Revamped Associate Degree for 2009
The School of Information and Computer Science has developed a new and updated program based on the School’s Associate Degree in Computer and Information Science.
Designed to prepare graduates for computing careers within the software development and information services industries, the Associate Degree in Information Technology is one way to quick start an IT career.
The degree has been specifically tailored to suit mature-aged and equity students who may not necessarily qualify for entry into a three or four year degree program, or for those who want to take a two year program and seek employment in small to medium business. There is no such program in a university to capture this market in South Australia and it is one of only few in Australia.
Program Director Frank Fursenko praises the virtues of the program.
“Not many universities offer Associate Degrees which are a two year award. This degree will particularly suit part timers who can now achieve a university qualification in just four years instead of the standard degree which would take upwards of six years if studying part time,” he said.
“One thing that employers will like is that the degree trains people who can work in a variety of areas involving programming, networking and database skills. There are a whole variety of jobs on offer that this degree will aid students in earning. The demand for IT graduates is very high and there is currently a shortage of skills in this exciting and rapidly developing industry.
“Students who come to us with some sort of tertiary education or industry training such as CCNA or MCP will most likely be admitted into the course and will be provided with some sort of credit, especially if they have undertaken a related TAFE course. Some of the courses passed may also be used to go towards a full degree if they want to continue their studies.”
These changes include introducing majors and minors in which students will choose a major in either Information Technology or Information Systems and a minor in either Software Development or e-Commerce, or Networking or Information Systems. This provides flexibility to pursue a career and further study in Information Technology or Information Systems. Students will also take an additional two core courses and a nine unit ICT based project.
Industry Alliance Program Manager Mr Allan Baird says the project will expose students to workplace learning, requiring them to collaborate with industry partners.
“Students will be combining many of the skills they have learnt throughout the courses in their program and practising many of the essential soft skills they will require when they become professionals. The overall aim is to produce work ready graduates who can take on the many challenges of implementing and managing IT in the small to medium business of today,” he said.
“Further, it also provides an opportunity for students who may have thought university was not for them to experience it and graduate with a practical qualification that will open more doors then would be the case if they had not studied at UniSA.”
As a graduate of this program, students will be eligible for membership of the Australian Computer Society (ACS). ACS membership provides an easy transition from study to full-time employment by enhancing professional standing and employment prospects.
For the most up-to-date and detailed information visit UniSA's Program Information Search and enter the four-letter UniSA program code (LTCI).