Open University refocuses computing programmes to address IT skills gap

10 Jun 2011

The Open University has launched two new undergraduate Computing and IT degrees to help the UK overcome a recruitment crisis which sees employers struggling to fill an estimated 110,000 new IT jobs created this year [1]. Developed alongside e-skills UK and representatives from industry, the degrees incorporate work-based learning and offer credit for prior work experience to ensure they are fully compatible with current industry needs.

The BSc (Honours) Computing and IT and the BSc (Honours) Computing & IT and a second subject are a response to employer concern over the competency of the recruitment pool that is forcing companies to look overseas for their IT services. The Open University’s engagement with industry has highlighted a perceived lack of business acumen amongst those coming out of education and an inability to put technical skills to use in a work setting.

The new undergraduate Computing and IT programmes will fill this gap in expertise, whilst offering employers an opportunity to up-skill their whole IT team without taking them out of the office.

Kevin Streater, Executive Director for IT and Telecoms at The Open University said: “These new degrees are the result of years of industry engagement and tackle two major issues raised by employers. The joint degree programme allows candidates to study IT alongside commercial subjects, improving the business acumen of graduates, whilst the single award provides students with clear paths to specific IT roles giving them more specialised skills, and increasing their value to employers.”

The new degrees have been designed to accommodate the individual needs of students at various stages in their working life, as well as those of employers. Using a variety of inventive learning and assessment techniques, these courses can help both existing professionals progress their career and computer enthusiasts take the first step on the IT career ladder.

These techniques include work-based learning, where students continue to earn a salary while they study for an internationally recognised qualification; credit for placements and previous work experience; and a vendor certification pathway which recognises their skills worldwide.

Mark Ratcliffe, Director of Higher Education Engagement at e-skills UK, who worked alongside The Open University in developing these degrees, said: “If we are to secure a healthy pipeline of talent coming into the industry then we need to engage people at all stages in their career in relevant industry learning. As a flexible and adaptable education provider, The Open University is perfectly placed to do this.”

Revisions have also been made to the Foundation Degree in Computing & IT Practice and the top-up BSc in Computing & IT Practice, which form an integral part of the qualification suite. A new course, My Digital Life, is the recommended starting point and looks at technology of the future, where students will design, build and programme small ubiquitous computers.