Higher Technical Qualifications Computing and IT
Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) meet professional standards set out by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) and are fully approved by several high-level IT employers. This makes them valuable qualifications that can put you on the path to a great computing career. The OU offers two qualifications which have been developed specifically to answer the technical skills gaps that employers have in recruiting in software and computer networking.
The range of organisations these qualifications could apply to is extensive, including retail, financial services, communications and web applications, media, manufacturing, transport, tourism, the public sector and healthcare. There is growth and demand in cyber security, mobile development, cloud computing, managing hybrid work networks and the applications of big data.
In addition to gaining a qualification, having relevant experience can be helpful in gaining a competitive edge and progressing quickly once in the workplace. There is also an increasing expectation for IT professionals to have commercial awareness, good business skills and interpersonal skills, as well as technical expertise. You can find out more by looking at job vacancies and exploring what is required for different roles.
Further study
Both the Diploma of Higher Education in Network Engineering and the Diploma of Higher Education in Software Development meet the industry approved occupational standards for networking engineering and software development roles. You could also consider extending your study to gain an honours degree if this aligns with your study and career intentions. To find out more about Computing and IT study at The Open University visit OU Courses.
Whatever your motivations for study, your goals and career aspirations, as a registered OU student or recent alumni you have access to personal development planning through FutureYOU. To find out more visit the Computing and IT Study Home site.
