Waikato University to do Computer Science

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MorphingDragon

19 posts

Geek

#33500 6-May-2009 22:41

Hi Guys,

After a screaming recommendation from my Computing Teacher, Careers advisor from 3 different schools and people in-field Ive decided to go to Waikato University. Anyway...

I was orginally going to do a BSc-MSc (Maybe even PhD) but my friend brought to my attention the BCMS (Bachelor of Computer and Mathematical Sciences). Which is a year longer. I personally think that an extra year would be awesome, but I was wondering if anyone that actually knew anything about it would recommend it over a normal BSc?

Please dont quote University research rankings, They mean nothing to the individual department.

Also, this is a question for people already there,
Which Halls of Residence? (I dont personally dont want to look after a flat)

I just hope I dont have to do thier bridging course, as im only doing three lvl 3 courses. (Computing, General Science and Physics. I love my Science cant you tell? XD)

Oh yea, whats a good way to make money outside a normal Job? (For the extra umm "support?")

itxtme

2102 posts

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#212987 6-May-2009 23:23

Check out the UE requirements on their website. I also only did three Level 3 NCEA's and had no problem getting into university. The test for maths and english is at a lower level than 3. I know for a fact there is a big difference between passing Level 3 NCEA and UE, 20 odd points less for uni I think!

kingjj

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#213058 7-May-2009 09:29

MorphingDragon:
Oh yea, whats a good way to make money outside a normal Job? (For the extra umm "support?")

You much of a looker? Could always try your luck as a male escort :D But seriously, are we talking about actual work or just recieveing a bit extra support from the Government? Student Allowance is good as you don't have to pay it back, unfortunately it is heavily based on your parents earnings (until 25 - which counts out a lot of people who don't recieve any support from their folks). It also impacts on your ability to earn money doing odd work. Living Cost Allowances through StudyLink is how I survived during my Uni years. You can borrow up to $150 per week, however this is considered a loan and is added to your total Student Loan (about $6000 per year at $150, you recieve it during term/semester breaks but not over Christmas break).

Otherwise job wise, when you get further through your degree you may get offered opportunity to work as a tutor (must have good grades though). I'd reccommend visiting Student Job Search on Campus (I believe Waikato has one), if not see their website http://www.sjs.co.nz/. They always have odd jobs, casual positions and part time work going thats great to fit around your studies. In my first year of study I had three part time jobs and a casual job (thanks in part to SJS) and I still had time to study (honest...).

Good luck!

8d52797c436

264 posts

Ultimate Geek
Inactive user

#213119 7-May-2009 11:27

Waikato University is a pretty cool campus. I finished my degree in computer science at the end of last year there.

So in terms of the degrees the BCMS is a good degree, but when it comes down to it nobody really knows about the degree outside of the Waikato, possibly maybe around NZ, but if you go overseas they wont know what you are talking about. In reality it is very similar to doing a BSc with honors, or even a BSc then a postgrad diiploma. They all end up doing roughly the same amount of papers and all take 4 years afaik.

In terms of the halls I stayed at bryant which was pretty good. The halls are all pretty much the same, lots of drinking, really bad food, and occassionally you go to class too. If you are really lazy, like most of us are, college hall is good for comp sci students cause its closest to the building. Still dont know why they put the science and computer buildings at the top of the only hill for miles.... especially when the gym is at the bottom of the hill.

For a job theres tons of different things you can do, but what you really want to do is try and get some work in IT, even if its only part time admin work. I say this because I didnt, and when I left university it was really hard to find a first job with my degrees and no commercial experience.

Also, one last thing, make sure you do databases and website programming at uni, cause almost every starting job in NZ is on web programming.