Which Unisa course to do

[eternaloptimist]

hey everyone.
I am a south african living in ireland. I would like to get into code or programming. maybe something C# or C++ or something along those lines. as i am starting from scratch i would also appreciate some advice from you guys that have been doing it for ages.
as I am abroad, is it possible to apply online? I did not write matric but have a fetac level 5 certificate (irish board) in biz admin with 8 modules passed with distinctions. will that be enough to get me accepted? and does anyone know when the next application, registration and semester would start?

i would like to do an undergrad degree.

sorry if this is in the wrong section.

Thanks in advance

 

[Paul Hjul]

If you have knowledge of high-language programming there C++ short course (over a year) is pretty cool - busy with it at the moment. You require an equivalent to SA matric - which the FETAC level 5 should be and knowledge of a high-level programming language are the requirements. Unisa has examination centres all over the world although there may be some glitch because of the administrative systems. In terms of the marketability of the qualification I wouldn't give much countenance and a formal qualification (BSc for example) is infinitely more useful.
Registration is in February.

Have a general look though:
http://www.cs-cert.unisa.ac.za/

 

[eternaloptimist]

Thanks for the reply Paul

I have no knowledge of any language unfortunately
what route would you recommend?

 

[Paul Hjul]

I'd look at the BSc route proper - you can write your exams in Ireland. IIRC UNISA will give you the forms for the matriculation board as a "foreigner". Just remember it will be a bit pricier as an oversees student.

 

[eternaloptimist]

I'd look at the BSc route proper - you can write your exams in Ireland. IIRC UNISA will give you the forms for the matriculation board as a "foreigner". Just remember it will be a bit pricier as an oversees student.

So I'd have to pay more even if I am South African?

 

[cguy]

So I'd have to pay more even if I am South African?

Yup . My wife is studying through UNISA as a non-resident now. It's not your citizenship - she is South African too, it's whether or not you are a resident. It's not too much extra, and very reasonable in comparison to most overseas universities.

I also suggest the BSc route if you have the time.

 

[Gushesh]

Open University is insanely expensive. Rather pay the international student fee with UNISA and go that route.

 

[Other Pineapple Smurf]

hey everyone.
I am a south african living in ireland. I would like to get into code or programming. maybe something C# or C++ or something along those lines. as i am starting from scratch i would also appreciate some advice from you guys that have been doing it for ages.
as I am abroad, is it possible to apply online? I did not write matric but have a fetac level 5 certificate (irish board) in biz admin with 8 modules passed with distinctions. will that be enough to get me accepted? and does anyone know when the next application, registration and semester would start?

i would like to do an undergrad degree.

sorry if this is in the wrong section.

Thanks in advance

As a long term UNISA student and one that has helped many people on this forum in the past, my input would be to consider other options in your region. Your undecided as to what you want to do and even a free COURSERA.org course would be of the same value/weight at this stage.

Please understand that correspondence studying is different to full time and the focus is on the foundations. Your not going to walk away as a developer, but you will have an understanding of the principles of development and make you a better developer once your in the industry.

Also you will only be able to study in 2015 at UNISA as you have missed the deadline to register as a new student for 2014.

 

[senyetse]

hey everyone.
I am a south african living in ireland. I would like to get into code or programming. maybe something C# or C++ or something along those lines. as i am starting from scratch i would also appreciate some advice from you guys that have been doing it for ages.
as I am abroad, is it possible to apply online? I did not write matric but have a fetac level 5 certificate (irish board) in biz admin with 8 modules passed with distinctions. will that be enough to get me accepted? and does anyone know when the next application, registration and semester would start?

i would like to do an undergrad degree.

sorry if this is in the wrong section.

Thanks in advance

You should have a look at the BSc in Computing and the BSc Informatics - the latter is a bit more business oriented (business management and accounting courses in addition to programming) whereas the former is more computer science (mathematics and programming) oriented. They also have BSc where you can combine computer science subjects with eg Maths/Stats/Physics/Chemistry etc. Most have C++ as first year courses (Introduction to Programming). UNISA also has short courses (1 year) in C#, Java and C++, but I'd recommend doing a full BSc to get a proper foundation and qualififcation. The short courses are more for those wanting to add an additional language.

You can apply and register online. However, you have missed the application dates to start this semester. Take note that you must first apply and get a student number before you can register. The next application period is in August so best you apply ASAP.

But all the info you require can be found here:
http://www.unisa.ac.za/Default.asp?Cmd=ViewContent&ContentID=23989
Info for international students is here:
http://www.unisa.ac.za/Default.asp?Cmd=ViewContent&ContentID=26706

 

[eternaloptimist]

thank you all for the replies. I have done some stuff with coursera. open university is just too expensive.
when would i have to apply? it really is not clear on their website. I tried to call them today but i was made to hold for 35 mins

 

[NightShift]

thank you all for the replies. I have done some stuff with coursera. open university is just too expensive.
when would i have to apply? it really is not clear on their website. I tried to call them today but i was made to hold for 35 mins

I think applications for the second semester close on 12 July (so really soon), so if you want to get anything in for this year you'll need to move it UNISA is not bad in my opinion. I lived in the Republic of Ireland for a while and wrote exams in Dublin. Probably the coolest exam venue i had - converted hotel room that could accomodate 5-6 people max. Much quieter than centers like London.

I have a BCom from UNISA and was also looking into the BSc stuff as I have a similair interest to learn something new. The introductory courses on programming at UNISA (for the BSc's) are C++ I believe. There is no harm in making a start.

Fees for international students are more as they have to secure, in this case, a hotel room for people to write exams at (over a number of days), get your exam packs out therr, internationally post you a hard copy of all your assignments etc, and the tutorial letters. It's just the way it is.

 

[eternaloptimist]

I dont understand. I have never studied with them. can i apply for the second semester?

 

[ZAFluffyBunny]

Nope... to late to apply now. You need a student number first... I think you can get one in August or something, then register next year Jan