THERE is still time to apply for a fully-funded IT scholarship at the University of Ulster.
The university is offering 32 IT scholarships for graduates from a non-computing background through its Masters in Professional Software Development at the Coleraine campus.
The Faculty of Computing and Engineering has secured the funding for the places from the Department for Education and Learning (DEL).
Welcoming the DEL funding for the second consecutive year, Professor Richard Millar, Dean of the faculty, said it would help pave the way for skilled graduates to retrain and meet the growing needs of Northern Ireland’s vibrant software industry.
“This vote of confidence in computing at Ulster should be welcomed by all. The first intake of students started in September 2012 and they are now due to graduate in a few weeks. A number of them have already secured employment and have their started induction training,” said Prof Millar.
“The demand for places on our computing courses has grown steadily in recent years but there is still a shortfall in the number of skilled graduates required to meet the needs of the Northern Ireland software industry.
“We are delighted that DEL has chosen to fund places on the Masters in Professional Software Development for a second year and we are looking forward to building on the success of last year’s programme.
“The university is producing a large number of high-quality computing graduates but the industry needs and can absorb even more. Our contacts and advisers in the software industry identified a need for more graduates and we have responded.”
The closing date for applications for funded places on the MSc in Professional Software Development is Friday (August 23). Each scholarship will cover the course’s full tuition fees. DEL funding is applicable for NI, GB and EU (including ROI) students.
Meanwhile, Belfast City Council is currently recruiting for an innovative upskilling business programme to help local companies tap into further success.
The Strategy in Business initiative will offer support to 15 small businesses in the city, assisting them to develop a strategic plan for future growth.
The programme will include a series of tailored business development workshops, one-to-one mentoring and a special ‘health check’ to assess and bolster each company’s position.
On completion of the programme, participating businesses will receive an award from the University of Ulster in Professional Development as well as a targeted Action Plan for their business.
Strategy in Business is being delivered for the council by Work West Enterprise Agency. To apply, businesses should contact Claire Ferris at Work West on 028 9061 0826 or email Claire@workwest.co.uk for an application form. Closing date for applications is Friday (August 23).