Online degree puts IT at the heart of business

Liverpool University and Dutch learning specialist, K.I.T have launched an online Masters degree aimed at giving business men and women a solid grounding in IT.

The education partners hope that the course will help address the much-publicised skills shortage, as well as promote technology throughout the business community.

John Latham, academic secretary of Liverpool University, said: "We are responding to the global IT skills shortage by giving professionals a chance to fit postgraduate study around their employment. We are also offering companies the chance to encourage their staff to educate themselves further."

Experts have welcomed the venture and claim it may offer a partial solution to the skills shortage that has blighted the industry.

Tim Conway, director of industry affairs at the Computer Services and Software Association (CSSA), said: "Businesses across all industries should encourage their staff to acquire degree-level knowledge of IT. Online education is a convenient way to educate professionals part-time and shorten the growing IT skills gap."

The course is based around distance learning modules available for download over the internet. Students can contact their tutor via email, and lectures are delivered online.

However, Dr Don Smith, course director of information systems at the University of East Anglia, criticised the 'online-only' nature of the course, claiming the lack of human contact could be a stumbling block for students.

"An IT course based solely on virtual interaction will make students feel isolated and even de-motivated. Human contact is an essential aspect in the learning process," he said.

The degree costs £8,000 and lasts approximately 18 months.