Topping up degree - not sure what course to do

redrabbit29

redrabbit29

redrabbit29

Associate
Joined
8 May 2009
Posts
296
Hello everyone,

You may have seen me in other threads... I'm a Police Officer and I'm may be soon moving into a specialised role working as a Cyber Crime & Online Fraud Specialist - targetting organised crime groups.

I'm going to top up my old HND into a full BSc. Partly as at some stage in the next 2-5 years I may look to leave the Police.

I have a HND in IT/Computing. I am going to do a 2 year course to top it up to BSc as from research it really could hold me back. Also I've forgotten most of what I used to know... it's in my head somewhere, just need to re-learn it all as it's been almost 8 years since I did much with computers other than just basic PHP.

So I have a choice of two courses:

BSc Information Systems

Units include:

  • Advanced database concepts
  • Project Management
  • Advanced systems development
  • Information systems management
  • Final Year Project - NOTE: this can be theory or practical example

BSc Computing and Information Systems

Some units are the same:

  • (As above) Advanced database concepts
  • (As above) Project Management

  • Advanced Networks
  • E-commerce: a critical evaluation of technology
  • Final year project - again, it can be theory or practical

My Concerns

I'm concerned about the topic of "Advanced Networks" as my networking knowledge is terrible. Honestly, it's always been really poor. I barely know the difference between a hub, router, switch or modem :eek:

I want to do what's best for the future, If I do leave the Police, then I want to leave as many doors open as possible. I'm glad that both courses have Project Management as that seems big these days.

I thought the Computing and Information Systems may be "too heavy". I.e. maybe it may be too much for me to cope with learning? Maybe Business Information Systems may be a bit easier and less technical for me to get to grips with.

Final Word

I'm not asking you "What degree should I do?" as that's a bit stupid. But I am just thinking outloud as the course starts in September and I've got to apply soon and get funding sorted.

Anyone have similar experiences or pearls of wisdom? :D

Thanks everyone
 
Last edited:
[FnG]magnolia;26696989 said:
What does your second sentence mean? Are you planning to leave or planning to stay?
Click to expand...


Will edit that in a second... I mean:

I'm going to stay in the Police whilst I do my top up degree - I'm in no rush as I enjoy work. I'm looking to move during this time into a specialised Cyber Crime role.

If/When I choose to leave it would obviously be great to be able to say I have a BSc plus 2-3 years experience in investigating and prevention of Cyber Crime across a large region.

Whether I leave or not, I still want to do the degree and still would go into the Cyber Crime role.
 
I'm currently doing a MSc and the choice of modules is quite varied. I had originally picked a selection of modules for which my experience would apply and in the first few I breezed through without much effort, 80-90%. During a discussion with a colleague with an academic background, he challenged what I was doing and asked me why I was doing the degree - was it for a bit of paper or was it to learn new skills? I acted on his advice and switched my modules to subjects which I know relatively little about, with a view to gaining a more rounded knowledge overall.

You say you don't know much about networking. Maybe you should learn? It could be of great benefit to you in the future - maybe not in your current role, but who knows where you will be in 10 years? If you want to get the most from your degree, choose subjects that will challenge you.
 
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