Rights at University?

jgraham95

I got a situation or rather our entire year at university has this problem.

We all started a degree that was based around Computer Security and Digital Forensics, we are currently in 4th year and thus far out of 21 modules have been tought a total of 2 modules relating to the the Security and Digital Forensics. Now the issues is that we can go along the means of getting things sorted but have been told the time and process that we have to go through we will of already finished out honors year so for us it seems rather pointless for us to do.

I was wondering, do we have any legal entitlements to compensation for money or anything like this? As we are technically walking out with a VERY general degree in computing with next to no real job prospects in the security sector because of it. and as most of the class has done previous education (with funding) to get into university we can't even attempt to get a better degree elsewhere.......

So what Im really trying to find out mainly if anyone knows if there are grounds for compensation to the students of this course so we can look to get a proper education instead of being lied to and getting a degree that none of us were interested in so we can try and further our education by going to another university or by doing professional certifications.

Forgot to mention this is in scotland as i know the whole system in england is different

cardinalbiggles

jgraham95 wrote: »

I got a situation or rather our entire year at university has this problem.

We all started a degree that was based around Computer Security and Digital Forensics, we are currently in 4th year and thus far out of 21 modules have been tought a total of 2 modules relating to the the Security and Digital Forensics. Now the issues is that we can go along the means of getting things sorted but have been told the time and process that we have to go through we will of already finished out honors year so for us it seems rather pointless.

I was wondering, do we have any legal entitlements to compensation for money or anything like this? As we are technically walking out with a VERY general degree in computing with next to no real job prospects in the security sector because of it. and as most of the class has done previous education (with funding) to get into university we can even attempt to get a better degree elsewhere.......

So what Im really trying to find out mainly if anyone knows if there are grounds for compensation to the students of this course so we can look to get a proper education instead of being lied to and getting a degree that none of us were interested in....

Forgot to mention this is in scotland as i know the whole system in england is different

So its taken until 4th year for you to realise that your in a degree your not interested in? Out of interest, are you going to get a good pass?

jgraham95

well no we got told up until 3rd year it would b a very general computing degree with 1 or 2 security modules but in 4th year it would be completely security based. they have then since changed the modules at the start of 4th year to give us 1 class in security.

and yes im on for a good grade margining between a 2:1 and a 1st atm, but in all honesty im just as well dropping out and doing professional certificates now as what Ill learn has next to nothing that will help me in the career path ive chosen

fluffnutter

I know I'm going to sound like an old fusspot... but aren't people at university supposed to be among the most intelligent of our youngsters? Why, then, CAN'T ANYONE OF THEM WRITE PROPERLY?

fluffnutter

This is the way things will go regarding university courses anyway. It's increasingly a consumer-led world and students will start expecting something special for the £9K a year they're having to fork out. Which (magazine) has recently indicated that it's going to be launching an academic section of its consumer rights investigations whereby it rates establishments and courses for things like quality of teaching, ease of finding a job afterwards, starting salary etc.

That's progress for you.

I'd advise you to try a concerted approach jgraham. That is, get together with all your fellow students and present your arguments to the university authorities. TBH, if you're hoping to receive financial compensation for this, you'll probably need specialised legal advice.

NeilF3485

fluffnutter wrote: »

I know I'm going to sound like an old fusspot... but aren't people at university supposed to be among the most intelligent of our youngsters? Why, then, CAN'T ANYONE OF THEM WRITE PROPERLY?

Maybe the comma key doesn't work properly on their computer? Although you'd have thought they might have learnt how to fix this issue in years 1-3.

Surely "the most intelligent of our youngsters" depends on the University, and the course studied?

Can't any young idiot get into some "University" which used to be a drive through Burger King and study "American Studies" or similar? (Assuming they can pay the tuition fees....or not have to worry about it if in Scotland)

NeilF3485

On a more serious note.

What would you want to be compensated for? Am I right that you don't pay tuition fees in Scotland?

If so, then how would any compensation be quantified anyway? Would it be four years worth of accommodation/cost of living payments to enable you to go and do another 4 year degree somewhere else?

The first 3 years were "as described" it seems, so presumably just 1 years cost of living as compensation?

Just trying to understand what you would be looking for IF you could take some action

Andy_L

Lots of generic computing stuff has an application to security/forensics. Are the remaining 4thyear units going to be security/forensics heavy?

tuggy12

fluffnutter wrote: »

I know I'm going to sound like an old fusspot... but aren't people at university supposed to be among the most intelligent of our youngsters? Why, then, CAN'T ANYONE OF THEM WRITE PROPERLY?

No, you're right !

Perhaps he should have taken an English degree instead.

shegirl

jgraham95 wrote: »

well no we got told up until 3rd year it would b a very general computing degree with 1 or 2 security modules but in 4th year it would be completely security based. they have then since changed the modules at the start of 4th year to give us 1 class in security.

and yes im on for a good grade margining between a 2:1 and a 1st atm, but in all honesty im just as well dropping out and doing professional certificates now as what Ill learn has next to nothing that will help me in the career path ive chosen

The way I see it is that it wouldn't have been a 'specialist' area degree anyway,hence the first 3 years being general. I'm wondering if it's almost like undergraduate forensic psychology degrees -first couple of years are general and the last one there are some forensic modules.It would never get you a job as a forensic psychologist as forensic psychology has to be studied at masters level after an appropriate undergraduate degree. So maybe it's the same kinda thing? Born out of interest rather than being wholly specialised and useful in the purpose of the specialism?

It certainly wouldn't be the only degree around that is general with a few 'specialised' modules.

How much can be done in computer security and forensics? That's something I would question,as if it's not much then it stands to reason that a lot of the degree would be general.

Lokolo

You could always do a professional course. Then any job interviews you can say "Well I did not feel as though my university didn't do enough on the security side so out of university I did courses X, Y and Z to help further my understanding.", which will do much to help you get employed.