Programming course with open university. is it any good??

charlotte.1987

Hi everyone,

Im thinking of doing a web development programming course with the open university.
I have done a web design course with the home learning college and im still paying the fee off even though ive finished the course because it was so expensive.

I really need to study programming so i can get a job as a web developer. I have applied for a few jobs but they tell me i havent got enough experience.

The open university is a lot cheaper and my local is in cambridge, where i live so i thought this might be a better option than the home learning college.

I was also thinking of teaching it to myself by buying Build Your Own Database Driven Website Using PHP and MySQL from whsmith but i dont know if its any good?

If anyone has got some advice on programming or the open university that would be a great help.


Charlotte :wave:

bitsandpieces

The OU has an excellent reputation. Assuming their course covers what you want to learn and you're happy with that way of working, it should be a good option. It's not a choice between practising building your own site and studying: the two may complement each other. You could also try voluntary work: will any charities want someone to build a site for them?

Worth researching what you'd need to get into web development: can you speak to a careers advisor, someone who works in the field, etc. The job market (in many fields) is not great at the moment - I'm not sure what level of qualification/experience is expected in someone going into that area nowadays.

CIS

I know its not web design but I did vb.net with the OU and I couldn't fault the course.

KrazyKeeper

Hi Charlotte, I'm currently doing a degree in computing and design through the open university, the courses have been very good so far and the tutors are more than helpful, you will need to register now to get on the courses (most start in late sep/early oct) if your household income is less than a certain amount(it goes up if there are children i think) then the course should be free plus you maybe entitled to a course grant and help towards a computer and broadband.

When I started my course I got £250 course grant and £250 for a new computer(had to send them the receipt) and I got offered up to £30 a month for broadband but wasn't quick enough cos it is first come first served. I think there is calculator on the OU website but not sure.

Just to touch on what bitsandpieces said, if you want a career in web dev then you probably need a degree, you can make some sample websites to show employers(if you can show that your already doing it(passion) and that your doing a good standard of course (OU) then someone may take a chance on you!)
also look for work on freelance websites(this is hard though because you may be bidding against people were cost of living is much cheaper)

As far as the book goes im not sure but if you look for web dev forums on the web they probably have a list of recommended books

Also bear in mind that the OU is in the top 50 universities in the country. If you want to know anything else just ask.

DogTailRed2

Do you know which course, or set of courses with the OU you plan to study?

I have completed the Certificate of Web Applications Design. This is a six part course that covers everything from design to deployment of a web platform. It doesn't cover programming in depth but does touch on JavaScript, ASP and a few others. As far as I am aware there are no pure Web Programming course on the OU. OOP and Java is covered.

If you are a student try Microsoft Dreamspark website. Lots of free tools and software for download and don't forget Adobe Student Additions of Dreamweaver.

pjread

Just be aware that you'll (unless you're very good/lucky/both) need to start 'at the bottom' in the industry and don't set your hopes too high with regards walking straight in to 40-50k because you have a relevant degree. I wouldn't let it stop me applying for jobs etc though - even on a tangent (IT support or Marketing could equally be entry points if played right and with a little luck...)

Personally I'd steer clear of tools like Dreamweaver etc - or at least, don't dedicate too much time if you must persue them. Reason being specific-tool experience isn't going to be of use to a company that doesn't use the tool in question, whereas a 'guru' who can write a site with an HB pencil in hypertext is worth a lot more than someone who essentially does desktop publishing...