[Sussex] IT qualifications advice

[Alan J Fitton]

On Fri, 28 Nov 2003, Geoff Teale wrote:

> In terms of the subjects you mention.  Basically if you already know a
> fair bit about computing then anything that isn't teaching you the
> fundamentals of programming, networking and database systems isn't worth
> your time.  If you plan to go on and maybe do a degree in Computer
> Science then a good A-level education in mathematics would serve you far
> better than word processing and web page design.
>
> Moreover good grades in more fundamental subjects like Maths, the
> sciences and English will give you a much wider choice of possible
> degree courses than a specialist subject will.  These subjects will of
> course be harder to get good grades in, but from what you've said I
> imagine that being taught to use MS Word is going to be boring enough
> for you to flunk it even though you can do it in your sleep.  I've been
> there...
>
This is what I suspected, but it helps to have another opinion before
making my final decision and filling out my application. It is in fact,
the good part of two years that I'm deciding how to spend. I'm fairly
certain now that ICT will not be one of my chosen subjects and I'll focus
my effects to fundamental ones.

> 0/
> A levels are not the end of the world.  I don't have _any_ A levels, but
> I do have a degree.  I got onto my Uni course by simply going along and
> talking to IT lecturers about what I knew.
>
Perhaps, but I get the impression it's harder to get far without A levels,
or equivilents these days. I suspect it's changed since the time you were
at the same stage as me :)

Thanks for the reply!
Time for me to hit the sack :-)