Distance learning: Software Development with Student loan

UncleRuckus · 1 Jun 2011 at 15:44

As the title states. Do any of you guys know of any degrees where I would be able to study from home and be able to get a student loan for the degree?

Where I stand at the moment I'm pretty good with PHP, okay with C#, but I feel that all the self study I do with books, tutorials etc. Well it's spotty in places.

What would you guys suggest?

Maccy · 1 Jun 2011 at 16:00

Here would be a good start - http://www.open.ac.uk

UncleRuckus · 1 Jun 2011 at 16:08

Maccy said:
Here would be a good start - http://www.open.ac.uk

Ha I was just looking before I read this

I have found this so far: http://www3.open.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/qualification/b62.htm

It seems that searching for software engineering yields more results

UncleRuckus · 1 Jun 2011 at 17:20

It seems they teach VB on some of their modules, isn't it a dying language?

Dj_Jestar · 1 Jun 2011 at 18:06

The language is not of importance. The concept of programming is the bit you need to pay attention to.

Also, no VB is still used by many (groan). It's also used by CAD operators and similar machinery too.

slylittlefox · 1 Jun 2011 at 18:33

Think you'll be lucky to find a distance learning course where you can get the typical student loan, you'll have to venture out the house I'm afraid

UncleRuckus · 3 Jun 2011 at 14:04

Dj_Jestar said:
Also, no VB is still used by many (groan). It's also used by CAD operators and similar machinery too.

-_- Deary me

Okay, chaps I've had another look at the degrees and it looks like you can study a secondary subject too.

I am thinking for going either...

BSc (Hons) Computing & IT and Business
BSc (Hons) Computing & IT and Design
BSc (Hons) Computing & IT and Mathematics
BSc (Hons) Computing & IT and Psychology

Anybody done one of these degrees and would like to share?

GravyMonster · 3 Jun 2011 at 14:15

I'd say the field of programming you want to get into would determine which you go for.

Design would be most applicable for web, and mathematics would be good for gaming, CAD or graphical work. Business is a general topic, so I couldn't even guess what thats going to be. And IT and psychology... eh?

UncleRuckus · 3 Jun 2011 at 14:35

Spunkey said:
I'd say the field of programming you want to get into would determine which you go for.

Design would be most applicable for web, and mathematics would be good for gaming, CAD or graphical work. Business is a general topic, so I couldn't even guess what thats going to be. And IT and psychology... eh?

I'm really not sure which direction to go, I have been messing around with the web for a while and I think I may need a change.

It seems the psychology part is if you want to go into AI, hmmm the brother in law did electronics at Uni, weird science anyone?

UncleRuckus · 3 Jun 2011 at 15:03

Seems that the secondary subject would be split 50/50 with computing where as the other goes more indepth . Both amount to the same total of work. I'm really going to have to deeply think about which path to choose...

sharkkk · 3 Jun 2011 at 15:07

Currently doing B62 there, specialising in software development. Love it, love the material, love the learning style, can't think of anything to hate about it.
You might find the secondary subjects a bit heavy if you haven't studied them in depth before, especially business and psychology. I personally think maths is the good choice if your main interest is programming!

UncleRuckus · 3 Jun 2011 at 15:22

sharkkk said:
Currently doing B62 there, specialising in software development. Love it, love the material, love the learning style, can't think of anything to hate about it.
You might find the secondary subjects a bit heavy if you haven't studied them in depth before, especially business and psychology. I personally think maths is the good choice if your main interest is programming!

Excellent B62 was one of my choices.

I think the maths is what I would find the most challenging, I did Business studies at school so that would give me a head start.

So how many books and materials do you need to buy and what sort of price?

Also if you're doing this with finance, do you have to apply for it with each module?

sharkkk · 3 Jun 2011 at 15:33

If you've got the head start then it should be a good choice if you want a secondary subject

A big plus side is that if you find you hate the business material (or maybe the computing!) you can always just use the modules you've done towards a qualification you prefer instead of the combined one.

All the materials are part of each module fee and are delivered a while before you'll need them, the only extra materials worth buying in the future are extra past exam papers and they're relatively cheap.
They've made some recent tweaks to the finance system and I'm fairly sure you have to submit an application each year and then any modules that fall within that academic year will be dealt with under that application. It's quite simple (as simple as possible for any stupid system with a load of paperwork involved!) and the web-based system deals with things well - it's hard to screw up

UncleRuckus · 3 Jun 2011 at 15:47

sharkkk said:
All the materials are part of each module fee and are delivered a while before you'll need them, the only extra materials worth buying in the future are extra past exam papers and they're relatively cheap.
They've made some recent tweaks to the finance system and I'm fairly sure you have to submit an application each year and then any modules that fall within that academic year will be dealt with under that application. It's quite simple (as simple as possible for any stupid system with a load of paperwork involved!) and the web-based system deals with things well - it's hard to screw up

Excellent, so how many hours are you doing a week on this?

I will be working part-time and clocking about 16 hours a week.

sharkkk · 3 Jun 2011 at 15:53

I'm not a good guideline here 'cause I tend to have some weeks of doing nothing and some of non-stop last-minute studying, oops.
They recommend giving yourself 8 hours a week for each 30 credits.

UncleRuckus · 3 Jun 2011 at 15:55

sharkkk said:
They recommend giving yourself 8 hours a week for each 30 credits.

Ah okay, sounds good to me I shall be getting through those 30 Credit modules!

sharkkk · 3 Jun 2011 at 16:00

Worth a go! And hell, if you find it's not for you after the first year, you might have still gathered enough points for a certificate in higher education or something. A few more years and you can get a diploma.
Not meaning to have a negative attitude, but it's a handy system if things change for you - you won't come out with nothing!

UncleRuckus · 3 Jul 2011 at 02:34

Just a quick update.

I received the financial paperwork in the post. It looks like I will be eligible for the full grant which makes me very happy!

It's all sent off now; I had to photocopy my birth certificate and get a civil servant to sign and certify it.

I am very nervous and excited at the same time, so what I am doing before the first module starts is drilling my Maths using the fantastic Khan academy and generally trying to improve my English vocabulary and spelling.