"No, a degree isn't necessary to become a software engineer. Since the work relies so heavily on technical skill, you could get a job simply by proving that you know how to do the work. Most job interviews for software engineers will assign you a series of tests to gauge your abilities."
https://careerbootcamps.stonybrook.edu/blog/software-engineering/become-a-software-engineer-without-a-degree/#:~:text=No%2C%20a%20degree%20isn't,tests%20to%20gauge%20your%20abilities.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7Mt6Z30eaY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7D-qoC1-kY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KJyxxKduUQ
Yes, you can learn software engineering without degree. However, when the project is complex, and you dont have sufficient experience you can rely on the university ecosystem. University ecosystem provides you network, better theoretical foundation, and of course legal proof of your capability.
This entirely depends on what part of software engineering are you interested in. The hands-on part of designing, development, and quality (to some extent) can be learnt via tutorials available on random tools. But a no-degree learning means your knowledge is just bound to that 1 tool you've learnt.
A university offers more than this. Every degree program is comprised of carefully selected courses linked to various elements involved in the whole cycle. Plus, necessary courses from other disciplines that help you shape your personality, your problem solving skills, your management skills, your social skills, your communication skills etc.
What I always say to my students is that here, in your university, we'll teach you some basics, lay some foundations, give you a safe space to take risks and practice. But you'll have to study and practice on your own to master a skill.
There's nothing wrong in learning from freely available resources but a combination works better than a solo-source.
In my situation, even with a degree, I found that most of my learning happened in the real world where situations happen that one cannot predict. It is best to have a solid foundation of personal process to help you stay on a true course regardless of the many interruptions and impediments placed in your path. Where you get this foundation may be more likely in a university setting, but not always.
I started out with a bootcamp, and then worked in the industry for about 4 years as a frontend dev. I'm now doing university because I find I lacked certain skills. Mostly unix, object oriented programming, and especially data structures and algorithms. Also I think if you want to become a good programmer, you need exposure to a lot of different code and programming paradigms. I also grew a bit tired doing frontend. I'm glad I started out with a bootcamp though, because I wouldn't have been able to successfully complete uni back then.
There has always been a debate on practical education vs theoretical education. The question of learning software engineering without a degree posit into this argument. I learnt software engineering without a degree. It was passion and hands on practice. I have gained much technical skills with constant practice over the years but that notwithstanding, I realize that the practical skills are based on some theories. And for these theories, I go back to all the time. Practical skills are good however, understanding the theories before the practice makes one a better engineer. Hence getting a degree, which deals more with theories prepares a better foundation for practical skills.
It is worth noting that starting with practical skills may take an individual a longer time to understand the concepts and principles in a particular field whereas starting with the theories makes practical lessons easy. I must admit that some persons are naturally inclined to theoretical education while other do well in practical skills. That notwithstanding, the best is to blend both theoretical and practical skills.
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