The field of computing is one of the most rapidly expanding industries. Demand for qualified computing professionals grows on an annual basis, and there is a global skills shortage – which is why computing conversion degrees are an increasingly popular choice for career changers.
Graduates from these courses can go on to benefit from higher-than-average starting salaries and opportunities to work around the world. But to succeed in this constantly evolving sector, you will need to be equipped with both the technical knowhow and the right mix of skills – both of which our online conversion degrees help you develop.
1. Adaptability
Computing is such a fast-changing environment that it’s highly beneficial to be able to react flexibly to unexpected new information or modifications to a brief.
Your preconceptions will be challenged from day one on our courses, as the Launching into Computer Science / Launching into Cyber Security modules encourage you to embrace the ever-changing nature of the field and critically appraise the latest trends.
2. Analytical thinking
When tackling an issue in computing, it’s useful to pick the problem apart and examine the root of it. You’ll need to be able to approach situations in a methodical and logical way – and our programmes help to develop this skill by teaching you a variety of systems and methods you can apply to tasks that you’ll face in your future career.
Our Masters programmes culminate in a Final Project, where you will be able to further advance your analytical thinking. You will choose an area of interest and develop a technical project, evaluating the various professional, legal, ethical and social issues that affect your chosen topic.
3. Problem solving
This is one of the most important skills to have when working in IT, as many of the situations you face on a daily basis will require some out-of-the-box thinking. Taking a creative approach to the challenges you face will allow you to find more effective solutions.
Throughout the course you will be presented with problems and expected to use your current and prior module learnings to find the best solution. Your problem-solving capability will evolve as you gain more tools in your professional skillset.
4. Risk awareness
The threat posed to companies by cyber-attacks is on the rise, and it is essential for any computing professional to be mindful of these hazards while working. As you might expect, risk management is a key focus across our MSc Cyber Security degree. It is also an important aspect of several modules on our MSc Computer Science, such as Network Security and Secure Software Development.
5. Teamwork
Most modern computing jobs involve a large amount of collaboration. For instance, as a software developer, you will need to liaise with other professionals in your team, as well as colleagues across your organisation and external clients.
Our courses feature multiple opportunities to collaborate with your classmates, including taking part in team projects on various modules such as Software Engineering Project Management and Security and Risk Management. These projects focus on developing real-life perspectives on roles and team organisation.
6. Commercial awareness
An appreciation of the emerging trends in computer science or cyber security is crucial to succeeding in these industries. Our courses not only teach you about the current trends, they also encourage you to research sources that will help you stay up to date with developments in this sector.
7. Time management
Good time management skills aren’t just useful in computing – they’re beneficial in pretty much any career. Balancing a complex and varying list of priorities, like you do in an IT job, is much easier if you have refined these skills. By studying online and part-time, you’re reliant on yourself to plan when you do your study materials, and so you will hone your time-management skills, and your completion of the course will serve as evidence which you can point to in an interview.
Interested in developing these skills so you can take on the challenge of a new career in IT? Take a look at our range of computing courses by downloading a prospectus.