Level 7 or Level 8

Elai147

Hi all, I am hoping I could get some advice here. If I got an option to study Engineering at Level 7 and Level 8 in IT Tallaght, which would you advise me to do as a mature student? Apart from Level 8 being Honours and Level 7, an Ordinary degree, is there actually any difference between these two in terms of workload? I heard that Level 8 is a bit faster than Level 7. Does this mean it is more difficult than a Level 7 degree? I am curious as I would be going to college as a mature student, so I'm a little bit nervous. Here is a little info about my educational background... I completed a 2-year diploma programme in Computer Engineering (foreign qualification- more like a Level 6 in the NFQ) in 2001, and since then I have been out of third level education.

My goal is to get an Honours degree, but would you advise me to go through the Level 7 route (doing a Level 7 plus 1 or 2 add-on year(s) to get the Level 8) or should I go for the Level 8? Should I be worried about the level of difficulty, if any, as a mature student who left higher education since 2001?

Thanks.

helpful

For all it's worth I'd definitely say go for the level 8 if that's what you want to end up doing anyway!!
The workload might be more intense but I think it would be worth it in the end. 18 year olds straight out of school will be doing the same thing and if they're capable I don't see why you wouldn't be!!
It might look better on the cv when it's time to apply for a job too. I'm sure you know your own capabilities more than anyone else though.

Elai147

helpful wrote: »

For all it's worth I'd definitely say go for the level 8 if that's what you want to end up doing anyway!!
The workload might be more intense but I think it would be worth it in the end. 18 year olds straight out of school will be doing the same thing and if they're capable I don't see why you wouldn't be!!
It might look better on the cv when it's time to apply for a job too. I'm sure you know your own capabilities more than anyone else though.

Thanks a lot for your time. You definitely relieved me of some tension.

Elai147

More opinions/advice are welcomed. Thanks

RoebuckWilson

Elai147 wrote: »

More opinions/advice are welcomed. Thanks

I'd go for the level 8 also. I'd similar options for a business course, and genuinely underestimated my abilities. You're essentially keeping up with kids straight from leaving cert, and that's 100% manageable.

If this is what you want to do, whether it comes naturally or requires long nights, you'll get there. I found some modules easy and some requiring a real study session, but it all comes down to your determination to do it. Don't delay yourself with a level 7 if level 8 is really what you want.

Elai147

ghpeople wrote: »

I'd go for the level 8 also. I'd similar options for a business course, and genuinely underestimated my abilities. You're essentially keeping up with kids straight from leaving cert, and that's 100% manageable.

If this is what you want to do, whether it comes naturally or requires long nights, you'll get there. I found some modules easy and some requiring a real study session, but it all comes down to your determination to do it. Don't delay yourself with a level 7 if level 8 is really what you want.

Thanks for your advice. I am very determined, and will do whatever it takes to get there. Thanks again.

pauliebdub

It depends on whether you have relevant work experience. If you have no experience I would say do the level 8, if you have relevant work experience I would think that the level 7 would be sufficient. Relevant experience seems to count for a lot compared to degree level.

DavidKeane

I'd echo earlier sentiments- go with Level 8, especially as that's what you want to achieve overall.

Elai147

pauliebdub wrote: »

It depends on whether you have relevant work experience. If you have no experience I would say do the level 8, if you have relevant work experience I would think that the level 7 would be sufficient. Relevant experience seems to count for a lot compared to degree level.

I have no relevant work experience, so I guess level 8 will be it. Thanks.

Elai147

DavidKeane wrote: »

I'd echo earlier sentiments- go with Level 8, especially as that's what you want to achieve overall.

Thanks David.

Elai147

Got offers for my first choice from both Level 7 and Level 8 yesterday. Would be accepting the Level 8 as advised. Thanks a million to all of you.

RoebuckWilson

Elai147 wrote: »

Got offers for my first choice from both Level 7 and Level 8 yesterday. Would be accepting the Level 8 as advised. Thanks a million to all of you.

Congrats! Get ready for a super fast 4 years...