Considering tertiary education in any IT-related area? It can be mind-boggling deciding where to go and I know the university was the first place that crossed your mind.
Even though the university curriculum involves project work, the number of times that students actually get their hands dirty working on projects are few and far between compared to poly students. If you learn better through applied learning, the polytechnic route may prove to be more advantageous for you. Polytechnics offer students something more industry-relevant, skill-based and definitely more hands-on than universities which emphasize on theory most times.
A case of Harare Polytechnic
Another good thing about choosing to go to a polytechnic is that the entry requirements to get into any programme can be easily met with even a person who has just passed their O’level.
At Harare Polytechnic you have a chance to study the Information Technology programme (IT) that you can complete in 3 different sequential levels, which are: National Certificate, National Diploma, and Higher National Diploma. To study this programme you only need to have passed 5 “O” Levels that include English, Mathematics and Science. Rather than go to “A” Level get at least 3 points in different subjects, one can just start to study an IT programme at Harare Polytechnic straight from “O” Level.
So, let’s talk about Harare Polytechnic’s IT programme. As you progress from the first level to the last, the curriculum equips you with certain skills. And according to Harare Polytechnic, when you finish its Information Technology programme you will have the hands-on skills to pursue these following careers:
1. Software Developer/Engineering
2 comments
Interesting. The post would be more useful if you had disclosed the core subject themes covered under each topic. My experience with most students is that though the theory subject themes like software engineering are mentioned, they are clueless on how you and why you create classese for example. The fall flat when you request them to implement an address book access of say a name and gender of a contact using classes in whatever software engineering language they used. Try to find out how, in Databases they would connect to a UI processes using a connection string showing security considerations and they are out cold. Even those that have been to attachments struggle coz most were relegated to user support after their companies felt pity for them. The situation is not helped by the fact that most of their lecturers have never implemented an enterprise solution
You just lost it, its takes 5 good years to get to Higher National Diploma not 3 years. National Certificate its 1 year, National Diploma its 3 good years not 1 and HND its 1 year. Do a proper research before you publish your article ok. my advice for school leavers who did A level, just go straight to University. Polytechnic is meant for those with O level only.