University Course Advice

maxpell2020

Hi All,

I completed an HND in Computing & Systems Development at New College Stamford in 2016. Since then, I’ve done some temporary work and freelance web design. My interests have shifted a bit since completing my HND, and I am now primarily interested in finance, specifically investing and trading, rather than solely pursuing a career in computing.
I’ve decided it might be a good idea to return to university. However, I’m wondering if it would be worth topping up my degree or starting something completely new, potentially part-time, such as a BSc in Finance at Birkbeck due to funding issues. I also have a keen interest in entrepreneurship and have run a few small businesses throughout secondary school and college.
I’ve been analysing the potential entry earnings for each course in a detailed spreadsheet. From what I can see, the benefit is a £2k-£8k difference in salary for the best courses I’ve chosen (BSc Data Science & BSc Finance) compared to non-graduate roles in the UK. I’m not sure what the best route to take is, as I want to ensure it will be good value for money rather than taking on more debt unnecessarily. I often overanalyse everything and end up not doing anything as a result. I’m open to apprenticeships, but from what I could find, they seem to be competitive and often require prior experience.
Any guidance anyone could offer on a good option would be greatly appreciated.

(edited 3 months ago)

Reply 1

jjbrien

Have you looked maybe at the open university for a top up degree? They do allow you mix subjects you could keep your core subject as computing but add a business unit. Maybe have a talk with them?

https://www.open.ac.uk/courses/open-qualifications

Reply 2

maxpell2020

Original post by jjbrien

Thanks for your reply. Nothing finance related though I think. From what I understand reading on their website for an 'BSc Open Degree' you are limited in what you can pick I think, so I think they allow creating your own degree within reason I could be wrong. I have been in talk with them before, the only finance / investing related course I can see relates to a masters.