Is computing University a good idea?

corbanwolf

  • Posts: 223
Hey. I was thinking recently about joining university to learn more about It, including programming, databases, and other aspects. I found 3 courses which I am interested in: creative computing, computer science, computer games technology:

1. Creative computing:
Year One
• Computer Architecture
• Mathematics for Computing
• Programming
• Developing a Digital Identity
• Information Systems and Databases
• User Experience Design.
Year Two
• Games Design
• Games, Simulations
and Virtual Worlds
• Artificial Intelligence
• Mobile Web Application Development
• Computer Graphics
• Group Research Project.
Year Three
• Responsible Computing
• Machine Learning
• Project.
Plus, choose from:
• IT Consultancy
• Cyber Security
• Databases and Analytics
• Games Product Management.

2.Computer Science:
Year One
• Programming
• Computer Architecture
• Mathematics for Computing
• Data Communications
• Information Systems and Databases
• Algorithms and Data Types.
Year Two
• Mobile Web App Development
• Artificial Intelligence
• Theory of Computation
• Functional Programming
• Human-Centred Computing
• Group Research Project.
Year Three
• Applied Software Engineering
• Machine Learning
• Project.
Plus two options from:
• Cyber Security
• Distributed Systems
• Databases and Analytics
• IT Consultancy

3. Computer Games technology:
Year One
• Information Systems and Databases
• Programming
• Introduction to Programming for Games
• Developing a Digital Identity
• Mathematics for Computing
• Computer Architecture.
Year Two
• Game Design
• Games Business
• Artificial Intelligence
• Group Research Project
• Games, Simulations and Virtual Worlds
• Computer Graphics.
Year Three
• Applied Software Engineering
• Machine Learning
• Game Product Management
• Project.
Optional modules:
• Cyber Security
• Databases and Analytics.

And here's my question. I don't know what to choose. I want to focus on programming, but also other things may  be helpful. As a job I'd like to get software programmer, developer or something related. My first choice was creative computing, but after some research I learnt that it's very popular and google is almost silent when searching for it, it's like it's a fake course with teching nothing in particular. Which course is best to choose and you guys, did you get a degree in computing etc?
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merrak

  • *
  • Posts: 2738
Quote
Which course is best to choose

If your main interest is programming, Computer Science (#2) is probably going to be the one to consider first. Have you looked at job postings for the kind of job you would like to have and see what potential employers are looking for?

One of the themes at my university is "prepare students for jobs that don't exist yet". This is especially important in tech. Learning a specific language/tool/etc will help you in the short run, and a strong background in theory (algorithms, math) will help you in the long run. Theory is more stable than implementation. For example, understanding how programming languages are designed will help you learn whatever new programming language comes your way. Of course, to get a job, you would need to know whatever languages and tools are used today.

I would assume you would have some options to take electives, in which case you could take some courses in one of the other categories.

Quote
...did you get a degree in computing etc

My degrees are in math, but with a focus on computer algebra systems. (Basically, how you program tools like Wolfram Alpha).

corbanwolf

  • Posts: 223
I wanted to choose creative computing cuz there is also programming in the first year, but I guess this is how far they go with programming at this course, next is mobile game development but it is very broad. My main goal is to be software/programmer focused job, this is what I love. And as I look at job offers, it is basically the same, c++, java, python etc, what's funny in job offers they say that degree in computer science or related is a bonus. It's funny that it is a bonus and not a requirement, but at the same time I understand they give chances to self taught programmers. Anyway, I think I will choose computer science. In this course in detailed course guide it says that in first year is Java and in second year is Haskell. I will learn java and probably extra c++ at home after classes. Plus was thinking about on year postgraduate of "software development* course to really increase my skills and job hunting chances. Does it sound like a good plan?
♪♪♪♪♪♪

merrak

  • *
  • Posts: 2738
Does it sound like a good plan?

My advice would be to speak with an admissions representative, or ideally, faculty in the CS department. I think they could give the best answer to your questions... also, it doesn't hurt to take the opportunity to network. As a faculty member, I get a lot of requests from students to write letters of recommendation. If I know what their aspirations are, I can write something more effective than "so-and-so has good grades"--something their transcript already says.

Chris24XD

  • Posts: 48
It is a really good idea to learn computer science on University and may help you in the future!!!
But keep in mind that will take 2/3 of your free time.
Also all the 3 preferces are good.