Options available for postgraduate study in IT really depend on your undergraduate degree. Conversion courses are available for those with a non-IT background, whereas if your primary degree is in the area of computing, computer science or another related discipline then you are more likely to embark on a taught masters or a PhD.
New technologies such as the advent of e-commerce and the integration of mobile phones and computing (m-commerce) have brought new postgraduate specialisms into place in many institutions. A postgraduate diploma or masters will expand your knowledge in a particular area and could allow you to move into new areas such as bioinformatics.
To undertake a PhD you need to be self-motivated and committed to research but you will have the support of a supervisor. Try to research an area with commercial potential and shop around various departments and institutions before committing.
Other options include collaborative projects with industry, which add value to future job applications, so you should research your options thoroughly before making any decision.
Areas of study
Many institutions now offer postgraduate degrees in specialised, in-demand areas. These include multimedia technology, mobile networks and computing, intelligent systems for business and manufacturing, software localisation, numerical software, computational methods, bioinformatics, security and forensic computing, music technology and computer networks. There are also more specialist IT courses in education, health services management and accounting, business and logistics.
There are more traditional and general degrees in information systems, systems analysis, software engineering, computer games and web design.
The recent government commitment of substantial sums to research in information and communication technology should imply significant growth over the next few years in the research opportunities available to talented young IT graduates in Ireland.
Do you need a primary degree in IT?
In a word, no! Many institutions now offer conversion courses in IT which teach the fundamentals of information theories and give you technical skills. Conversion courses vary between institutions. Some are quite academic in content while others are more practically based.
The more specialised courses do require a computer science degree or equivalent and usually have minimum requirements for entry. It is worth contacting course directors if you do not meet these requirements, as some flexibility may be given depending on experience and other factors.
Job prospects
Employers see postgraduate qualifications as giving employees extra problem-solving skills and added maturity. Many IT employers comment on the initiative and quick career progression of those with postgraduate qualifications.
IT is definitely an area where up-skilling is key, especially in the up-and-coming areas of forensic computing and business informatics. With many international operations investing in Ireland, and with the prediction of IT growth again in the future, it is worth considering further training in areas with a commercial edge.
Be aware though that employment is not limited to the IT industry. Many organisations employ graduates from all disciplines and a postgraduate qualification in IT along with your primary degree could give you a distinct advantage.
Issues to consider
Do your homework and make sure the course is suited to your career needs. Find out how potential employers view the particular course and whether previous graduates have secured jobs in the area you are interested in. Research the college, and make sure that the equipment and resources are up to scratch.
Financing your course is another issue. One possible source of funding is the Graduate Skills Conversion Programme, which allows graduates to acquire qualifications for employment in the information and communication technology sectors. A list of the courses covered under the programme is available from the Higher Education Authority (
www.hea.ie).
Written by Eleanor Donoghue, Information Officer at University College Cork.
This article appeared in postgradireland 2007.
