Exploratory enunciation of IT related graduate courses: the M-BIS and the M-ICT Degrees at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology

Abstract

The purpose of this work was to review the structure and curricula of technology related post-graduate (PG) programmes, with particular reference to a Masters in Business Information Systems (BIS), and to articulate the conceptions of ICT, IT, Informatics and ICT4D, with the intent to review and revise current offerings, so as to inform the mix of the newly proposed Master of ICT degree in the institution. The probability of the newly proposed Master of ICT degree thus, was also explored in greater detail. A qualitative methodological process was followed, with institutions such as the Association of Computer Machinery (ACM), the IEEE, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), as well as a series of universities in Europe, the USA and Australia used as sources of data for the benchmarking exercise. A common trend according to the findings is that most technology (computing) related Master degrees are courseware based, with emphasis on the industry practice. The pattern is prevalent in Europe where most technology related Master degrees are technically oriented, albeit, with options between coursework and research. Accreditation of technology-related Master degrees with professional bodies as well as university collaborations with the industry on curriculation, inservice projects and assessments also emerged as a general trend in all observed institutions. Anyway, the Australian cases suggest a high degree of autonomy in terms of curricula and structure of PG degrees between institutions – although all Master qualifications in this field are required to comply with, and be accredited by, the Australian Computer Society (ACS). The M-ICT programme of the University of La Trobe was considered the most appropriate model upon which, possible adaptations to the CPUT context, could be drawn.