Are you considering a career in information technology? This fast-growing field of expertise includes a number of specialities and offers great employment prospects. The question is which direction you want to choose within this discipline. It can be overwhelming having to choose the exact role you want to end up in when you are right at the start of your journey but luckily, this might not be necessary at this point. The majority of roles within information technology require an understanding of programming. Completing a reputable course to expand your understanding and knowledge will allow you to specialise later down the line, as your interest becomes more evident.

What is a programming course?

In short, programming refers to the process of designing and creating the programmes or applications used to allow computers to perform a specific task, by using coding. The code refers to the computer language used to create the specific executable programme. Programming is an activity or skill that comprises a number of languages and applications and, as such, there is no one course that teaches this. Rather, there are a number of different programmes you can enrol in that will teach you various sections within this field of expertise and prepare you to reach different skill levels.

What can you do upon successful completion of a programming course?

The answer to this question depends on the specific one you choose to study and the area in which you specialise. If, for example, you decide to specialise in software development, you can become a programmer, game developer, database developer, or web programmer. Those who specialise in software engineering could become a software engineer, software designer, software architect, lead programmer, database designer, project manager, mobile application developer, or web application developer. Alternatively, you can specialise in data science to become a decision support specialist, data miner, data analyst, data visualiser, business systems analyst, or even a data warehouse manager.

What are the acceptance criteria for a programming course?

Again, this depends on the one you select. Typically, bachelor’s degrees have more stringent acceptance requirements than a diploma or a national certificate. All of them will, however, require you to hold a National Senior Certificate certified by Umalusi, or an equivalent qualification converted by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). Whichever route you choose, the typical information technology course, especially one involving coding, usually requires you to have a 50% Maths and English pass rate. Those who had Maths Literacy as a subject may have to pass an introductory maths module and students who do not meet the English requirement may have to complete an English proficiency test.

Where should you sign up for a programming course?

Belgium Campus iTversity offers a range of information technology degrees, diplomas, and national certificates, with a choice of specialisations. Each programming course is specifically geared to meet international standards to allow students to be leaders in their field wherever they choose to work. Contact Belgium Campus iTversity if you need help choosing the programming course that is right for you.