University of Westminster introduces specialisation pathways to careers in computing

Wednesday, 7 January 2015 00:03 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Informatics Institute of Technology (www.iit.ac.lk) in collaboration with University of Westminster, UK recently launched the BSc (Hons) Computer Science degree with specialisation pathways in the fields of Mobile and Web Computing, Games and Computer Graphics Development and Multimedia Computing to cater to the ever increasing demand for these disciplines. This unique program which is the first of its kind in Sri Lanka is a four year degree with a compulsory one year (12 month) industrial placement which focuses on providing students with knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles and technologies that strengthen the disciplines of computer science. This program also gives students the technical expertise in computer science and practical experience which enable them to eventually specialise and pursue their aspiration in either one of the three areas.

The first year which is common and mandatory to all the three specialisations would include Communication and Career Management, Computer Systems Fundamentals, Web Technology, Mathematics for Computing, Software Development Principles and Information Systems. Following the conclusion of the first year, students commence specialising in their chosen discipline from the second year onwards. Students selecting the Mobile and Web Computing pathway will have the options of studying Mobile Computing Principles, Web Server-side Programming, Mobile Application Development, Advanced Client-side Web Development, Mobile User Experience, Native Programming for Mobile Platforms, Advanced Web Technology, Web Intelligence and Web Analytics and Marketing. Students who successfully complete their degree and specialise in Mobile and Web Computing will have careers as CRM Technical Developers, Mobile Phone System Engineer, Mobile Architect/ Mobile Software Platform Architect, Mobile Security Expert and many other related career paths. Those selecting the Games and Computer Graphics Development pathway will have the options of pursuing 3D Graphics Programming, Applied Mathematics and Physics, Game Engine Architecture, 3D Modelling and Animation, Advance Mathematics for Game Development, Advanced Animation Techniques and Native Programming for Mobile Platforms. The career falling within the sphere of Games and Computer Graphics Development are Computer Graphics Designer, Computer Animator, 3D Modeller and Computer Game Designer, Developer and many other related career paths. Students who select the pathway in Multimedia Computing will have the options of pursuing their studies in Advanced Interactive Product Development, Advanced Client-side Web Development, Mobile Computing Principles, Mobile User Experience, Advanced Web Technology, Web Analytics and Marketing and Advanced Animation Techniques. For those specialising in the discipline of Multimedia Computing will have career options as Video Editor, Graphic Artist, Instructional Designer, Production Assistant, Desktop Publisher, Film Video Animator and many other paths related career paths. Other than following a career in the three specialised areas, a student that has completed the BSc (Hons) Computer Science degree can also follow become a Computer Programmer, Software Developer, Web Developer, Web Master, Computer Systems Analyst, Computer and Information Systems Manager, Quality Assurance Associate/Analyst, UX Designer, Manager Software Quality Assurance (QA)/Testing, Software Engineer and many other opportunities. One of the key incentives of this program is its unique 12 month industrial placement provided for students during their third academic year. The knowledge gained from this program is sufficient for the students to go into their industrial placement where they are able to see their subjects come alive in practical applications.

During this one year industrial placement, students following this program are provided the much needed work experience and will result in the student being highly employable. Many of these students are selected to leading multinational and local blue-chip IT companies in which they will be further empowered with a training they receive in a real working environment, thus making these students highly employable upon graduation. With 25 years of experience as being a pioneer in providing British higher education in Business and Information Technology in Sri Lanka, IIT has earned a wide reputation as a solid, professional training campus, catering to the needs of the students and producing quality graduates, to anticipate the professional world by being armed with confidence and knowledge. Apart from academic knowledge, IIT also places great importance in Soft Skill Development, Team work, Motivational projects, Presentation skills and other professional attitudes by encouraging students to take part in national and international competitions such as Microsoft Imagine Cup, National Best Quality Software Awards (NBQSA), Google Summer of Code and e-Swabhimani in which IIT has won many accolades at these competitions. Students that have participated in these competitions have won several awards and bringing credit to IIT. Up to date, IIT has produced nearly 3000 graduates who are holding prestigious positions across the globe. With a dedicated team of lecturers and administrators, IIT remains the number one choice amongst students for IT and Business degrees. For further information, write to IIT on [email protected] or call the IIT Main Campus hotline 0722 72 72 72. IIT also welcomes prospective students to visit and talk to counsellors at IIT Main Campus at No. 57, Ramakrishna Rd, Colombo 6.