Computer Science HND Computing University Course

**Lord Dakier** · April 06, 2014, 05:11 PM

Hi guys,

Not necessarily a computer issue but definitely need some advice from the egg heads. I'm looking to further develop my computer skills now I am skilled with computers, however I've never really done programming or web design to the professional extent. I mean I've done some coding within computer games and I've built a website for my granddad using a html web builder site but I've not got enough credibility to get me to where I want. So I'm looking into going to university in the future to achieve what I want to do. So I'm kind of looking for advice from anyone who's gone to university studying computing specifically. I want to know whether it may be better to specialise in a certain direction or maybe do a course which I can gain a little bit of everything like the Computer Science HND in Computing. Living in Birmingham, West Midlands, UK I'd also have to consider accommodation and such but that's for another day as first I'd have to go back to college to retrain surely.

Any help is greatfully appreciated,
Regards

**M. Laveur** · April 07, 2014, 06:28 PM

What do you mean by computer skills? Do you wanna develop SW, do web design, or more theoretical stuff related to math?

**Lord Dakier** · April 07, 2014, 09:01 PM

I am looking at the possibility of retraining and going to university within some years time. I've always been pretty good with computers so it seemed logical to pursue a career in it. I guess I'm looking more for career advice than actual knowledge of subject. I was thinking of doing a HND and then an MSc in computer science which would be educating a little bit of everything from programming to web design to computer analysis and data entry. I guess my question would be is it feasible to take this path or could someone suggest a better one or perhaps even have advice on doing computing at a university level.

I'm sorry I don't necessarily know the exact question I want to ask, but more so hoard information on the matter.

**Ybbon** · April 08, 2014, 04:50 PM

Well the first question is where do you want to go? You said you haven't got enough credibility but for what? I have a degree in IT but it is from 1990 so not sure what relevance that is 25 years later and I would not expect to be judged on the results of that now.
It does depend, if you have enough experience outside University and can demonstrate the skills you have, then actually having a degree is not always necessary. Many companies will look at wider experiences depending on what your age is and what those experiences are, at the end of the day a degree is just a piece of paper indicating you can pass a set course of work study and exams to a level of competence.

However, computing is a broad field these days, so what are you looking for and what kind of field interests you?

**Lord Dakier** · April 08, 2014, 05:02 PM

Well that's sort of the problem. I don't know what I want to go into in all honesty. Programming or web design seem like two of the most interesting this day and age. The reason why I looked mostly at computer science is because it's a bit of everything. I can come out of it with a variety of skills rather than having all my eggs in one basket.

I'm 21 now and 22 in June. Without any credible experience in the IT industry I'm not going to be able to walk into any sort of IT role it seems. My logic is that it be most efficient to decide where I want to go in university as I will certainly need to redo college. Funny how you always regret taking school and college seriously the first time round, eh?

**Muizer** · July 14, 2020, 01:39 PM

Originally Posted by Lord Dakier

Well that's sort of the problem. I don't know what I want to go into in all honesty. Programming or web design seem like two of the most interesting this day and age. The reason why I looked mostly at computer science is because it's a bit of everything. I can come out of it with a variety of skills rather than having all my eggs in one basket.

I'm 21 now and 22 in June. Without any credible experience in the IT industry I'm not going to be able to walk into any sort of IT role it seems. My logic is that it be most efficient to decide where I want to go in university as I will certainly need to redo college. Funny how you always regret taking school and college seriously the first time round, eh?

I think you will have to make some sort of decision about where you want to go before you sign up for anything. I know people who made it into web development (mostly front-end and design) with only the most basic of training in computer science. If that's the trade you end up going into, a full university course is likely overkill.

**Akar** · July 14, 2020, 08:33 PM

This is a 6 year old thread.

**King Athelstan** · July 15, 2020, 09:43 AM

This is a very fascinating necro

**Sir Adrian** · July 15, 2020, 11:58 AM

Short guide to how to learn programming at a good enough level to get a job/internship (step 3.1 and 4 can be skipped if you just want Java or C#, just be prepared for the increased difficulty)

1. start with Computer Science 101: bits, bytes, boolean, loops, conditionals, variables, etc. learn it. know it. dream it at night.
2. solve basic algorithms in pseudo-code: adition, dvision, lopps, conditionals, prime number, palindrome, etc - everything you learn at step one. additionally get a computer science book and solve problems from that book
3.1 learn c at a basic level. this is useful because C is both the basis of most modern back-end programming languages, and the linear logic makes certain concepts better to understand.
3.2 while learning c start playing with html and css.
4. take all the previous exercises you did and redo them in C. get C problem book/site and do all of those as well.
5. start learning an OOP language of your choice (Java, C# or C++). repeat the process from steps 3.1 and 4.
6 specialize. pick a language you love and will be able to get you job. start building passion projects in that language. start small with a daily schedule app and complicate it. add a framework. add an interface in javascript, html, css. use design patterns. use a build pattern like MVC. alternatively you can switch to mobile if you wish.