Hey,
So I'm almost at the end of my 3 year sociology degree, but I am really looking to get into the games industry. However, I am not sure what the best way of going about this would be. So far I have been applying directly to games companies in the hopes of being hired as a games tester/QA, as this is all I am currently qualified to do (so to say). But recently I have seen that I can do a 1 year masters "conversion" course in a subject like computer science (here in the UK). This would give me useful skills like programming that would help me get a job, but of course would mean taking another year out and forking out more money, instead of going straight into a paying job.

I don't know of there is anyone here in the industry or who have done/are doing computer science subjects who can give me advice. Do I need a degree like computer science to get this sort of job or can I make do with what I have and pick up skills as I go? Basically, it comes down to my severe regret for not having done a CS degree in the first place, but trying to make the most of things now! :P

Any advice or encouragement would be appreciated.

I completely agree with Damuna. I stopped going to school and didn't finish my degree because I wanted to get working and about five years later I'm now looking at if I want to get any further I need to finish my degree. A computer science degree will go a very long way to making you marketable and will most likely nail you a well paying career, not just a job. You might not end up with your dream game tester position, but it's a far better prospect than a four year degree in sociology that doesn't lend itself to anything except teaching or going back to school for a masters.

Those are good points, but from reading what a lot of games companies say, they seem more interested in actual game making experience than formal qualifications. So I am not sure if it is worth the money and time if in that time I could be getting actual work experience. On the other hand, I would probably really enjoy a CS degree on its own merits!

I'm a software developer that works 40-45 hours per week. I get paid well. If you want to nearly double those work hours and take a 33%-50% paycut, get into the gaming industry.

I can't argue against dreams too strongly, but in this particular case, the industry is designed to chew you up and shit you out when it's done with you, just because they know they can, you love games.

Maybe 1 out of 20 guys stays in and gets really senior, they're the ones that still work the long hours but they get crapped on less and make better cash. They're the ones that do PR interviews and you know their names.

Now, not every game dev shop is this way, but so many are, and so many want into the industry. In addition, there's actual game dev universities and programs pumping out graduates every semester now. This is a good thing for the industry (we wouldn't have some of our best pieces of cinema without film schools) but will make competition in your position much more brutal.

Honestly, watch Extra Credits, all of them, over at The Escapist. Think about that, because that is what a good game developer is like. Think if you see yourself as that. Then get a job writing some boring ass software (think banking or compliance software), clock out after 8 hours, go home and work on your pet projects. You'll get paid a whole lot better and are way less likely to end up hating what you love so much now. Hopefully after a few false starts, you'll be pumping out some games too, the barrier to entry has never been lower in indie and alternative platforms.

I'm sorry if this comes off negatively, I don't mean it to be, I think you're looking at this naively currently, but there's a way to get what you want in a much more fulfilling way. At least take a look:)

Just chiming in to agree with everyone else that you should get the masters in CS.

Almost all jobs in programming require a CS degree. Considering that competition is high there is always someone who is more qualified than you, and so you need to take every advantage you can take. It's not really a "pick up skills as I go" type of industry (there might be a few people that did so but they are the exception, not the rule).

The best way to proceed from here (in terms of working in a programming job) is to get as many internships as possible. Maybe even skip a few quarters/semesters to focus on the internship or two (not at the same time, obviously).

This one is a no-brainer: make sure you ace those CS classes.

Getting a CS degree + smart financial moves = more $ than starting work with just a sociology degree. Average starting salary of graduates from my university was $40k, for CS majors it was $80k (ballparking here but you should be able to find out the exact numbers if you really want).
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editing to add that I agree with Orcish's post

In the industry a Masters in CS is generally considered a waste. The extra 2 years of industry experience is considered far more valuable. CS != software development (I know why it seems that they are, but they are not).

A Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is a nice grounding to launch a career in software development, but it's not strictly necessary (or you can get it as you work in the field). I can't recommend that you go even into more debt (non-dischargeable debt, mind you) for a Master of Computer Science.

If you want a CS degree, switch majors now, if it takes an extra year, so be it, it's cheaper than a Master. Jobs for people with experience in software development are somewhat available now, I've heard it's hard to get your foot in the door, qualifications or no, these days, so maybe speak to people in your area before deciding.

Nah, that's not how degrees work in the UK unfortunately, I'm stuck with what I've got!

Another possibility is to get a job in IT (like sysadmin or something) which might give me the appropriate skills, and be a job i'd appreciate more than anything I could do with sociology.

Around here IT works a lot of hours, no idea in the UK, I'd definitely check with your IT industry though. Like I said, you need a good paycheck and reasonable hours. As long as you're not feeling beat up when you get home you'll spend time on fun stuff (whether it's painting, working on a car, or game dev).

Depends on the company. But most seem to rate experience over qualifications. Of course actually getting that experience is the kicker, isn't it? A lot of people see mods as a way into the industry, and with companies like Valve and Paradox out there that's not without good reason.

It really does depend on exactly what you want out of this. Just remember that a job with a major publisher would have no guarantees. The best you could hope for is that you'll still be there working hellishly long hours by the time the project's about done. By which point you're going to want to have your next gig lined up already. It's not something you do for any reason other than the passion to do it.

I'd seriously look at the hiring requirements for companies that the OP might want to work for before making a firm decision. That should give a much better idea as to what's going to go further, a job interning for them, making a mod, or more schooling.

As Navagon pointed out, it's going to vary.

But, it is also worth considering that burnout tends to be a real problem in the industry, with the perpetual crunch time that a lot of developers work under. Just don't assume that if you do get the job that it's going to be fun, because from what I've read it's a grinder.

I'd say start try and intern for game companies. If you've got the right capacity/ability, you'll pick things up. If you have the right passion for the industry, you'll have already taught yourself a bit of the required skills.

Think long term, get a masters in "something" if you can afford it and have the time. Look at several different majors as the gaming industry may not have the same appeal in a few years. Consider where you want to be 10 yrs from now and what it would take to get there. . . =)

Right. The only purpose a degree in CS has is to get you past the HR drones who will toss out anybody's resume who doesn't have a 4 year degree. Experience is much more valuable, but if you don't get the piece of paper, you'll have a hard time finding anyone willing to take you.

And I totally agree that masters is even more of a waste for CS. The only reason for a masters or PHD is if you're going to be in research.

A CS degree is not needed to get into the games industry. There's lots of valuable resources out there, like it's been said, industry cares about execution, not formal qualifications.

Unfortunately that's becoming less and less of the case. Most places now will require you have a BS (note: a BA won't work) before you can even get an interview. If you're a total rock star and really are the top of your field you won't be applying to any companies they'd be courting you. I'm pretty sure there's very few people of that caliber on these forums. A CS degree will do wonders to getting to the interview and will also remove the glass ceiling at more places.