Recommended IT Degree?

[peteyt]

Hi there.

I'm wondering if anyone knows of a good general IT degree possibly an open university degree. I'm interested in IT and have self taught a lot of the basics however I'm needing a full time job and often see a lot of IT jobs but my knowledge is basic. I do enjoy fixing computers but often rely on Google, Forums for help and so would like to do a general degree in IT so I could do these things on my own. I already have a degree in Film and TV Production from my local university (cumbria) but I'm currently not willing to move and there isn't any media jobs really here.

Thanks

[lRhyss]

I do Computer Science at university and I have to say, I really enjoy it

In my first year I did 5 "Subjects":

Programming 1
This module is designed to introduce students to the fundamental concepts of problem solving using the basic constructs of a programming language such as Java. The module covers basic data types, control structures, functions and classes.

Programming 2
This module is designed to further develop the students' problem solving, programming, program design and program testing skills. Object-Orientated programming skills introduced in Programming 1 will be further developed. We write OO programs to process text files and build GUIs. We were also given an introduction to methods for the systematic development of test cases.

Relational Databases
This module aimed to introduce us to the theoretical and practical elements of relational databases. It covered the creation and management of relational databases. It also included the generation of queries to extract data from a database and cover the manipulation of data in order to convert data into information.

Computing Fundamentals
We studied this to introduce us to the underlying theory of Computation and the major paradigms of Computation. To explore the concepts of software, systems and data modelling and in particular the major computational models and programming paradigms. I sounds like a mouthful of big words, but it really was quite interesting! You get into things such as Binary and Von Neumann machine programming, which is great. You're also taught about the inside of the computer, how it works, and how to fix/replace/build.

System Analysis
In this, we were taught the ways of being a System Analyst. I didn't know what to include under this apart from a little description of what they do:

"A systems analyst is an IT professional who specialises in analysing, designing and implementing information systems. System analysts assess the suitability of information systems in terms of their intended outcomes and liaise with end users, software vendors and programmers in order to achieve these outcomes.

Although they may be familiar with a variety of programming languages, operating systems, and computer hardware platforms, they do not normally involve themselves in the actual hardware or software development. They may be responsible for developing cost analysis, design considerations, staff impact amelioration, and implementation time-lines."

I have to say, this was my favourite by far! Followed by Programming 1/2 and then Web Development.



I'm not sure if this is what you're looking for, some universities (Not sure about OU) offer a general It course, so if that's what you're more interested in, go for it. If not, I highly recommend this course, it's highly looked upon in terms of job searching, but most of all, it's really enjoyable!

[HarrySX]

Only IT degree worth doing is a field in computer science, which is nothing like IT at all - it's all maths and science.

[-Nick]

Only IT degree worth doing is a field in computer science, which is nothing like IT at all - it's all maths and science.
It's like maths and science but in IT :P.

Its worth going for (Computer Science) as there is an urge for coders from many companies. It's not like being a lawyer, if you have the qualifications in Computer Science you will most likely get a job unless something is draggin' you down e.g attitude.

[scottish]

It's like maths and science but in IT :P.

Its worth going for (Computer Science) as there is an urge for coders from many companies. It's not like being a lawyer, if you have the qualifications in Computer Science you will most likely get a job unless something is draggin' you down e.g attitude.

hardly maths.

[The Don]

Either Computer Science or Software Engineering. CS is more maths and theory, SE is more programming and practical.


Only IT degree worth doing is a field in computer science, which is nothing like IT at all - it's all maths and science.

Or Software Engineering.....

[HarrySX]

Either Computer Science or Software Engineering. CS is more maths and theory, SE is more programming and practical.



Or Software Engineering.....

yes that ^^

[Zak]

Only IT degree worth doing is a field in computer science, which is nothing like IT at all - it's all maths and science.

Couldn't agree more. Study Computer Science at university.

[Kardan]

hardly maths.

I agree, pretty basic maths in the grand scheme of things.

[iBlueBox]

- Multimedia and Internet Technology.

Very similar to computer programming degrees but a bit more creative.

[HarrySX]

I agree, pretty basic maths in the grand scheme of things.

So it is maths? Whether or not it's pure maths or something (which I presume you study) is irrelevant, you still need to be extremely good at maths to excel in a CS degree.

[Kardan]

So it is maths? Whether or not it's pure maths or something (which I presume you study) is irrelevant, you still need to be extremely good at maths to excel in a CS degree.

It is maths, hence why I said maths :P