studying, I don't mind sacrificing my night time (to go to school(which uni's? or do something like UNISA?) or even moving overseas and working part time while studying overseas. what about those 1 or 2 year courses are they worth it just for a certificate? I have a grade 12 bachelor pass (although the marks aren't great) and a bachelor degree in business administration, I did take IT and did JAVA for 3 years of high school and I'm very interested in computers.

 

[cguy]

Doing a BSc in CS at UNISA would probably be your best bet in SA. If you could study overseas that may be better, but obviously it depends where.

I am not a fan of the short courses. They typically teach a specific technology, without teaching the fundamentals. Still, they are better that nothing, and may be useful after a degree (but probably not as useful as work experience).

 

[mr_norris]

Doing a BSc in CS at UNISA would probably be your best bet in SA. If you could study overseas that may be better, but obviously it depends where.

I am not a fan of the short courses. They typically teach a specific technology, without teaching the fundamentals. Still, they are better that nothing, and may be useful after a degree (but probably not as useful as work experience).

I second this. I don't have much to add though. Pretty much said what I was going to. Starting late isn't bad, at least you're doing it. I only got my BSc when I was 29 I was lazy AF, so I could have got it a lot sooner if I tried.

 

[cguy]

^ yeah, I don’t know anyone who has regretted it, no matter how late they did it. It’s also, really not like you reset to the same career level as a freshly graduated 21 year old when you finish. The experience of doing what you’ve been doing as an adult is invaluable - more often than not, the difference between a junior developer and a senior developer is well honed common sense.

 

[HeftyCrab]

Id say go for it. I was in the exact same situation as you, and now only have about 8 subjects left. I'm doing the Bsc Informatics which is quite similar to their "computing" degree.

There is a monster Unisa thread here for help once you get going:

https://mybroadband.co.za/forum/threads/the-unisa-thread.546473/

 

[Arex]

Hey guys,

Thanks for the advice,
I am a bit weary on Unisa as I heard everything is self taught and you have to learn yourself which doesn't sound the best, I guess i'll start doing some research on them, thanks for all the input

 

[programmingza]

Doing a BSc in CS at UNISA would probably be your best bet in SA. If you could study overseas that may be better, but obviously it depends where.

I am not a fan of the short courses. They typically teach a specific technology, without teaching the fundamentals. Still, they are better that nothing, and may be useful after a degree (but probably not as useful as work experience).

I AGREE WITH YOU. I'M CURRENTLY DOING MINE AT THE MOMENT, AND I'M ENJOYING IT SO MUCH THAT I'VE DECIDED TO CREATE A YOUTUBE CHANNEL WHERE I UPLOAD 'HOW TO' PROGRAMMING VIDEOS.

 

[programmingza]

Hey guys,

Thanks for the advice,
I am a bit weary on Unisa as I heard everything is self taught and you have to learn yourself which doesn't sound the best, I guess i'll start doing some research on them, thanks for all the input

HEY, DID YOU DECIDE TO PERSUE THE DEGREE? I'M CURRENTLY BUSY WITH MINE AND I'M ENJOYING IT SO MUCH THAT I'VE DECIDED TO CREATE A YOUTUBE CHANNEL WHERE I UPLOAD 'HOW TO' PROGRAMMING VIDEOS.

 

[moonkrj]

Arex said:
Hey all,
I unfortunately haven't made the best choices when it comes to studying ...
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customwritingcompany​

Hi,
What did you choose eventually? I'm considering UNISA too, but I'm not sure: so far I know that they offer ODeL courses and online degrees (besides their on-campus programs). But what is the difference betweem those two? I've a son and on-campus education isn't an option for me.