Systems Analysis and Design

[SarahT]

Hi,

I'm 25 and have a BSc(Hons) degree in a science subject. I'm looking
to re-train in the area of Systems Analysis, either as a Systems
Analyst or a Programming Analyst. I'm currently working on the content
of a national website - most of my knowledge is self-taught and I
don't have the pieces of paper to back up what I know.

I've looked at courses by distance learning providers, such as
Computeach, but don't know how to find out whether the qualifications
that they are offering will help me find a job, or if the cost of the
course is reasonable – in the case of Computeach, they are charging
£3,950 for a course that gives me a Computeach Diploma and NCC
Advanced Certificates in Systems Analysis, Systems Design, and SSADM
and CASE tools.

Alternative routes are to look at distance learning/part-time degrees.
My concern with these is that they will take 3-5 years for me to
complete and that I will be too ‘old' for the IT industry once I've
finished them.

I could alternatively buy books, learn everything at home and then sit
various exams.

Any advice on the best training route, industry-recognised
qualifications or feedback on companies such as Computeach would be
much appreciated. Likewise, contact from anyone who would be willing
to share their own experiences with me.

Thanks

Sarah

[hugh.w.p]

Post by SarahT
Hi,
I'm 25 and have a BSc(Hons) degree in a science subject. I'm looking
to re-train in the area of Systems Analysis, either as a Systems
Analyst or a Programming Analyst. I'm currently working on the content
of a national website - most of my knowledge is self-taught and I
don't have the pieces of paper to back up what I know.
I've looked at courses by distance learning providers, such as
Computeach, but don't know how to find out whether the qualifications
that they are offering will help me find a job, or if the cost of the
course is reasonable - in the case of Computeach, they are charging
£3,950 for a course that gives me a Computeach Diploma and NCC
Advanced Certificates in Systems Analysis, Systems Design, and SSADM
and CASE tools.
Alternative routes are to look at distance learning/part-time degrees.
My concern with these is that they will take 3-5 years for me to
complete and that I will be too 'old' for the IT industry once I've
finished them.
I could alternatively buy books, learn everything at home and then sit
various exams.
Any advice on the best training route, industry-recognised
qualifications or feedback on companies such as Computeach would be
much appreciated. Likewise, contact from anyone who would be willing
to share their own experiences with me.
Thanks
Sarah

Ideally an accredited Computer Science Degree is what employers are after as
it shows academic rigour which the Computeach and MS.... A+... etc stuff do
not show. On the other hand they may give you a foot in the door.
Computeach is ludicrously expensive you can get an OU degree with less money
and that would be far better recognised but not as fast. And you can work
at the same time, but it does take some commitment.
www.open.ac.uk

Rgds

Hugh

[Jamie @ NITLC]

4 a new career in I.T. contact The National IT Learning Centre on 0800
2986066 or go to www.nitlc.com or email ***@nitlc.com

[Bagpuss]

Post by SarahT
Hi,
I'm 25 and have a BSc(Hons) degree in a science subject. I'm looking
to re-train in the area of Systems Analysis, either as a Systems
Analyst or a Programming Analyst. I'm currently working on the content
of a national website - most of my knowledge is self-taught and I
don't have the pieces of paper to back up what I know.

I would say an MSc would be the best route in something like IT for
business. One of my collegues recently did it part time. You could do
it in a year and it near enough is equivalent of a nother degree, but
looks good on a CV. You don't want something that is going to take too
long in the current climate.

Another option is to go to one of the training companies and do a
course on Business Analysis or say UML. They usually do specific week
or so long courses.

[hugh.w.p]

Post by Bagpuss

Post by SarahT
Hi,
I'm 25 and have a BSc(Hons) degree in a science subject. I'm looking
to re-train in the area of Systems Analysis, either as a Systems
Analyst or a Programming Analyst.

I would say an MSc would be the best route in something like IT for
business. One of my collegues recently did it part time. You could do
it in a year and it near enough is equivalent of a nother degree, but
looks good on a CV.

The OU MSc and most others are 180 CATS points
Equivalent to 3 years Part time or 1.5 years full time study. They are not
easy to cram like u/grad stuff as the amount of information you have to take
in is more like a 3 year full time degree. If you find a shorter MSC
they'll certainly require Degrre level prequisites in CS/IT unless your
willing to settle for a bog noddy degree from some some certificate mill uni


Hugh

[Sash.]

You should also look at ISEB qualifications. They are accredited by the
British Computer Society (BCS).

http://www1.bcs.org.uk/link.asp?sectionID=436