Should I study Computer Science?

[b4uaff]

I have an offer for a university to study Comp Sci full time - so it will take 3 years.

I don't currently have a degree, I'm 30, and originally studied art at BTEC level. Most of my jobs have been 19-25k admin/customer service since leaving school.

I don't know if I should go for it or not. My main concern is that I feel too old. Like I should be doing something else with 3 years of my life, like settling down and having a family. Not going to university! Most of my friends are at the "it's just a job" phase, counting down until retirement and focusing on their families.

Would really appreciate any feedback or thoughts.

If you like the sciences and in particular computer studies, just do it. I would have loved to do that course. Not easy though I'm sure!

Well you’ve got at least 37 years until state retirement age so I would go for it!!!

I studied computer science at 30. I’m not sure I would do it again tbh. I now work on the business side and my degree hasn’t put me any further ahead and I could have picked a far easier degree.I found the course very maths heavy and a slog to get through whilst having to also hold down a part time job. I made friends but not on my course, as they were mostly all under 21. I would get a degree via an apprenticeship scheme if I could go back.

Do you like maths or at least a logical way of thinking, because that will really help. Have a look at the module list for the course and see what excites you. At this point there is no harm in doing a degree but you really want it to be in something you have a strong desire to do. It's a lot of time and money to spend on something you don't want to do!

You really need good maths for Computer Science courses

And that's why A level required by many (and FM expected for the most competitive entry courses) and some of those which don't do want to see a STEM A level.

Did you have any sciences at A level? if not, you might want to think about a foundation year, or some other way of getting it up to scratch. I'm not saying this because of slavish adherence to exact letter of normal requirements (which can sometimes be modified for mature students anyhow) but because the degree courses are mathsy and could be much harder for those who don't have it

Your friends are thinking of retirement and just a job at 30? That’s a bit depressing. 30 is so young. Do any courses that you can afford/have time for . I agree that you probably want to try and tie them to a career or role if money is a factor. Good luck

Are you a woman? I was at a government data summit today hearing about the lack of women studying computer science, and going into data science in particular. Dozens and dozens of government bodies in attendance. Definitely a massive growth area for jobs, particularly in public sector.

Some computer science degrees are more along the lines of Applied Computing degrees and don't require maths A level.

Do you want to do a full time degree OP? Why computer science? Have your previous jobs sparked an interest?

If its what you want then go for it. Don't be put off due to your age. This seems to be a common degree for men to take later in life so why not you (assuming you're female - hope so, good to hear of more women wanting to to these carers)

But, if it's the 3 years full time study putting you off there might be other ways for you to achieve the same end result.

I went back to university aged 40 to do a Computer Science masters. In my department there were very few mature students and very few women (<10%). The course itself was hard work, very maths heavy and completely different to anything I'd studied before.

However - the lecturers were great, I made loads of friends (nobody seemed to care that I was 20 years older than them) and after a wobbly start I loved the subject and ended up graduating with a distinction. I now work in a role that I couldn't have applied for without a qualification in CS.

At 30 you are not too old! My main question would be does computer science definitely interest you? I did a weekend course once and hated it, it's not for me and I work in a more business related tech role (dealing with all the stakeholders!)

At my org we have a programme for women specifically to support them to step into engineering. Rather than a degree and the costs associated, have you consider learning on the job and being paid at the same time. You are more than welcome to PM me if you want more details about the type of schemes involved.