Convert to an IT career with a postgraduate IT conversion course

With a postgraduate degree in IT, the doors of the IT world are open to you even if your undergraduate degree has no hint of technology within. There is growing interest in IT conversion courses from both prospective graduates and graduate IT employers. From the graduate's perspective, many see the value of adding practical, concrete skills to a more generalist degree background. From the employer's point of view, good conversion course graduates increase the size of the pool of graduates with both soft skill and technology appeal from which they fish.

What can an IT conversion course do for you?

'IT conversion courses are designed to provide a basic grounding in computing and IT for graduates of disciplines other than computer science,' explains Dr Russell Beale from the University of Birmingham's School of Computer Science. 'They should provide students with the skills and techniques necessary to develop a career in the world of computing and technology.'

Professor Uday Reddy, Head of School at Birmingham, agrees, adding: 'Some students combine the expertise from their original discipline with the knowledge of IT gained in a conversion course to open up new career opportunities. A biology graduate may do an IT conversion course and specialise in bioinformatics; a social sciences graduate may combine IT knowledge to specialise in economic or financial modelling.'

How to choose a course with the right focus

You need to think about what you want to achieve and examine the different courses on offer to find the one that suits your goals. 'IT conversion courses vary in content as well as scope,' explains Professor Reddy. 'Programmes with titles such as "MSc in computer science or computing" typically provide a strong foundation in the core scientific principles: programming, software engineering and databases, along with some exposure to advanced topics such as computer networks. However, programmes with titles such as "MSc in information technology" often focus on building applications of IT within business and society. They might provide a lighter touch in programming and the core scientific principles.'

Studying a conversion course can be intense, so motivation is essential. 'The students that excel typically have a keen interest in computing and the ability to work hard to master a new discipline in a short time. They often have a strong focus on professionally-oriented career options,' explains Professor Reddy.

Finding the right course and place to study

Start by researching the IT sector and its main employers, as this will give you an idea of the area and types of role in which you could work. Shortlist courses that have the appropriate focus to help you achieve your aims. You will also have to check carefully that you have the correct minimum requirements to enrol in the courses that interest you. 'Candidates need to make sure that their first degree is among those that qualify for entry and also check that their degree classification meets the requirements,' Professor Reddy highlights.

Many courses accept graduates from all disciplines. However, those with a deeper technical element may limit entry to graduates coming from numerate or technical first degrees. 'You should also mention any prior exposure to computing, any IT-related work experience you have had and the strength of your mathematical and analytical skills. Admissions tutors will use all such information to check your suitability for an IT conversion course,' Professor Reddy explains.

To maximise the benefits of converting to IT, you also need to choose the right place to study. 'The quality of course is paramount,' stresses Dr Beale. 'Discussing the course with past and present students is a good way to assess this.' Different courses will have different emphases, so you will need to decide what best meets your needs. 'Visit the places, talk to students and staff,' advises Dr Beale. 'You should also find out about alumni of the institution and investigate the support you will receive in developing your career.'

Using your new-found skills

From Professor Reddy's experience, students go on to work in a range of areas.'Some of our students have become computer science researchers and academics. Many of our previous students have gone on to work in IT consultancies, the software and computer games industries or the IT departments of finance and industrial organisations. Some go on to non-IT jobs where IT knowledge is still very valuable, for example, working as stockbrokers or sales and marketing professionals, while others have started their own businesses.'

For most students from conversion courses, employment success comes from combining their newfound technology skills with the general skills and competences gained through their undergraduate studies.

'The majority of computing applications are in business,' says Professor Reddy. 'IT practitioners in the industry need strong people skills, empathy with clients, understanding of the diverse needs of IT users, as well as a deep technical knowledge,' he explains. 'Communication skills are key,' Dr Beale points out. 'In the workplace, you need to present your ideas both verbally, through presentations and in written documents. We encourage development in these areas through our teaching.'

To add extra value to your studies, try to find a course where you have exposure to IT and computing in a commercial context through a placement or project work with an employer. At the very least, keep up to date with the latest technology developments and goings-on in the industry. 'There is more to computing and IT than managing databases or surfing the internet. Technology pervades our lives and being able to master it provides us with the power to do good, achieve wonderful things and change the world,' enthuses Dr Beale.