The Self-Taught Degree¶

A man hiking through the welsh countryside

I've opted for a self-directed learning path over a traditional degree, aiming for a balance of practical software skills, computer science, and vital life skills like leadership and finance. I publish what I learn, providing a resource for both myself and others.

My curriculum features both structured and unstructured learning and will evolve with me as I learn. This approach ensures a tailored education aligned with my professional goals.

Legend/Key

Symbols used in the rest of this page.

: Published Book
: Open University Module
: YouTube Playlist or Video
: Other Online Resources
- : Unfinished Module/Resource
- : Finished Module/Resource

Stage 1¶

Introduction to Computing¶

Introduction to computing and information technology 1 (TM111)
Introduction to computing and information technology 2 (TM112)
CS50's Introduction to Computer Science
Think Like a Programmer: An Introduction to Creative Problem Solving
Code: The Hidden Language of Computer Hardware and Software

Programming¶

Composing Programs
Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs: JavaScript Edition

Software Design¶

A Philosophy of Software Design
The Pragmatic Programmer: Your Journey to Mastery
The Software Craftsman: Professionalism, Pragmatism, Pride
Modern Software Engineering: Doing What Works to Build Better Software Faster
Clean Code: A Handbook of Agile Software Craftsmanship
Code Complete: A Practical Handbook of Software Construction

Software Testing¶

Python Testing with pytest: Simple, Rapid, Effective, and Scalable
Unit Testing Principles, Practices, and Patterns
Test-Driven Development: By Example
Agile Testing: A Practical Guide for Testers and Agile Teams

Mathematics¶

Discovering Mathematics (MU123)
Essential Mathematics 1 (MST124)
Introductory Discrete Mathematics

Computer Architecture¶

The Elements of Computing Systems: Building a Modern Computer from First Principles
Companion Coursera Course: Building a Modern Computer from First Principles

Stage 2¶

Algorithms & Data Structures¶

Grokking Algorithms: An Illustrated Guide for Programmers and Other Curious People
A Common-Sense Guide to Data Structures and Algorithms in Python, Volume 1
Algorithms, Data Structures and Computability (M269)
Cracking the Coding Interview
How to Solve It: A New Aspect of Mathematical Method
LeetCode: Top Interview 150

Security¶

CS50's Introduction to Cybersecurity
Web Application Security: Exploitation and Countermeasures for Modern Web Applications

Object-Oriented Programming¶

Python Object-Oriented Programming
The Object-Oriented Thought Process
Head First Design Patterns
Patterns of Enterprise Application Architecture

Wrangling Existing Code¶

Refactoring: Improving the Design of Existing Code
Working Effectively with Legacy Code

Managing IT¶

Software Requirements Essentials: Core Practices for Successful Business Analysis
User Stories Applied: For Agile Software Development
The Mythical Man-Month: Essays on Software Engineering

Stage 3¶

Other OU Modules¶

Communication and information technologies (TM255)
Software engineering (TM354)
Communications technology (TM355)

Operating Systems¶

How Linux Works: What Every Superuser Should Know
Operating Systems: Three Easy Pieces

Computer Networking¶

Lectures (Stanford CS144): Introduction to Computer Networking
Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach

Databases¶

Lectures (CMU) Intro to Database Systems
Architecture of a Database System
Readings in Database Systems
Data and Reality: A Timeless Perspective on Perceiving and Managing Information in Our Imprecise World

Languages and Compilers¶

Crafting Interpreters

Distributed Systems¶

Lectures (MIT 6.824): Distributed Systems
Understanding Distributed Systems
Designing Data-Intensive Applications

Stage 4 — A Stage Unstructured¶

Every resource in this stage is independent and can be completed at any time.

Study Skills¶

A Mind for Numbers: How to Excel at Math and Science
How to Improve your Critical Thinking & Reflective Skills
How to Write Essays & Assignments

Personal Development¶

Atomic Habits
As a Man Thinketh
Maximum Achievement: Strategies and Skills That Will Unlock Your Hidden Powers to Succeed
How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big
The Pathless Path: Imagining a New Story For Work and Life
How to Win Friends and Influence People

Motivation¶

The Obstacle is the Way: The Ancient Art of Turning Adversity to Advantage
The 10X Rule: The Only Difference Between Success and Failure
The War of Art
Bounce: The of Myth of Talent and the Power of Practice
The Chimp Paradox

Agile¶

Scrum: The Art of Doing Twice the Work in Half the Time
Clean Agile: Back to Basics
Extreme Programming Explained: Embrace Change
Wild West to Agile: Adventures in Software Development Evolution and Revolution
Accelerate: The Science of Lean Software and Devops

Leadership¶

High Output Management
Turn The Ship Around!: A True Story of Turning Followers Into Leaders
Start With Why
Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don't

Finance¶

Money: Know More, Make More, Give More
Money: A User’s Guide

Business¶

GCSE Business
The E-Myth Contractor
The E-Myth Revisited
Million Dollar Consulting
Sell or Be Sold: How to Get Your Way in Business and in Life
Rich Dad Poor Dad