Dear Sir
I did O’Level exams and got four passes in English, CRE, history and commerce. I acquired a certificate in computer applications. I am employed but want to enrol for another certificate course in computer systems engineering at Makerere University.
I think this can benefit me. I want to go on evening programme. Can I enrol?
Joseph Ojiro
Dear Joseph, As the job market becomes stiffly competitive, it is crucial to pursue further education, regardless of one’s academic level.
The computer systems engineering course is offered at Makerere University’s faculty of computing and information technology (FCIT).
According to Drake Mirembe, the faculty official in charge of short academic programmes, the course trains students to design, implement, and manage computer-based systems, including embedded systems and more conventional computers such as personal computers (PCs) and personal digital assistants (PDAs).
Computer systems engineers gain skills and knowledge in digital logic design, computer networks, embedded and desktop operating systems, micro-controller selection and programming, electronics, telecommunications and signal processing.
Embedded computers are computers hidden within cars, appliances, digital cameras, MP3 players, phones and other devices.
Mirembe says graduates use this knowledge to design digital systems, repair monitors, computers and other electronic circuits as well as design entirely new computer systems.
The three-month course costs sh500,000 tuition. However, Mirembe says the course is highly technical. For admission, one needs principal passes in science subjects at A’ Level. More emphasis is placed on a pass in physics. Others eligible for the course are those with a bachelor’s degrees in CIT.
Since you stopped at O’ Level and passed only arts subjects, Mirembe says, you are not eligible for the computer systems engineering course. Not even the certificate you acquired in computer applications (CCA) can salvage you.
According to her, CCA is a beginner’s basic and not a technical course that enables one gain admission to more advanced technical computing courses.
Search for private computer institutions that may admit you. Alternatively, you could enrol for other computer courses which, though cannot provide similar skills as the systems engineering course, are equally vital and marketable in the CIT sector.
Mirembe says with your academic qualifications, you can compete for certificate courses like multimedia applications (graphics, photo editing and branding). You could also study video editing and animation, Cisco Certified Networking (CCNA) and Microsoft Certified Systems Engineering.
