Should I go back to uni at 26?

[greenandpink]

Hi!

I am a 25 year old mum to a little boy, and I would be almost 26 at the start of the term.

I started uni a few years ago but, due to life circumstances, dropped out in my first year.

I want to start a part-time degree with the open university but am really not sure about the implications.

I would like to study computer science but I don't know if it as wise idea. My husband and I have a total income, after taxes, of 36 000 gbp per annum. I would have to take out a loan of 9000 GBP. Our rent is 1100 a month excluding council tax and bills.

On the other hand, I was accepted into a free alternative coding school (42 London). The school, however, doesn't deliver any official qualification, and I'm unsure of how valuable it would be in the eyes of future potential employers.

I've heard that a degree isn't always required to get into programming and computing jobs but I wonder if most companies would still prefer candidates with traditional qualifications.

Sorry, yearly income is 33 600 not 36 000

Are you sure you can get a loan through the open university? I’d be looking into that first and foremost

Sorry again, don't mean to spam. Part of our income is from universal credit. So it would also entail that our universal credit would be reduced and I wouldn't be able to work more hours

Thank you for your reply.
I can get one through student finance for the OU

The advantage of open university is that you can study modules more slowly and effectively spread the cost. One year full time with OU is approx £6500 not £9000.
So if you study half time this is £3250 each year that you study. I would suggest saving this up ready to start either Oct 2023 or some courses begin Feb 2024. This would give you a goal to aim for.

This isn’t the case unfortunately. Because it’s distance learning etc you would still have the same work commitments. You can’t claim for living costs through student finance, only course fees

If you want to study coding then there is no particular advantage to a degree, particularly now with AI looking to take on a significant part of that role in the next year or two. Definitely study it and get good at it. But don't pay for it.

What is the next thing you want to do up the career ladder? And will AI be a player in that too?

What other skills to you have? Maybe look at project management? There are a whole host of degrees that are going to be more relevant to the future.

Sustainability is also another option. I think you'd qualify to do the Google certifications here. Get into tech is sponsored by Google. www.academy.inco-group.co/

Why not look at NVQs and apprenticeships which can be done in work

An OU degree is what 6 years? Once you’ve got your first job the degree matters less and less. In your situation I’d do the free course and grow your income quickly. It doesn’t stop
you doing a degree later but I suspect you’d be better off getting your career going quicker.

uk.indeed.com/m/jobs?q=Computer+Science+Degree+Apprenticeship

I have no experience of computer programming but decided to get a degree so I could be a teacher at the same age as you. I looked into OU and it was more cost effective (for me) to enroll at a commutable university full time. I got a pretty generous maintenance loan and I worked night shifts on a casual basis to top up my income.
I didn't have a child at the time though so not sure I could imagine doing that now.
The other benefit of full time is you know exactly when you will finish.

uk.indeed.com/m/jobs?q=Computer+Science+Degree+Apprenticeship

there are opportunities which you will het paid a basic salary for whilst qualifying

I’d get the CS degree. Even if you don’t code, but go into IT/AI project management employers are always going to choose someone with a relevant technical degree + PRINCE2 over someone with no relevant technical degrees and only PRINCE2 project management qualifications. Plus too, the degree gets you hired and then many employers will pay all expenses to get you PRINCE2 qualifications.

A CS degree will still be valuable. I do agree look at degree apprenticeships so you can avoid student loan debt and be paid an income while studying.

@HairyKitty Are you sure your info is accurate? A full time honours degree would be 6k from what I've read? In total not per year...

@name985 if I’ve understood you correctly, your understanding is incorrect 😁. OU is £6500 per year full time ie approx £20k instead of £30k at a brick university. Except perhaps if resident in Wales or maybe Scotland where higher education is heavily subsidised.

@HairyKitty I'm in Scotland, so my figures are correct for here.

It would be a good idea to do some more research. Ask potential employers about the merits of each course. Who do they prefer to employ? Look at how much graduates of each course are earning and where they're working.
If you want a degree though, don't worry about the loan element. It's not the same as a normal loan.

Computer science is a great course and have lots of potential for well paid jobs.
It is also possible to learn coding online and self taught but harder to get the focus and be sure you are covering the right things. But do work on your own projects alongside the course. Have a GitHub/ join local geeky MeetUps / contribute to open source stuff. That can all build your CV.

Do it.

I'm mid 50s and studying a second degree with the OU.

For anyone asking yes you can get funding to do an OU degree, and if you are doing a STEM subject part time you get fees funded even if you already have a degree.

I'd do the degree, you're only 26!

It's also important to note that a 'coding boot camp' (please people it's 'programming') will only teach you the shape of the spoon. Computer Science is more than just programming.