Applied Computing Vs. Information Technology

scottp68877

Hello I am just wondering if anyone can tell me the differences between these two courses. I can't really tell it. Also if anyone would like to tell me what there like tgat would be great thanks.

johnnykilo

If you do a search on this thread, both courses (and a lot of the other computing courses) have been discussed fairly recently, so you'll probably get more info there than you will in this thread.

But the short answer is Applied Computing is more hands on coding type of stuff, about half of your subjects will be programming of one type or another. IT is more of a general overview of IT, you do some programming but probably only 1 or 2 programming subjects per semester. You also do networks, databases, multimedia, management. It basically gives you a good overview of IT so the option is there to go into a general IT or management role. Whereas if you just want to be a programmer, then go with the Applied Computing course.

scottp68877

johnnykilo wrote: »

If you do a search on this thread, both courses (and a lot of the other computing courses) have been discussed fairly recently, so you'll probably get more info there than you will in this thread.

But the short answer is Applied Computing is more hands on coding type of stuff, about half of your subjects will be programming of one type or another. IT is more of a general overview of IT, you do some programming but probably only 1 or 2 programming subjects per semester. You also do networks, databases, multimedia, management. It basically gives you a good overview of IT so the option is there to go into a general IT or management role. Whereas if you just want to be a programmer, then go with the Applied Computing course.

Thanks that's great. All i needed to know

MOC88

Just finished first year applied computing

Applied computing - level 8 - 4 years (more postgraduate opportunities - tougher course more valuable degree - options to specialize)
Info technology - level 7 - 3 years (does not give any advantage in pursuing a career in management - might actually do the opposite)

I'll post more tomorrow, any questions in the meantime pm/post here

MOC88

When I started I was wondering these things

hours - 25-27 a week lectures and labs. SOme groups get of early on different days but don't bank on it

workload - there is a good bit you will definitely have to work outside of labs and lectures if you wan't to progress and even to enjoy the course (work from the very start so you have a good understanding and confidence)

lecturers - Most are quite good , some may bore you to the borderline of death, others will make you question how they ever got through an i.t degree. All, in my experience, are approachable and will answer your questions with the exceptions who will use the excuse to harp on about whatever takes their fancy at that given time

lectures - there is some fluff but make sure you have you're programming sorted any delay and you'll be playing catchup for the rest of the year. Same goes for web and app development. Don't decide to not turn up for any of the lectures and definitely do not start playing on your laptop during lectures.

Clubs/society - there wasn't any this year, there used be a "hacking club" but we're thinking of setting up an I.T. society for the start of the year so join us if we're there!

a fat guy

MOC88 wrote: »

Just finished first year applied computing

Applied computing - level 8 - 4 years (more postgraduate opportunities - tougher course more valuable degree - options to specialize)
Info technology - level 7 - 3 years (does not give any advantage in pursuing a career in management - might actually do the opposite)

I'll post more tomorrow, any questions in the meantime pm/post here

OP please don't ever take anyone who says that doing a course in any area will hurt your employability seriously.

First off, Applied is three years for a level eight degree.

Second, I.T. is three years for a level seven degree, with an optional one year add-on to make it a level eight.

Third - neither degree gives more opportunities than the other. I would go to an Applied Student if I wanted to make something. I would go to an I.T. student if I wanted an SAP consultant.

Fourth - You seem to be suffering from an attitude problem. I suggest you adjust it correctly before someone gives you the slap you need to gain an ounce of humility. I know you're new to programming and I'm happy for you that you got a good course, but people will get sick of you thinking that you are better than them quite quickly. Your course won't the most important thing in your life once you have a job anyway.

MOC88

a fat guy wrote: »

OP please don't ever take anyone who says that doing a course in any area will hurt your employability seriously.

This was in context to another poster saying applied would be more suitable for low level programming and the other course in question more suited to programming - the year less would mean you have less project development context especially when it comes to final year projects etc.

a fat guy wrote: »

First off, Applied is three years for a level eight degree.

Second, I.T. is three years for a level seven degree, with an optional one year add-on to make it a level eight.

No its not its 4 years - that is an absoloute fact.. why do you think its 3 years

a fat guy wrote: »

Third - neither degree gives more opportunities than the other. I would go to an Applied Student if I wanted to make something. I would go to an I.T. student if I wanted an SAP consultant.

Applied would because you can specialise in different modules ie. business informaiton systems which would give you a better grounding in well business information systems. No other course lets you do embedded systems either. NOt sure about cloud but it is a specialization you can do. If you wanted a SAP consultant you'd want to go to someone with at least 5+ years and training in SAP - the degree would be irrelevant at that point.

a fat guy wrote: »

Fourth - You seem to be suffering from an attitude problem. I suggest you adjust it correctly before someone gives you the slap you need to gain an ounce of humility. I know you're new to programming and I'm happy for you that you got a good course, but people will get sick of you thinking that you are better than them quite quickly.

Please do explain - it sounds like you're trying to threaten me? I'm sure you're a great keyboard warrior. I've no attitude problem nor do I think I'm better than anyone else. But please explain where I set myself up as better than anyone. All I do is try to actually give advice.

a fat guy wrote: »

Your course won't the most important thing in your life once you have a job anyway.

Well aware of this fact...

WLad

Sorry for hijacking the thread slightly, but MOC88, would you be interested in selling any books from first year? I had induction today and start monday so I'd be delighted if you were interested.

MOC88

WLad wrote: »

Sorry for hijacking the thread slightly, but MOC88, would you be interested in selling any books from first year? I had induction today and start monday so I'd be delighted if you were interested.

Sorry, I'm a bit of a book hoarder but I'll let everyone in the class know that you're looking for them. Or heres the first year group for applied/entertainments/forensics if you want to post there https://www.facebook.com/groups/282247021897059/

WLad

MOC88 wrote: »

Sorry, I'm a bit of a book hoarder but I'll let everyone in the class know that you're looking for them. Or heres the first year group for applied/entertainments/forensics if you want to post there https://www.facebook.com/groups/282247021897059/

No worries, I'm the exact same so I completely understand haha. Thanks anyway