BSc (Honours) Computing and IT:open university

geotrig

Hi Folks,
Anyone do the above course with OU ? If you have can you give me you thoughts on it please?thanks

L1011

Doing it on the split option (Foundation degree + topup)

Course content is decent, things to be aware of though:

TU100, which is compulsory, is EXTREMELY basic yet surprisingly hard to get a decent mark in if you're already technical as its effectively some form of sweeper module trying to get basic writing skills glued to programming and general IT knowledge. Its very frustrating to do if you're already competent with IT.

The prices have gone through the roof due to UK govt changes - what was €900 is going to be €1550 or so for new students.

If you've got pre-existing certs in certain technologies you can 'swap' them for placeholder modules, currently costs £250 in 'admin fees' when it used to be £90 - not sure what admin work is required other than reading the faxed in copy. This applies to Windows XP/7 MCPs, Server 2008 MCTSs and the CCNA. Still cheaper and quicker than doing an equivalent 30 credit module.

geotrig

thanks ,yeah prices have gone through the roof alright ,
What year are you in ?i take it from your reply that you are already in the industry ?complete change of direction for me

Is the stage 1 basic enough ?tbh i might try and do that as quickly as possible.

Does it touch on any other languages other than java have you done anyting on databases etc

L1011

Part way through L2, its going to take a lot longer to do the remaining half than the half I have done due to course timing changes.

You can avoid Java entirely if you want, it uses a Scratch-derived language for TU100. There's "pathways" through the degree that allow you to go for, say, networking or Windows Server rather than programming.

I have no interest in becoming a programmer and I already work with VB so I'm going for a different path through it.

geotrig

MYOB wrote: »

Part way through L2, its going to take a lot longer to do the remaining half than the half I have done due to course timing changes.

You can avoid Java entirely if you want, it uses a Scratch-derived language for TU100. There's "pathways" through the degree that allow you to go for, say, networking or Windows Server rather than programming.

I have no interest in becoming a programmer and I already work with VB so I'm going for a different path through it.

Thanks ,well i'm looking at this so i can get into programming,any idea how employers percieve this course ?its alot of money all in and i dont want to do a course that wont cut in in the industry

L1011

Once you do a programming pathway, it'll be seen as valid by employers. Will be very important to do a coding project in L3 and not one of the other options for the project though.

Elessar

I'm thinking of doing this course - are there practical elements (i.e. meetings I can attend in Dublin)? How is it tested? Continuous assignments or end of year exams, or both? Are the exams difficult?

I'm no good at programming (tried it several times before each time not understanding it and getting frustrated!) so would be looking at the more hands on networking end of it.

Would this degree (with the emphasis on networking) be a good bet for getting into an IT/networking job?

L1011

Some modules have the practical elements you want - TU100 for instance has about 8 evening tutorials in either ITT or somewhere Northside for instance, possible further down the country too.

Most of the rest use online tutorials only.

Be aware that some modules have totally different tutorial setups in the UK - they may have fewer, longer, day schools (weekend day times) compared to more, shorter, evenings here and you can also get some where there are day schools in the UK and none here at all because there aren't enough students.

Elessar

MYOB wrote: »

Some modules have the practical elements you want - TU100 for instance has about 8 evening tutorials in either ITT or somewhere Northside for instance, possible further down the country too.

Most of the rest use online tutorials only.

Be aware that some modules have totally different tutorial setups in the UK - they may have fewer, longer, day schools (weekend day times) compared to more, shorter, evenings here and you can also get some where there are day schools in the UK and none here at all because there aren't enough students.

How are you finding the course so far?

What pathways are you taking?

L1011

ICT Specialist option as I already do this for my job. That's a pathway only available on the split option, I believe.

Post 2 is still accurate for my experiences.