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Undergraduate Computer Science Course?

I have a degree in Psychology with Drama over 10 years ago but as looking to change careers, I have been thinking of going back to university to study Computer Science.

Has anyone here studied Undergraduate Computer Science?
If so, what do you think of it? Is it worth it? Has it helped you getting employment?
Original post by jmica
I have a degree in Psychology with Drama over 10 years ago but as looking to change careers, I have been thinking of going back to university to study Computer Science.

Has anyone here studied Undergraduate Computer Science?
If so, what do you think of it? Is it worth it? Has it helped you getting employment?


I don't know why people have a fascination with computer science degrees when they want to work in industry.

I don't have a computer science degree, but I can affirm you won't need one to get into tech in either the US or UK. The only times when you would I think tend to be if you want to work in the NHS or go into academia.

If you feel a little unprepared for tech work, consider doing professional IT certifications specific for the role that you want to get into. These are usually more prized than the degree. (Skills and relevant experience are prized more than any qualification.)

If you really need a degree in computer science for whatever reason, then consider doing the MSc, as some would accept undergrad degrees in any subject e.g.
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/taught-degrees/computer-science-msc
https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/courses/taught/computer-science/computer-science.aspx
https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/eng/msc-computer-science-conversion/
https://www.bbk.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/computer-science
https://www.bath.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate-2023/taught-postgraduate-courses/msc-computer-science/
The above is just from the first page of Google's search results. There are dozens of more courses similar to the above.
Reply 2
Original post by MindMax2000
I don't know why people have a fascination with computer science degrees when they want to work in industry.

I don't have a computer science degree, but I can affirm you won't need one to get into tech in either the US or UK. The only times when you would I think tend to be if you want to work in the NHS or go into academia.

If you feel a little unprepared for tech work, consider doing professional IT certifications specific for the role that you want to get into. These are usually more prized than the degree. (Skills and relevant experience are prized more than any qualification.)

If you really need a degree in computer science for whatever reason, then consider doing the MSc, as some would accept undergrad degrees in any subject e.g.
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/taught-degrees/computer-science-msc
https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/courses/taught/computer-science/computer-science.aspx
https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/eng/msc-computer-science-conversion/
https://www.bbk.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/computer-science
https://www.bath.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate-2023/taught-postgraduate-courses/msc-computer-science/
The above is just from the first page of Google's search results. There are dozens of more courses similar to the above.


Thank you.

I am looking to get into a specific industry and a majority of roles I have seen are looking someone with a degree in the relevant/similiar field, that is why. However, this will be my last resort as I would rather gain experience, so applying for apprenticeships.

I have just finished the Level 3 in Cyber Security Certification and currently studying a Level 7 Diploma in COMPTIA Network+ Certification as well as about to start a bootcamp in Cyber Security at Level 4. :smile: So hopefully with all the above, I can get an apprentice role or a job in the field.
(edited 11 months ago)
Original post by jmica
Thank you.

I am looking to get into a specific industry and a majority of roles I have seen are looking someone with a degree in the relevant/similiar field, that is why. However, this will be my last resort as I would rather gain experience, so applying for apprenticeships.

I have just finished the Level 3 in Cyber Security Certification and currently studying a Level 7 Diploma in COMPTIA Network+ Certification as well as about to start a bootcamp in Cyber Security at Level 4. :smile: So hopefully with all the above, I can get an apprentice role or a job in the field.


You have me confused in the last part. Which specific role are you going for? Are you going into networking or cybersecurity?
If you're doing cybersecurity, I would have thought you would be doing CompTIA's Security+, followed by CySA+ and then CASP+
See: https://www.comptia.org/blog/the-comptia-cybersecurity-career-pathway-employable-skills-found-here

So yeah, the certifications that you are doing/done should be more than enough to get you an entry level role. If for any random reason you decided to do a computer science degree, you would still be back here at Square One (albeit with significant debt).
Reply 4
Original post by MindMax2000
You have me confused in the last part. Which specific role are you going for? Are you going into networking or cybersecurity?
If you're doing cybersecurity, I would have thought you would be doing CompTIA's Security+, followed by CySA+ and then CASP+
See: https://www.comptia.org/blog/the-comptia-cybersecurity-career-pathway-employable-skills-found-here

So yeah, the certifications that you are doing/done should be more than enough to get you an entry level role. If for any random reason you decided to do a computer science degree, you would still be back here at Square One (albeit with significant debt).

Mainly Cyber Security but open to other IT roles. I am just starting out, so seeing what I enjoy etc. Yes, also started a COMPTIA+ Security Course. Just doing everything in steps. :smile:

Thanks for the information, glad to hear it is all going to be enough.

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