Going back to uni to study computers

I work in IT but don't have a programming background. I do hire a lot of programmers. The challenge is not who taught you or what qualification you have (although most employers will require a degree, most will not require it to be in a relevant discipline). When I want to know how competent a programmer is, I don't look at his degree, I give him a test.

So if you have a degree, all you need is:

1. ability. you can learn this in many other ways than via a full-blown 3 year full-time course. You can prove this more easily than with a degree certificate.
   
2. Sector experience. Most programmers will need to specialise in a sector area. Finance, Insurance, web, etc. etc.
   
3. Confidence. In your ability, which'll affect your ability to communicate your ability and experience.
   
   

my 2p: Find an employer willing to take a punt on you. Do some very specific, targeted courses. Try distance learning, local college or books. Avoid commercial courses as too expensive. Try to get them to pay for some/all of them. You may need to start the ball rolling before you find an employer who'll sponsor you. Learn about the other factors in IT, use your knowledge to get your foor in the door to get more experience. Don't over state yourself on your CV; differentiate between what you know and what you want to do.

Hot areas right now (and the next 5-10 years):
Java
Agile / extreme programming
legislative change
Business Analysis
SOA

Stay away from activities that can be commoditised and require no knowledge of a market or industry sector - e.g. testing, basic development.