What is the career pathway for a computer programmer in the UK?
To become a systems adminstrator you need a qualification like MSCE. Are there any professional qualifications that lead to a career in software engineering?
I’m keen to learn C+ or visual basic, not sure which language is better though, from a career point of view?
Do I need a degree in computing first before I can become a programmer?
I’m not from the UK, but the best way to become a programmer is to practice, practice, practice…you will need a bit of experience if you want a career. I’d suggest you start learning C/C++ or Java.
You probably don’t need a degree, but some employers will require it or equivalent experience, such as previous projects / jobs.
One more tip…try looking up some local job searches for wanted software engineers and look at the listed requirements…it could help you understand what they will be looking for.