Should I study IT ?

triocha

Would a Level 8 Diploma in IT from DCU be worth doing ?
It is been delivered over 3 years by distance learning mostly.

I am 24, and want to get my life in order. Should I go for it ? Or is a waste of time?

Thanks.

DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

The programme consists of an integrated series of eight modular courses covering four main areas of study. They are:
- Communications Technology
- Computing
- Human Sciences
- Management Science

The Diploma is divided into two levels with each subject area presented at both Level 1 and Level 2 - the combination of the four modules at each level correspond to approximately one year of full-time study on a conventional honours degree programme.

Springboard applicants will take three modules in their first year; three modules in their second year and two modules in their third year.

MODULE SYLLABI - Subject Outlines

COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY
Communications Technology 1: Telecommunications and the Development of Networks (CT1) This module aims to introduce you to the enabling science of telecommunications and the functions and services of the evolving telecommunication systems.

Communications Technology 2: The Principles of Telecommunications Systems (CT2) This module introduces concepts in the operational principles of modern communication systems and networks. Further topics in the science of electronics are also presented.

COMPUTING
Computing 1: Introduction to IT, Programming and the Internet (C1) This module provides you with an overview of Information Systems. It also introduces web development and programming.

Computing 2: Programming with C++ and Java (C2) This module equips you with a foundation in the theory and practice of computer programming with C++ and Java. It also introduces concepts from software engineering such as UML and Agile methodologies.

HUMAN SCIENCES
Human Sciences 1: Human Computer Interaction (HS1) This module centres around Human Computer Interaction (HCI) and human-centred design of technology including: Human abilities and implications for HCI; Interaction Design; and Evaluating HCI.

Human Sciences 2: Information, Technology, and Organisation (HS2) This module examines the use of organisation theory to help IT designers and managers deal with the problems they encounter in their organisations and to exploit the opportunities that arise, many of which relate to how organisations function.

MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
Management Science 1: Mathematical and Statistical Methods (MS001) This module in mathematics and statistics equips you with the foundation in mathematical sciences required for the study of modules at subsequent levels.

Management Science 2: Management Science / Business Modelling (MS002) This module aims to introduce you to topics in Management Science and Business Modelling.

doolox

I did the diploma in this in 1992 to 1995. I also have an what is now an ordinary Degree in Electronics Engineering and also nearly 30 years experience in working with two blue-chip american corporations. It is not worth a bit in the contemporary work market as I have been unable to secure a job in this sector for the last 3 years.

Unless you can attach specific skills in Databases, software development or other specific IT skills, this course is not worth it. I do not know how much it costs now but would question if you would get a return on your investment.

The returns from this area of technology are questionable at best unless you can push it to masters level and add some research and development of your own, such as taking an existing area of expertise and applying IT to it.

People who already have an expertise in some unrelated area of knowledge and THEN study IT and apply IT to that area of knowledge are who will make money on it in the future. Unless you already have that body of knowledge then forget about IT, it is already oversubscribed in people willing to work for little or nothing in general roles.

Tom Dunne

triocha wrote: »

Would a Level 8 Diploma in IT from DCU be worth doing ?
It is been delivered over 3 years by distance learning mostly.

I am 24, and want to get my life in order. Should I go for it ? Or is a waste of time?

How do you define worth? How do you confirm if something is a waste of time or not?

If you have no interest in IT, it's not worth doing. If you have an interest in IT and want to work in the IT industry, it is worth doing. However, on a pedantic note, a diploma is usually Level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications. A qualification at that level will not get you very far in the jobs market.

You need a minimum of a Level 8 Honours degree to be in with any chance of a job. So, the best option would be to follow it through and complete the degree, not just the diploma.

Mr. Loverman

Tom Dunne wrote: »

If you have no interest in IT, it's not worth doing. If you have an interest in IT and want to work in the IT industry, it is worth doing.

Agree with this completely.

The IT industry is full of miserable people who would love to be doing something else.

IT pays quite well, and if you are good at it you can have a pretty stable career, but it absolutely is not for everyone. Even if you forget the technical abiities, etc., required for the job; sitting in front of a computer all day surrounded by quite a few people who have zero to negative social skills... it can get to you. It gets to a lot of people.

However if you genuinely like IT stuff and have always wanted to be a programmer or whatever, looking at the course you listed... it seems a bit vague.

What do you actually want to do?

Programming?
IT support?
QA?
Product management?

tony81

Hi Op.

Actually, what's a level 8 diploma? If it's a h.dip or graduate dip and you already have a degree, these courses are usually 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time. No way would I do it over 3 years.

Are you currently working? If not, look into Springboard or ICT funding. FAS will be able to steer you in the right direction.

If you are working, I'd probably do an evening course for personal development sooner than a distance learning one.

I started a one-year distance learning course and aborted it because I just couldn't find the level of interest to do it. The longest distance learning course I did was a single module that lasted 4 months and even then I left all my study til the last minute. I know another guy studying engineering by distance learning.. I think he's actually packed it in now.

Truck

Mr. Loverman wrote: »

Agree with this completely.

The IT industry is full of miserable people who would love to be doing something else.

IT pays quite well, and if you are good at it you can have a pretty stable career, but it absolutely is not for everyone. Even if you forget the technical abiities, etc., required for the job; sitting in front of a computer all day surrounded by quite a few people who have zero to negative social skills... it can get to you. It gets to a lot of people.

However if you genuinely like IT stuff and have always wanted to be a programmer or whatever, looking at the course you listed... it seems a bit vague.

What do you actually want to do?

Programming?
IT support?
QA?
Product management?

Couldn't agree with this more, I have an honours degree in IT, after working in it I simply hate it! Days after day sitting it front of a computer trying to figure stuff out, working with people I have zilch in common with.

I am changing career even though IT is booming in Ireland at the moment.
Just something worth thinking about.

BostonB

Personally I don't like distance learning, I tried it and struggled with the lack of interaction with others.

That course seems contain a lot of filler. I think you might be better working out what you want to do it and the why.