Is it worth getting a degree?

[stackpole]

I would like to confirm I have the knowledge...but at the cost of three years of evening/weekend work it is a bit much to just do for the heck of it. I looked at the OU degree course and the final module is creating an ecommerce app which made me laugh as it is the kind of thing I do every day.

Stan, from what you have been saying, you know most of the syllabus anyway, so you should find it relatively easy. You could even get honours.

So why not? There will be some stuff in there that is new to you, but it isn't as if you'd be struggling, night after night, trying to get your head around new concepts. And it sounds like the project won't stretch you much either.

Some might think it is only a piece of paper, but it is a formal standard that you will have achieved.

I would have thought a degree earned later in life off your own bat, when you are holding down a job and perhaps raising a family, is worth more than what the rest of us got as layabout students with nothing more to worry about than crumpet and beer vouchers.

[Lucifer Box]

I didnt think its possible to do a masters without first doing a bachelors or am I wrong?

Absolutely it is possible, Stan. Honestly, as I think you have realised, someone with your experience would be wasting their time (and money) doing a bachelor's degree. Any admissions tutor will tell you the same. Colleague of mine did exactly the same a couple of years ago. Had years of hands on experience but no degree (of any sort). Did an M.Sc. at Birkbeck no problem.

[Stan]

I am so glad I asked, you guys have saved me time and money as, from what the OU site says, I can indeed do a masters

[Lucifer Box]

I am so glad I asked, you guys have saved me time and money as, from what the OU site says, I can indeed do a masters

You certainly can, Stan. Anyone who says you have to do a bachelor's first is talking out of their arse. As you rightly say, for anyone with significant hands on experience, a bachelor's degree is childishly easy.

As far as IT related M.Sc. goes, Birkbeck is rated much higher than OU in the credibility stakes. Seriously consider them first as OU IT masters are often seen as a bit noddy.

[Stan]

Is it this one http://www.bbk.ac.uk/study/distance.html I dont think I can do software dev remotely with them.

[SandyDown]

Stan Stan
He's our man
He's got a secret plan
He's got a Masters plan
Come on Stan,
come and join our Klan
Our Klan from the sea of Japan
to the republic of Sudan

[Sandy in cheerleader mode ]

[Lucifer Box]

Is it this one http://www.bbk.ac.uk/study/distance.html I dont think I can do software dev remotely with them.

No idea, Stan. If I were you I'd get hold of a copy of all the prospectuses and see which combination of institute/subjects grabs your interest. Going to an open evening is well worth while also. The OU is seen as a bit noddy though... a distance learning programme with a "real university" will carry a lot more kudos. Obviously the more intensive programmes with Birkbeck are only practical if you can actually get to London an evening or two a week.

[Stan]

Looks like it may be the noddy OU for me then since I am at the opposite end of the island (Glasgow!).

Thanks for the cheerleading

[Lucifer Box]

Does not Glasgow University or somewhere within reach do a similar programme of evening based and/or distance courses?

[benn0]

You'd be better off with a City and Guilds in carpentry/plastering/bricklaying or some other trade. At least it's something to fall back on, with plenty of tax free income to be had.