• Charles Sturt University in Port Macquarie is celebrating five years success of its on-campus postgraduate IT qualification with a new enhanced offering
• The postgraduate Master of Information Technology (with specialisations) is Charles Sturt’s most successful course for international students
• Charles Sturt IT graduates are in high demand and making significant contributions to Australia’s digital transformation in sectors such as health, finance, and technology

Building on the five-year success of its postgraduate information technology (IT) course in Port Macquarie, Charles Sturt University offers a new Master of Professional Information Technology to bolster the career opportunities of its students.

In 2017, the Charles Sturt School of Computing, Mathematics and Engineering launched its Master of Information Technology (with specialisations) for local and international students at the University in Port Macquarie.

Course Director and Senior Lecturer in Computing Dr Sabih Rehman said, “We started with 11 students and the course has more than 65 graduates from 118 total enrolments from 12 countries, with 45 students currently enrolled.

“Countries our students and graduates come from include Colombia, Nigeria, Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, India, Nepal, China, the Philippines, and Papua New Guinea.

“Women comprise 28 per cent of the total course enrolments, and it is encouraging to see more women in a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) related discipline.”

Dr Rehman said from 2022, the new Master of Professional Information Technology (with specialisations) has a stronger focus on developing job-ready graduates in areas of key skills shortages.

“The new Master of Professional Information Technology has been designed to deliver the essential skills required to stay ahead in this rapidly changing industry,” he said.

As the course content evolves to meet industry needs it is on track to continue to be Charles Sturt’s most successful course among international students.

“Our graduates are in high demand by employers across all sectors, and many are already making significant contributions to the digital transformation in various sectors, such as health, finance and technology across Australia,” Dr Rehman said.

“During the past five years, a number of our international students have also been involved in various activities to give back to the local community.

“Students participated in the Talent Hackathon in 2018-19 where the Master of Information Technology students worked with local businesses to solve problems through technological innovations.

“Some students volunteered to facilitate coding workshop for primary school students and represented the University at a local robotics competition for school students.”

Current IT postgraduate student Mr Anwesh Budhathoki (pictured, inset) from Nepal is excited to follow in the footsteps of his brother Ashish, who graduated from the same course in 2020.

Mr Budhathoki is enjoying his studies and is especially keen to develop his knowledge in the areas of cybersecurity and software development.

“I have always been fascinated by information technology due to the endless possibilities it provides, and I have a keen interest in programming and software development as it allows me to explore my creative and analytical skills,” Mr Budhathoki said.

“I have been lucky that the Master of Information Technology provides the chance to combine my interest in software designing with cybersecurity.

“There is currently a need in the market for people who can design software, understand how different software works, and be able to secure the systems they design.”

Mr Budhathoki said the main reason he decided to study at Charles Sturt was because his elder brother had already graduated from the same course a year before he started, and he was very appreciative of the level of support, especially from the teaching staff, and the campus facilities at Port Macquarie are also excellent.

“My experience with Charles Sturt University has been great so far and studying at a regional location like Port Macquarie also comes with additional benefits of not having to deal with the hustle and bustle (of a big city),” he said.

“What is not to like about Port Macquarie? It is a scenic town with beautiful beaches and mild weather, plus its wildlife - we often see koalas on the campus.”

Charles Sturt Director of External Engagement in Port Macquarie Ms Kate Wood-Foye said, “Our international IT students have enriched the vibrancy and diversity of our Port Macquarie campus community, adding to the global experience for both domestic and international students.

“Students continue to connect and celebrate their unique cultures through inclusive events and on-campus experiences though sharing of stories, food and national days of celebration.

Ms Eleanor Mitchell, Director of Global Engagement at the University, said, “It is so good to see siblings and members from the same family opting to study the same course at Charles Sturt University and this is a testament to the quality student experience we try to provide our students.

“Charles Sturt University is one of the largest providers of postgraduate IT education in Australia and our Master of Professional Information Technology is helping the University establish its brand internationally.”