Charles Sturt University (CSU) will introduce a new postgraduate degree in the development of mobile applications from 2015, in response to industry demand.

Course Director with the CSU School of Computing and Mathematics Mr Jason Howarth believes it to be the world's first Masters-level degree in mobile app development

He says the demand from the Information Technology (IT) sector couldn't be stronger.

"Since the introduction of the first iPhone in 2007, employment in the app development industry has increased rapidly, with 9.4 per cent of all IT jobs in Australia now related to the development, maintenance or support of mobile platforms. 

"The federal Department of Employment predicts up to 50 000 new job openings for software and apps programmers over the next five years.

"We expect it to be very popular, particularly at a time when the industry is crying out for more app programmers."

The University's Faculty of Business has worked with industry to create the Master of Mobile Applications Development, a course devoted to the design and maintenance of mobile apps for the Apple IOS, Google Android and Microsoft platforms. 

Mr Howarth said, "Students will learn how to use sophisticated development frameworks such as Xamarin, PhoneGap and Unity to build cross-platform mobile apps that are designed to fill a need in the market.

"Towards the end of the course, students will create a significant mobile app which they could commercialise.

"It is not necessary to have programming experience to enrol in the degree – all the necessary skills and technologies will be taught as part of the program.

"Over the last decade we've established market leadership for online computing programs by providing degrees that incorporate the latest technology platforms. 

"The Master of Mobile Applications Development builds on this by teaching students to write native, hybrid and HTML5 apps that can be ported to different devices.  The ability to use Xamarin, PhoneGap and Unity to develop cross-platform apps will ensure that graduates have excellent career prospects."

The new degree is built with extensive input from app development companies such as Gruden, a Sydney-based agency who have built apps for blue-chip companies and developed an innovative mobile retail platform called Mobile Den. 

Gruden chief executive officer, Mr Todd Trevillion, was one of the key contributors to the design of the program. 

"This type of pioneering degree that universities need to offer if they want their graduates to be attractive to employers," Mr Trevillion said.

"It is critical that the very latest platforms are incorporated and that job applicants can show actual apps that they have built using these platforms. 

"There is fierce competition in the industry and the development time frames keep getting shorter - we do not have the time or resources to bring trainees up to speed."

Another key industry contributor is Mr Matthew Wilson, Director of Novus Res, a company behind a suite of software applications ranging from web applications and a line of business software to mobile apps and games. 

Mr Wilson said, "What is amazing is that even though it has only been seven years since the first apps were introduced, app development has already evolved from a cottage industry into a main stream employment sector in the IT industry.

"Native mobile application development is becoming the top priority for IT and all the indications are that this is just the tip of the iceberg.  Competition for experienced staff is already fierce and it is a great career option."

The Master of Mobile Applications Development is offered by distance education through the School of Computing and Mathematics at CSU. Please contact 1800 334 733. Further information is available here.