Which college?! Online minor bachalor v classroom Cert in Computer Science

Kai123

Hello forum.

Found out that a Minor Bachelors is still level 6 on the Irish education rating system, so they practically give the same level of cert. I cant delete this thread so no need to comment, I made up my mind Danke Forum!

I have the option to go back to college. One option is a Certificate in Computer Science Level 6 (same level as Comptia & CCNA) or Certificate in Information Technology (Minor level 8, not sure what it means but it counts as third-level education).

Certificate in Computer Science is 11-17 hours in a college in town. Over two semesters It covers;

Computer Programming
Data Communications
Maths for Computing and IT
Computer Architecture and Systems
Creative Digital Media
Network Technology

Apart from the cert itself, a few MTA's are thrown in, and its optional to learn a language from beginner to intermediate (Spanish, Dutch or German). This course is 28 weeks (the last 8 being a work placement).

The second course is Certificate in Information Technology. It is completely Online besides a few lectures and workshops. It would be regarded as a higher level cert. It covers;

Computing 1: Introduction to IT, Programming and the Internet
Communications Technology 1: Telecommunications and the Development of Networks
Human Science 1: Human Computer Interaction

Its one full year. It gives less ECTS Credits, but you leave with a better cert.

Certificate in Information Technology

Pros:

Better cert from a University
Much more indepth learning of IT
Mostly Online (pro and con)
Much easier to work towards a bachelors

Con:

Mostly Online
Its one year
Less ECTS Credits
Probably much harder
No tutor face-to-face
I would struggle with programming and math on my own

Certificate in Computer Science

Pros:

Only 28 weeks (with work placement)
Face-to-face, hands on, college environment
Chance to learn a language
More ECTS Credits
MTA's included
I get to leave the apartment!

Con:

Level 6 (but having Comptia's, MTA and Certificate in Computer Science on CV, I think I should be fairly employable after that).
Not as well known college compared to a university.


There might be some grammar or typo's but im very tired.

Asif Dasl

When you talk about FETAC levels you should really link to a graphic to explain it to a non-Irish audience. Regardless, I would go with the Certificate in Information Technology. A) because it's a higher FETAC level. It's a university and it will look better on a CV. C) If you are determined you can get it done quickly online. D) MTA's and CompTIA's are not going to get you a job, CCNA/MCSE/VCP level would. E) If it's mostly online you could intern somewhere at the same time, say 2-3 days a week or something for IT experience and get you out of the house. Just my 2 cents.

Edit - you've made up your mind anyway, good luck with it!