Information Technology (IT) is one of the fast growing fields that has to deal with dynamic technological changes. IT skills can be applied and can facilitate knowledge across fields.


From IT to Business and Sciences
Rapeeporn Chamchong, Computer Science Lecturer from Mahasarakham University and the finalist of the 2009 Google Australia and New Zealand Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship is conducting her PhD research in IT at Murdoch University in Perth, Australia, under a scholarship from the Ministry of Science and Technology, Thailand. Rapeeporn’s research on Image Processing and Artificial Intelligence is a good example of IT knowledge application in a differentiated area. Her research is aiming to effectively classify images of Thai alphabets from handwriting using artificial intelligence. The outcome could be used to retrieve historical documents.

The key strength of IT study in Australia is the diversity of programs that range from general degrees to specialised qualifications. CQUniversity offers Business degrees in Information System as well as IT degrees with specialisations in Networks and System Development. Swinburne University’s Faculty of ICT provides Bachelor degrees ranging from business information systems to technical computing applications and telecommunications. Its postgraduate courses offer a range of specialisation options including web application development, network design and security. Swinburne’s Master of Information Systems Management can also be combined with an MBA or Master of Professional Accounting. Students interested in computer science applications to Biology will find Bioinformatics programs offered in several Australian institutions very appealing.

From classroom to internship
The University of Ballarat offers an innovative program - Bachelor of Information Technology (Professional Practice) which has been developed in conjunction with IBM. From the second year of the program, students will combine university studies with practical experience with IBM. Students who successfully complete three years of the program are employed full-time by IBM for the first half of their fourth year. Ongoing jobs are offered by IBM for students who complete the four years of the program. Bond University’s School of Information Technology provides internship arrangement services. The Faculty Advisor and professors can also help arrange industry-based internships and work placements through their network of contacts – including Microsoft, IBM and Fujitsu.

From vocational qualification to higher education
Australian vocational qualifications can be used as a pathway to higher education. Holmesglen Institute, for instance, offers IT programs in Multimedia, Software Development, and Networking. The institution has credit transfer arrangements with many universities. Students successfully completing the one and a half year IT programs in Software Development or Networking have the opportunity to articulate in the Deakin University's Bachelor of Information Technology for a further two years. TAFE New South Wales Western Sydney Institute offers a Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA) Preparatory Course which gives participants practical skills in designing, configuring and installing computer internet systems. Completion of the Diploma of Networking provides a pathway to the Advanced Diploma of Information Technology (Network Security). Through its arrangement with the University of Western Sydney (UWS), students with a Diploma of IT (Networking) will receive credit points toward UWS’s Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology. Get into “IT”.