Member Avatar for chris_home

Right lads

im not new to this site im the same as chris_work but obv this is using home e-mail address

at the moment i have my NVQ level 3, and davance diploma,

i am looking at doing 1 of or both in time of the MCSE or degree

apart from costs which one is more reconised and which one would companies pick from

i have had like 5 yrs experience working with computers so experience isn't an issue im just looking at gaining quals

hope you understand what i am asking

chris

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by jbennet

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As weighs vendor certification versus a university route and flagged maintenance, the practical choice comes down to goal and timing. If the immediate aim is to get into a specific hands‑on role (Windows server/admin, networks, helpdesk), focused vendor or vendor‑neutral certificates speed hiring. If the aim is longer‑term career mobility, management, or roles that screen by degree for graduate programmes, a degree is the safer investment.

A simple decision checklist:

  • Pick the job you want in 12–36 months and read current job adverts to see what employers actually require.
  • Match those requirements to a study plan: short cert(s) for quick entry; a degree for breadth and future options.
  • If both appeal, do them in sequence: earn a practical cert to get into work, then take a degree part‑time or by top‑up once employed.

Practical next steps and admin:

  • Contact any universities you consider and ask about Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or credit transfer for professional qualifications before you enrol. Admissions teams need syllabi and exam records to judge exemptions.
  • Check the current Microsoft certification roadmap and renewal rules before committing to an MCSE label or course, because vendor programmes and names change over time (confirm specifics on the vendor site). (Microsoft Learn certifications)
  • Understand how qualification levels map to job levels in the UK when comparing routes. (What different qualification levels mean — GOV.UK)

Final note: employers value demonstrable skills and project experience. Keep a portfolio (lab builds, scripts, tickets closed) alongside formal qualifications to make the strongest case whether pursuing certifications, a degree, or both.

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Member Avatar for jbennet

You have to keep redoing your MCSE so you got to take that into account.

Considering that you already have experience and the NVQ i would personally say the MCSE but the degree, or both, is better in the long run.

Member Avatar for chris_home

werll be thinking about it and spoke to a trainer who does the MCSE and he said it that it will take about 7 month to do my MCSE if i work 8 to 10 hours a week towards it

which if i start applying for uni now for septtember and start my MCSE course i wud hopfully finish my MCSE intime to start my Degree and then my MCSE may credit refereance to it

and how often do you have to retake you MCSE?

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