Why are the entry requirements so low?

Hi there,

I was offered a place at University of West London (here http://www.uwl.ac.uk/course/creative-computing-foundation/34079 ). They do not seem prestigious by any stretch, however they do seem to pride themselves on their computing courses. Compared to other universities, the number of points required is trivial, and it is bothering me. Why is the number of points required so low?

I could have emailed the man who interviewed me, but I would not want him to interpret my question in a wrong way. Although his presentation was poor, but the actually contents of the course were definitely interesting.

Reply 1

Venomilys

because it's the University of West London.

University of West London

London

Reply 2

uberteknik

Looks like a Noddy degree that won't be taken seriously by potential employers and hence they cannot get people on to the course.

You would be better off looking at a mainstream computing degree (not specifically media related) from a respected university and then doing a postgraduate course with an application to media computing.

That would gain you a respected (and hence desirable) qualification which can stand alone from any 'media' qualification which is in addition rather than detracting from your main degree.

Reply 3

PeterAlmighty

What about Computing with Games Development at Greenwich (here http://www2.gre.ac.uk/study/courses/ug/com/g4g6 )? Would that be better? It would mean that I have to stay at college another two years. I am already 20 and although I see nothing wrong in prolonging my childhood by staying at college (shameful, I know :smile:

), it does feel funny to sit in a class full of... teenagers. Before I did not really have a goal, but that is only an excuse for my lousy grades. Nonetheless, what about evening classes, would that be a good idea to raise my points?

Staying at college would also give me more time to think, since I am still not absolutely certain about the course, I would like Computing with focus on games, but I am also interested in Philosophy. Sorry, I am digressing, I should probably make another thread for that.

I do appreciate the replies!

(edited 10 years ago)

Reply 4

uberteknik

Original post by PeterAlmighty

, it does feel funny to sit in a class full of... teenagers. Before I did not really have a goal, but that is only an excuse for my lousy grades. Nonetheless, what about evening classes, would that be a good idea to raise my points?

Staying at college would also give me more time to think, since I am still not absolutely certain about the course, I would like Computing with focus on games, but I am also interested in Philosophy. Sorry, I am digressing, I should probably make another thread for that.

Better but check that they have specific job placement opportunities. Check out these info sites:

https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/planning/jobprofiles/Pages/computergamesdeveloper.aspx

http://www.hotcourses.com/uk-courses/Computer-Games-Design-degree-courses-in-London/hc2_search.adv_col_do/16180339/220704/search_category/CB.3211/qualification/A,M,N/town_city/GREATER+LONDON/page.htm

http://www.whatuni.com/degrees/courses/degree-courses/computer-programming-degree-courses-united-kingdom/m/united+kingdom/r/9273/page.html

http://www.independent.co.uk/student/into-university/az-degrees/computer-science-754571.html

http://www.gamecareerguide.com/features/546/10_myths_about_game_.php

Reply 5

Eastmeetswest

LOL it seems like there are so many haters and trolls on here who have nothing else to do in life but criticising.

I work at a college and have helped students with HE progression process for years. This is entirely based on my work experience and universities representatives I have met so it might be a bit biased just so you know :smile:

Just like you, lots of my A level and BTEC students show their concerns about universities' low requirement and how low universities of their choice is on the league table. So, let me tell you this is normal especially in our country where people are obsessed with social classes in every aspect of their lives (including education).

To answer your question, I have met the admission officer of this university and was told by them that this course (Creative Computing) was one of the newest courses introduced in this academic year. Sep 2014 will be the first time ever they run this course, which is a combination between media technology and computing science. It is new, obviously they cannot expect the requirement to be too high.

Also, computing industry is a dynamic but underrated one. This profession, along with nursing, accounting, media etc, was once considered a vocational field decades ago and was not offered at university level before. Because of this perception, computing courses tend to be very practice-based and have lower academic requirements. Students, however, need to demonstrate enthusiasm and strong passion on the field as assessments are based on project work or professional practice. Interestingly, lower ranking universities offer great computing programmes as far as I know. Lots of my students went on to computing courses at Greenwich, Westminster, West London all got a job even before graduation. This university particularly has an impressive employment rate. Have a look on destination of HE leavers and check it yourself!

Computing industry is still growing very fast and there is still a strong demand for highly skilled workers. Creative computing is new and exciting. I met Professor Thomas Roth-Berghofer who introduced this course this year (He's a bit of a computer geek which I assume he was also the one giving out presentation?). He is very knowledgeable and is one of the world's leading professor in Artificial Intelligence/computing. I personally think that if you like the course yourself, the modules look great and the environment is good (the campus is in Ealing which is a lovely area), go for it. I have so many friends, just because of peer pressure like people here, studied so-called traditional courses at 'respected' universities and absolutely hated three years of their uni life. So, choose carefully and go with you what you are passionate about.

Original post by PeterAlmighty