Thinking of doing a degree

I really want to get a few more qualifications under my belt however i will only be able to do it part time/in my own time as i need the money i am already getting to be able to survive. Which is why i am swaying towards the open university. I have had a quick look and something along the lines of this:

Computing and IT practice foundation degree specialising in networking Qualification Pathway - X15 Foundation Degree in Computing and IT Practice - Open University

Opinions please, this one is a foundation degree (i really have no idea if this will be worth it or now).

Does anyone have any other options for me?

I am currently an IT Tech but looking to become a network manager. Hence the degree issue.

I'd start by first getting some vendor certs, CCNA - MCSE and the likes.

Appears to be a lot of Maths in that course?

You dont need a degree to become a network manager.

I've done some Open uni stuff to better myself and in order to progress in my career - I enjoyed it but it required a lot of self discipline. Being able to get your books or notes out after a hard days work can be difficult, even more so at the weekend, but needs must and it feels rewarding at the end.


Quite a few people on here have done technical OU courses or similar. Network management posts can also include management of people and budgets (depending on the school or organisation), so possibly something down that route if you feel your tech knowledge is already of a good standard?

Yeah, i just have no idea what to do. I just want more qualifications to continue my career. I feel my technical knowledge is good. I had a go at the CCNA when i was at school and completed two semesters but lost interest as you have to renew every three years. I would like to do some Microsoft certifications but have no idea where to start etc. I think there may be an opening for the network managers position in the next few years as the current one is near to retirement and don't want to miss out on the opportunity because of my qualifications.

If you lost interest in a CCNA after two semesters, you may want to consider whether you're likely to have the same problem with a degree. The graft is a lot harder and longer and frequently a lot more boring than a CCNA for a lot more money. You may want to try for the independent quals (which are way cheaper) just to see if you can handle the study. Try looking at ads for the sort of job you want to see what you need.

I'm also a Network Manager with no degree. I don't know how it works in the UK, but here it's about being promoted internally and being friends with the line manager more than anything else. A degree would get you an extra 57c an hour (limited to $1000 a year). I would very strongly recommend some proper management courses if you're going to end up with direct reports though.

Bear in mind that a Foundation Degree isn't the same as a degree - it's got a lot in common with HND type qualifications.

UCAS - Foundation degrees

Without wanting to sound disrespectful to people who have that qualification, I think you would find a "proper" degree to be of more worth to you, although there are possibilities to top up a foundation degree to a BSc or BA.

I wouldn't bother with a degree in IT, In many cases it wont especially further your career (I have a degree). Get the industry quali's and hit the job ladder. If you get good then the ladder is there to climb. In my experience, my degree has put me 4 years behind - initially - than those who went to college then straight into industry.

I did a HND followed by degree top-up and that had CCNA modules in it.

Go for Bachelor of Avertising degree and Associate of Secretarial Science.

Then you can sign your name B.A.D A.S.S