Computing top up degree - Online

[NeurologyLady]

Hi everyone,

Could anyone help me find a Top Up course in computing. I'd love to make my foundation degree in computer science (c++, Cisco, etc) into a full BSc Honours.

Basically I want to get back into software testing or become a teacher!

I've tried Open University and I've missed the deadline for a full year.

I tried my local University and the programme manager said and I quote exactly " at 36, you'll find our top up degree almost impossible " - doubt he'd say that to a 36 year old man with C++, and Cisco experience.

I was absolutely heartbroken to be honest. I thought that attitude was left behind in 2000's. Apparently not.

To avoid drip feeding. Left Uni in 2008 as the course was horribly intimidating for a woman (I was the only one) but graduated with a Foundation Degree. My career has been in digital marketing ever since.

However, I'd LOVE to work in tech but no idea how. Mainly due to living in the SW where there are little or no opportunities...

Anyway, any recommendations would be fab! :)

Another local college has just contacted me to say I can potentially start next week but I need confirmation from the course manager

Omg 😲 wish me luck

Good luck!

But while you’re waiting - can you not look up the degree you want on the UCAS site? Won’t they have a complete list?

As for that pointless excuse for a programme manager …

I do think you should have looked at all possible degrees before picking one (or a few) to apply to.

There are so many different roles in the software industry. Software engineer in test and teaching is very different. What do you like better? There is also product owner, business analyst, scrum master and UX designer.

if you are aiming for a software engineer in test role, I would imagine you apply for a junior position once you got your degree? I have no idea how older people get into the industry. But good luck.

Thanks everyone. My options are severely limited because I live in a remote / deprived part of the UK that has poor access to bigger cities (and therefore better universities)

So I felt like I should do a general Computing Science Top Up as most cover a range of modules and subjects.

When I say teaching, I mean teaching IT / computer science 😊.

There hasn't been much support available to me to help me find my transferable skills and talents. There's barely any jobs here as it is but it's my dream to finish my degree and actually graduate.

It would provide a "way in" to local authority analyst and database roles. Which would be a huge win for me!

Well the college phoned up and asked if I'd be interested in lecturing after graduation! Well yes! 😊

Sounds good. The other advice I would give you is a degree is just part of the story. If you want to make a start in other areas which will help look for courses in Agile (all software testing uses Agile as a framework now). Future Learn has loads of online courses you can work through and also take a look at the Open Universities Microcredential courses which last 10-12 weeks and cover various topics.

Also make sure you are unto speed on security as this is gaining a lot of traction, especially in software testing.