IT

Postgraduate study in IT

Job prospects

Reports currently show a shortfall of up to 14,000 IT related job vacancies in the Republic of Ireland, with some IT recruiters struggling to fill all their graduate positions. Governments throughout Europe forecast a high level of demand for skilled software development graduates. As IT continues to be increasingly prevalent in all types of work, the opportunities for applying the skills gained on an IT postgraduate course will also increase. Skilled software practitioners are required in various industries, ranging from banking to manufacturing, and the IT industry itself. Graduates may also combine skills in areas such as consultancy, software localisation, training and support, and technical writing.

The options

There is a wide variety of courses available, with new disciplines emerging all the time. Depending on the area you wish to specialise in, it is worth shopping around. Taught, fulltime and part-time courses are on offer and distance learning is also an option, aided by developments in e-learning. Most masters programmes have a major project as part of the course requirement. 

Issues to consider

• Even taught courses have a substantial element of research.
• The level of progression at postgraduate level is much faster and more intense than at undergraduate level. Unless you can make a full commitment to the course, you may find yourself falling behind very quickly.
• The college year is very short and you may feel as if you have just started the course when the graduate recruitment fairs and application deadlines appear. Don’t miss out on these important events and dates!

Written by Mary O’Flynn, Careers Adviser