Postgraduate studies in ICT

For the practising ICT personnel, an endless pursuit of knowledge and technical skills is required in order to be at the forefront of cutting-edge technology. Postgraduate options are aplenty, ranging from conversion courses to specialist courses. 

 

The introduction of the personal computer and integration of mobile devices with computing has made ICT one of the fastest-evolving industries in the world. Most established ICT companies provide extensive training for their staff, but the curriculum is often tailored to the needs of the company and may not be easily transferable. Postgraduate study is therefore a fundamental part of the ambitious ICT personnel’s career growth and can provide the recognition and extra leverage he or she desires.

 

Areas of study

At undergraduate level, you are given the basics to help you learn quickly and easily adapt in the working environment. However, as you progress in your career, it is necessary to develop your knowledge both academically and practically in a specific area. 

 

Besides the traditional and general ICT degrees in information systems, systems analysis, software engineering, computer games and web design, many institutions now offer postgraduate degrees in more specialised and in-demand areas. 

 

Generally, these study areas can be divided into two groups. First is the study of a specific area within the field (database, e-learning, security, networking, knowledge management, mobile communications, software engineering, web programming, multimedia technology etc).

 

The second is the study of the application of various ICT skills and knowledge in industries other than ICT (eg business, entrepreneurship, e-commerce, education, telecommunications, manufacturing, health services, construction, tourism, forensics etc). 

 

Study mode

In Malaysia you will have the option of taught or research-based courses at Master’s and PhD levels. Taught courses are the popular choice for working executives, managers and consultants as it provides them with relevant practical and theoretical knowledge that is required on the job.

 

These courses usually consist of taught modules and a research project. At the end of the course, you will obtain an MSc in your specialisation. Research-based studies, on the other hand, cater to ICT specialists who specialise in research and may work in laboratory settings. 

 

Courses can be undertaken on a full-time or part-time basis and usually take one to five years to complete. The duration is determined by the area of study, the institution, study mode and level of study. 

 

Professional courses

If you are looking to become proficient in a specific area, professional courses might be a good choice for you. Professional courses can be categorised into two groups – technology-based certification and area- or scope-based certification.

 

Technology-based certifications are offered by vendors such as CISCO, IBM, Mac, Microsoft, Oracle and SAP which will train you in the usage and trouble shooting of the vendors’ products. Area- or scope-based certification is offered by training centres that will coach you in a specialisation within ICT such as creative multimedia, e-business and IT Service Management.

 

Making the decision

When selecting a postgraduate course in ICT, make sure that it is in line with your career goals. The following are some of the questions you should ask yourself before enrolling.

Note that certain courses are more challenging than others and will require your full attention in order to avoid falling behind. Thus you must consider how further studies will fit into your career plans and the direction that you are heading in. Also make sure that the syllabus is up-to-date and the institution you select is equipped with the equipment and resources necessary for your area of study.

 

Entry requirements

Postgraduate studies in ICT are not limited to those with an ICT degree. In fact, many general Master’s courses also serve as conversion programmes for candidates who are looking for a career switch or recognition for their expertise in a field which they do not possess academic qualifications for.

 

These courses cover many of the fundamental areas within the field such as systems analysis and design, computer networking, e-commerce, security, business information systems, data systems. 

 

Specialised and advanced courses will require a relevant academic background or work experience. Therefore it is best to speak to the course advisors at education institutions to find out what are the minimum requirements. With the wide variety of certification and professional courses out there, it is possible to gain the relevant qualifications required for the major you wish to pursue.

 

Graduate opportunities

The Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC) has been pushing for more highly skilled knowledge workers across all industries, particularly in health care, engineering and education, creating a huge demand for specialised and qualified personnel. Job prospects are therefore not limited to the ICT industry as the technical, problem solving and critical thinking skills are advantageous in any industry.