While doing Big Picture, I’ve also been studying Information Technology at the University of New England.
In 2023 when I started Big Picture, my dad and I spoke to an advisor over the phone from Open Universities Australia about doing online university, as I’d need something to do instead of mainstream schooling.
After talking with the advisor for a bit and discussing what options we had, I decided to study towards a Diploma in Information Technology.
I got really good marks doing my diploma, with a GPA of 6.25 (max of 7, equivalent to roughly 4.25 in regular schooling). Most units I got either a distinction or high distinction, with the exception of Calculus and Linear Algebra 1, where I got a 60/100 final grade, and got a pass.
| Unit Code | Name | Final Grade |
|---|---|---|
| COSC101 | Software Development Studio 1 | 90/100, High Distinction |
| ICT101 | From Logic to Data Processing | 95/100, High Distinction |
| COSC110 | Introduction to Programming and the UNIX Environment | 79/100, Distinction |
| ICT100 | Computational Thinking | 86/100, High Distinction |
| MTHS100 | Introduction to Quantitative Skills | 94/100, High Distinction |
| COSC120 | Object Oriented Programming | 82/100, Distinction |
| MTHS120 | Calculus and Linear Algebra 1 | 60/100, Pass |
| COSC210 | Database Management Systems | 77/100, Distinction |
| COSC130 | Introduction to Cybersecurity and Privacy (bachelor’s degree) | High Distinction |
| COSC240 | Operating Systems (bachelor’s degree) | High Distinction |
I finished the 8th and final unit for the diploma at the end of Trimester 1 in 2025, and decided to continue with my studies at UNE doing a Bachelor’s Degree in IT.. which was very shortly lived.
I completed one trimester of my degree before realising that online university just kinda.. sucked. The marking was sloppy, and there was no connection to any of the other students, or any socialisation at all.
In late 2025, I decided to apply to study towards a Bachelor’s Degree of Information Technology in-person at UTS, and to my surprise, I was given an offer to study in the first UAC offer round!
I started studying towards my bachelor’s at UTS in 2026, and I’ve almost finished my first year at the time of writing!
Studying at UTS has been so much better than UNE. I’ve actually been able to meet people and talk to people in person, which is such a welcome change from the isolation of online university.
I’ve joined about half a dozen societies at UTS, and I’m part of the general committee for ProgSoc, the largest programming society at UTS.
After I complete my Bachelor’s Degree, I’m not really sure what I’m gonna do.
I want to get a programming/networking/cybersecurity related job hopefully by the time I graduate (or even before)