Having a hard time making a choice

Hi,

I hold an undergraduate degree and I've been planning to do a career change by studying Computer Science, but I'm not sure what to do.

Some time ago, I made a decision to pursue a MSc Computer Science conversion course (UCL in particular), as it's only one year and it's a master's as well, so I'd be set if I get into it.

However, recently I've come across Birkbeck's 4-year part-time BSc Computing, which is an ELQ-exempt course, so I can get student finance, even if I already have a degree. My gut feeling says I should go for this. Even though it'll take 4 years, the classes are in the evenings and I can still work, and obviously I will gain much deeper knowledge and experience in this field. After that I could still do an MSc in Advanced Computing/Computer Science or a specialised field.

But, still I'm worried that I'll make the wrong choice, and do something unnecessary that wastes years of my life and gets me into massive student debt. Enrollment for BSc Computing is still open for 2019, which I can still apply and start early, but I'm afraid I'm being too hasty.

The most important question here is which is regarded more highly by employers. It's always better to get more opinions.So, what do think?

1- Wait and apply to MSc CS conversion at UCL, which is a very prestigious university, but some would argue it doesn't matter at MSc level. It's one year and by the end I'll have a master's, but what it offers is limited.

2- Get into Birkbeck's BSc Computing, which is less prestigious than UCL. Get myself into student debt, which is a bit unsettling, but I would be able to work, and study at the same time. By the end I'll have gained a lot of knowledge and a University of London degree, and be able to pursue a master's in advanced CS.

Sorry if it's too long and thanks for taking your time to read it.

(edited 4 years ago)

Reply 1

ajj2000

How much student loan do you have already? How would you fund the masters degree? Oh, and subject was your first degree in?

Reply 2

Ali40

Original post by ajj2000

How much student loan do you have already? How would you fund the masters degree? Oh, and subject was your first degree in?

I've never taken student loan before, as my first degree was self-funded, and also I was going to partly self-fund the master's, because I can also get master's loan as well, but the amount doesn't cover the whole tuition fee.
My first degree is in Business Management.

Reply 3

ajj2000

Original post by Ali40

Ah, cool - so getting hit with a huge 9% additional tax is pretty significant. I see why you are keen to avoid this.

Reply 4

Ali40

Original post by ajj2000

Ah, cool - so getting hit with a huge 9% additional tax is pretty significant. I see why you are keen to avoid this.

What do you mean by 9% additional tax?

Reply 5

ajj2000

Original post by Ali40

What do you mean by 9% additional tax?

In substance students loan (undergrad ones in this case) are a graduate tax - you pay an additional 9% if earning over a set level which I think is around £26k a the moment. Most people will never clear the loan balance so pay the tax for the next 30 years.

Reply 6

Ali40

Original post by ajj2000

Ok, I get what you mean now. Yes, I knew that I would have to pay 9% of my income, if it surpasses a certain threshold. Initially, I thought you meant that there's a new rule that students have to pay more now.

To elaborate on your first point, getting hit by additional tax is not my main concern, bur rather it is time and the value of my degree.