The first six computing degrees to successfully achieve robust accreditation and endorsement by the IT industry were announced today, with MIT among the New Zealand institutions being recognised.
MIT’s Bachelor of Information and Communication Technologies degree is now accredited and industry-endorsed by the Institute of IT Professionals NZ (IITP).
The comprehensive Degree Accreditation programme, run by IITP and aligned with similar accreditations in many other countries around the world, recognises computing and IT degrees that provide the best pathway to industry in New Zealand and abroad.
At the invitation of tertiary institutions, the accreditation process involves a comprehensive review of everything to do with a computing degree programme, including a multi-day campus visit by a panel of academic and industry experts.
Professor Stephen MacDonell, Chair of the IITP Accreditations Board, says: “Before a programme can be endorsed by the IT industry’s professional body, the visiting panel and Accreditations board follow an in-depth process to consider whether it meets the needs of local industry – as such we pay particular attention to evidence of things like industry engagement, team-work, practical application of theoretical skills, staff capability, and professional practice.”
“It’s a very thorough process, and students of these programmes can be assured their degrees are robust and will be recognised both locally and on the international stage,” MacDonell says.
IITP’s Degree Accreditation is modelled on the international Seoul Accord agreement, of which IITP is a provisional signatory. Once full signatory status is granted, accredited computing degrees will be formally recognised across all signatory countries as meeting robust international best practice standards for computing undergraduate degrees. Current Accord signatories include Australia, Canada, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, the United Kingdom and United States.
IITP Chief Executive Paul Matthews is pleased with the result.
“We’re very happy to be in a position to endorse these programmes, following significant work putting this programme in place over several years”.
“It’s also great to see a mix of institutions from large to small, and from across the main centres to the regions achieving accreditation,” Matthews says. “The offerings from these institutions are as diverse as the industry itself and we can confidently say these programmes provide excellent pathways to the IT industry”.
The Institute of IT Professionals is the professional body for those working in the Computing and Information Technology industry. With thousands of members nationwide, the Institute is the largest IT representative body in New Zealand.
The Institute works closely with Industry, Government and Academia however is a fully independent non-profit body; founded, operated and governed by IT Professionals. The Institute has been the voice of the IT Profession for over 50 years.
For more information about MIT’s Bachelor of Information and Communication Technologies, click here.
Email:
