Universities for IT - any good here?

[cjscjs]

HI

Does anyone have any advice regarding IT degrees over here in Aus. Are they on the same level as other countries eg UK. Is there one university that specialises and stands out above the others? My son is fast finishing year 12 and he could go to Uni here or in the UK - want to know the facts so that he can make a good choice. Or even any other pathways in IT that are recommended.

Thanks for any help received!

[connaust]

Few questions:

 

1. Will he be intending to remain in Australia?

2. If so, university is irrelevant (except for skills assessment). Why? Much of what is learnt is out of date by time of completion. Most in industry, although they may have formal degree, learn most of their skills from workplace and training courses to remain up to date.

3. TAFE or vocational pathways (to university) are more practical, and cheaper....

[LukeM]

I'm applying to University for next year. I completed my A Levels in June. I achieved the following:

 

Level 3 (Advanced) Diploma of Information Technology - C

A2 Media Studies - C

A2 General Studies - D

AS Psychology - E

Extended Project (Information Technology) - B

 

I was just on the phone to an admissions officer at Griffith University. They told me that I could give 3 A2 or 1 AS and 2 A2 grades and they calculated a rank for me there and then.

 

By providing my A Level Diploma of IT, A2 Media and AS Psychology grades I can get 92. The cut off for Griffith University's IT and Multimedia programs are around the late 60s/early 70s.

 

What I would suggest therefore is that your son completes year 12 and 13 in England before considering University study. He could come here and do Year 12 equally but there's more subjects to do. Generally University requirements for English and Maths are met by A Levels without having to study those subjects specifically. Certainly for Griffith there is no pre-requisites for English or Maths or Sciences in IT.

 

Now, interestingly, I have to say, if your son is able to work in the industry while studying for a degree that's probably better than doing one or the other. So in a way I partially agree with Andrew - Industry experience does good, because you can apply your Uni stuff back in to the job you're doing too.

 

IT @ Work is a new program being offered by Griffith. You can do no better than to research what's on offer and where.

 

I would also like to add that whilst Andrew's point about "learning skills from the industry and moving along with it" and studying at TAFE are good, you also gain heaps of valuable life skills from studying at University that you wouldn't necessarily get from going straight into the workplace.

 

It's a catch 22 situation.

 

I currently work as an IT Officer (casual) for a hospice in Brisbane. I hope to apply to study either Multimedia or IT in 2011 semester 1.

 

I have been advised that my application is "one of the strongest heard of in a while" for IT/Multimedia at Griffith and that I could also consider applying for a Scholarship and I hope to be able to keep up the job in Brissie whilst studying.

 

Hopefully that gives you a bit of an insight into what your son could be aspiring to. :cute:

 

Good luck!

[cjscjs]

Thanks for the advice - he is in year 12 here in Aus so is finishing in 3 months. Its just where to get workplace experience without any qualifications - even its just for a few months until uni starts.

Also who knows where his career and life will take him - australia - worldwide? we just dont know so dont want to close any doors...

[LukeM]

Why does he need work experience just out of interest?

 

It's not something on the essentials list for University applications. Work experience in Queensland at least, I've been told, can't be contributed toward your application unless you're over 21 and applying to University.

[skipjack]

RMIT University's School of Computer Science and IT (in Melbourne) is well funded. It's a dual sector Uni (operating both TAFE and Higher Ed programs). The Uni overall is massive (60,000) and attracts funding to match so the facilities are good.

 

I would contact Assoc. Prof. Isaac Balbin isaac.balbin@rmit.edu.au at the School. He would be able to give you some good advice and facts and figures about the School and IT in Australia in general.