Completing a computer science degree on Coursera
Points and comments are a snapshot, not live.
An experienced developer completed a CS degree online while working full-time.
The author, a 21-year tech veteran without a prior degree, earned a Bachelor's in Computer Science from the University of London via Coursera, spending about £17,000 over 3.5 years. They studied after hours while working full-time, taking modules like algorithms, graphics programming, and machine learning. Performance-based admission bypassed traditional prerequisites. Recognition of prior learning from Coursera certificates replaced three modules. The program features remote proctored exams and assignments like a vinyl DJ simulator and a mammography classifier. The author found the workload intense, especially during exam periods, and noted grade delays of about three months as a major frustration.
What commenters are saying
Commenters split between praising non-traditional education and warning that many HR filters still require a bachelor's degree. A hiring manager noted that at companies under 1,000 employees, HR often uses degree filters as shortcuts. Several commenters argued that computer science degrees teach theory valuable for problem-solving, while others said most software work is a trade best learned on the job. One commenter with a PhD called their 11 years of university "the biggest waste of time," recommending building a portfolio instead. Another countered that a degree remains critical for resume screening, even if skills are self-taught.