An innovative new information technology (IT) course at Charles Sturt University (CSU), which has been developed with a range of industry partners to keep pace with industry needs, will be officially launched at the CSU Bathurst Campus on Friday 7 November by the Hon. Phillip Costa, MP, NSW Minister for Water, Rural Affairs and Regional Development.

 

CSU has joined with international IT services leader IBM to develop the Bachelor of Information Technology (Business Services) degree to provide highly skilled IT professionals for industry clients such as Country Energy and the NSW Department of Lands.

 

CSU Head of the School of Accounting and Computer Science, Associate Professor Ross Wilson, said the mixture of technical and business  components of the degree reflects what industry is looking for and will offer an expanding world of employment opportunities for graduates.

 

“This new degree is sure to be popular with students seeking an IT qualification because it will give graduates the skills needed to excel in today’s business world. They will be able to offer their enhanced information and communication technology experience and business know-how to a range of employers.

 

“In addition, all 22 students accepted into the new degree will be fully supported by scholarships funded by industry partners IBM, Country Energy and the NSW Department of Lands on an ongoing basis,” he said.

 

The degree will be offered from the start of 2009 and is designed to give students a fully integrated  ‘earn as you learn’ opportunity and branches out by offering a range of contemporary IT skills  as well as soft skills associated with interpersonal communication, teamwork and people management, all of which are highly desired by industry.

 

The degree will incorporate flexible delivery to facilitate work experience and will be taught at CSU’s Bathurst Campus by CSU academics and IT leaders, including IBM, to make all subjects highly relevant to current and emerging practices.

 

IBM, Country Energy and the NSW Department of Lands are confident the program can help meet skills and staffing needs in the Bathurst area and beyond, and have committed their ongoing support to CSU.