Degree: which? -- "Computing (Software and Systems)" vs "Web Systems Development"

[Ty Oft]

Hello Bytes!

Maybe my question seems a bit silly (as one could simply answer it "Well, what are you more passionate about?" or stuff like that - please don't answer like this), but I am in a bit of a dilemma and time is short at the moment and I need to make a decision before it's too late.
I have just begun my second year in a UK uni for a BSc Hons Web Systems Development but I am not that happy about the course. Very diluted in my opinion. So I am thinking to switch courses if need be. But my only choice would be Computing (Software and Systems) or just plain Computing. I am not that sure how well or poor are these other courses prepared but was just wondering from the diploma point of view where would one stand on a better ground looking at what is out there in the employment world. I am aware that you can't swing a cat without hitting a Java software developer on one side and a PHP web developer on the other. But still ...
Trends, employment, need for developers and job opportunities, ... I don't know, mix it which ever way you want.
Also let me just paste what they are giving us in the final year so you would see where one degree or the other would take the student:

BSc (Hons) Web Systems Development:

INTRANET DESIGN & SECURITY (30 CREDITS)
E-COMMERCE DEVELOPMENT (15 CREDITS Semester 2)
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PORTFOLIO (15 CREDITS Semester 1)
WEB SYSTEMS PROJECT (30 CREDITS)
WEB SCRIPTING (15 CREDITS Semester 1)
STREAMING MEDIA TECHNOLOGIES (15 CREDITS Semester 2)

BSc (Hons) Computing (Software and Systems):

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECT - (30 CREDITS Semester 1,2) Compulsory
DISTRIBUTED SYSTEMS - (15 CREDITS Semester 1) Compulsory
PROFESSIONAL, LEGAL, ETHICAL & SOCIAL ASPECTS Of COMPUTING - (15 CREDITS Semester 2) Compulsory
RESEARCH SKILLS - Optional 15 1
INTERFACE PROGRAMMING - Optional 15 1
MOBILE APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT - Optional 15 2
ADVANCED DATABASES - Optional 15 1
INTRANET DESIGN & SECURITY - Optional 30 1,2
SYSTEMS METHODOLOGY - Optional 15
COACHING LEARNING TEAMS - Optional 15 1
COACHING LEARNING TEAMS - Optional 15 2


The second year differs only in the Computing guys studying Operating Systems, OOP with Java and Software Engineering, whereas us at Web Systems are doing a BIT OF Adobe Flash, also Sound on the Web, and some empty design theory (they are revamping the course from next year so I will be doing now stuff they are discarding next year).

I know I will be able to pick up any technology in the future anyway (as work requires) but which piece of paper looks better, which offer greater chance of employment, etc.? And again, please look at what they teach in each of the 2 degrees, anyway.

I know there is a crisis out there in IT employment so you need not remind me of that and advise me to drop out and change careers altogether as I do not have the time anymore for that (it would mean wasting another 2 years so, don't. please)


OK, so WHICH???

Cheers guys!

Ty

[Arielle]

Without detailed descriptions of the courses here is my initial impression of what you have posted.

Web Systems Development
There seems to be more potatoes here. This seems focused on gearing you up to become somewhat of a "Webmaster" able to dable in Internet side of programming with scripting, trends, security, etc. If you want to spend your life making interactive websites or E-Commerce this may be the route to go.

Computing - Software and Systems
This is one of those "soft" names for a degree that does not really clarify what it's for. Is it technical or managerial because it seems as though it could go either way.
- What is the Research and Development Project?
- Unless I'm mistaken Distributed Systems is more a "Problem Solving" aspect of planning. This supports my theory of this taking more a business or management approach. You would be the planner or architect of solutions rather than working hands-on to provide the meat and potatoes of a project.
- Lots of Legalese, building Research Skills, Ethics and social aspects, coaching and leading

While the Computing one seems to have a lot of "Optional" courses for actual hands-on work in a technical aspect its main focus is the business/management side of the house.

Personal Summery
Though you may want to think for yourself or ask your advisor...
If you want to be the layworker toiling away and doing the hard-work for little praise beyond personal satisfaction ... go with the Web Systems Development.

If you want to be the tyrranical overlord of your budding team of workers... or if you want to be a researching finding new and innovative solutions to business problems. Basically the "idea" man who doesn't do much concrete work...go with the Computing one.

Again, this is just my personal opinion. I have found that in the actual workforce I've had a lot of extra hats thrusted on me that I never expected. I've been asked to be everything from a graphics artist to a systems administrator to even a teacher and a manager. What school doesn't prepare you for a future employer may hoist on you anyway.

[Christopher Nigro]

I know this is an old post but since I am reading now, I can assume others will too. There are similar posts that are more recent and this type of question can be found in every development forum you come across.

Here are my two cents - I have an Associate’s Degree from DeVry. My program was Computer Information Systems. Back then, the program consisted of nothing more than an intro to VB5, an intro to C++, some PowerBulder and a DB course with Access. It was hardly anything to prepare me for the field. However, I was intent upon being successful.

It has been 11 years since I graduated DeVry's two year program. I found a job immediately when I entered the field. I followed my interests, stayed humble and kept learning. I have worked for 5 companies in a range of titles from "programmer" to "software architect". I have been promoted continually, managed other developers and been in charge of nearly every aspect of software development at one time or another. Over the past 11 years, my salary has increased 266%.

The point I am trying to make is that there is no golden path that can guarantee success. You must follow your heart, put in the effort and make good decisions. Do the work, your work, and you will be rewarded and happy.

[Jyoti Ballabh]

Computer software and systems are safe bet.