Do you need to have ECDL for all third level courses?!

oswinoswald

I'm fifteen and in fifth year, and this week my year started that ECDL computer license course. I didn't pay for it because it looks so easy (e.g word processing and spreadsheets) I don't want to waste money doing something I already know how to do.
Anyway, the headmistress told those of us not doing ECDL that we should, because you need it if you want to go to university or college, and that previously girls had come back to school over the summer to complete ecdl in order to go on to the second year of their college course... I found this very difficult to believe, and I just want to know if most third level students do have this ECDL thing and if I really do need it to go to university (I want to study French, history or law.)

bscm

I haven't heard of anyone being turned away for not having completed ECDL here, however it is a good thing to complete (you can stick it on your CV to prove that you are computer-literate). AFAIK it was being discussed as a entry requirement, and it is for some colleges but not all.

It doesn't take that long if you are familiar with most Microsoft programmes, I completed mine in about 3 weeks. Most people I know have completed some form of ECDL course. You'd be surprised how many people don't find it easy (database and Excel took some people in my school months to pass), despite using a computer for years.

languagenerd

No, you definitely don't. It helps to know how to use Microsoft programs, but I've only ever had to use Word and Powerpoint for my course (TSM Languages). It's not an entry requirement for anything in TCD, as far as I know (unless Computer Science??) and you can easily get by without it.

I don't have ECDL and I'm going into my final year now. I do have a Microsoft (MOS) qualification in Word though and that knowledge proved very helpful with formatting essays, etc. but plenty of people haven't and just know how to find what they need.

ECDL is good to have (good on a CV too) but it's not obligatory and you will get on fine without it.

ride-the-spiral

Not at all. If you weren't applying through the CAO for some sort of computer related course it might benefit you but going the CAO route it's not necessary.

I don't have it and I never had any problems in my course.

We've (science) had lots of computer classes and they assume a ridiculously minimal amount of previous knowledge. So I'd be shocked if you were expected to have ECDL.

Ravelleman

I did ECDL when I was your age and have found that about 90% of the course is completely useless, even as a postgrad student.