Published on the 15/10/2015 | Written by Newsdesk
New VUW ICT Graduate School expected to boost Silicon Welly, fuel Kiwi growth…
Local tech businesses crying out for solutions to skills shortages should be pleased with government introducing a Wellington ICT Graduate School. A partnership between Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington Institute of Technology and Whitireia Polytechnic, the School also features strong involvement from a number of Wellington ICT firms and start-ups in the capital’s technology eco-system.
The School will provide practically-focused postgraduate programmes that will equip graduates with the skills and attributes sought by industry.
Professor Mike Wilson, Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Faculties of Science, Architecture and Design and Engineering at VUW said Wellington is a performer in the country’s ICT-related GDP. ““The region has the highest concentration of web and digital-based companies per capita in New Zealand and the new Graduate ICT School will provide a pipeline of graduates with the skills and research capacity to ensure those companies thrive.”
WelTec and Whitireia CE Chris Gosling said the new school is an example of collaboration between education providers and industry partners to provide high quality graduates. “ICT is a fast-paced and rapidly-changing industry, which demands innovative approaches to education and training,” he said.
Notably, consultation with industry has informed design of the qualifications to be offered by the School. These include a Master of Software Development focused on developing real-world software-based systems and a Master of Information Technology, which is designed to sharpen the technical skills and knowledge of those already in industry or who have a Bachelor’s in an ICT or computing-related discipline and seeking to enter the ICT workforce.
A Master of Engineering Practice will also be available through the School and aims to give students the skills to design and implement engineering solutions.
Qualifications that offer specialisation in emerging creative technologies and user experience design are expected to be offered further down the track.
Students will enrol at the new school, which is due to open in Trimester 2 2016, through Victoria University, WelTec and Whitireia, with many of the courses to be offered in the CBD.
The Graduate School will be closely connected with the Wellington Tech Hub, established by the Wellington City Council and Biz Dojo, to provide a place for the tech community to connect, collaborate and generate new and exciting ideas.
Find out more about Wellington ICT Graduate School.
