The UK technology sector is currently worth more than £180 billion. It far outpaced the economy in general this year and continues to grow rapidly, making it an appealing prospect for those considering careers in tech or IT. However, alongside this growth is constant evolution and technological development, which can be difficult to learn and keep up to date with.
Our 3 newly designed part-time computing Masters are made to adapt to your real life commitments; while also providing specialised skills and knowledge to those considering a new career, those wanting to specialise in their careers and those wanting to develop their careers. The 3 courses are MSc Cyber Security Technology, MSc Computing and Technology and MSc Information Security Management and you can read more about their unique benefits here.
To have a successful career in this sector, you’re going to need essential and transferable skills that compliment your specific specialisation. So no matter which of these Masters is right for you, all share the same 2 core modules. For anyone wishing to pursue a career in computing or tech, you’re going to need skills in Information Governance and Cyber Security, and be able to effectively lead teams through technological change, demonstrating Leadership in a Digital Age.
Information Governance is the technologies, policies, controls, processes, and strategies that a business or organisation uses to structure information to meet business needs. It also helps with legal compliance and operational transparency.
This covers the security controls that are applied to the information and data you will be responsible for, including how it’s governed when in use, transmitted over networks and how it’s stored. The principles that underpin the management of an organisation’s data is central to this module, and through exploring different standards, frameworks and theories, you will be well placed to assess an organisations current approach to information governance.
Security controls over data governance is essential, however the introduction of GDPR in 2018 has really forced this issue into the front and centre of the industry with bad practice likely to damage reputations and standings in the industry. Of course security encompasses all of this, so it’s essential digital leaders understand the cyber security landscape and how to effectively implement security strategies, within legal, regulatory and organisational needs.
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that almost every single business and organisation in the world has changed irrevocably since the advent of the internet and digital technologies. Everything is different, so it makes sense that our leadership strategies should be too.
So much so that Mervyn Eyre, Executive Vice President of Fujitsu Americas, describes the changes on society as ‘dramatically changing our leadership responsibilities whether in politics, professionals in business, teachers in school or parents raising children.’
Given this, it’s essential that once you enter the digital industry you’re capable of leading IT professionals and teams through technology projects and improve the performance of yourself, your people, your areas of responsibility and your organisation.
A key characteristic of a leader in a digital context is taking the initiative. Learn all you can about the latest developments as they relate to you and push yourself out of your comfort zone; engage in the conversation and become an early adopter. You should also embrace the fact that traditional hierarchies are dead – they have no place in the digital world. Work at every level, share your knowledge and learn from everyone you can. The other thing to remember is to stay focused and centred on your own values.
Through this module, you will be looking at strategies to develop new knowledge of the sector and of leadership, including the competence in visioning, development and deployment of technological strategies. Leadership is also about responding to challenges and opportunities in complex operating environments, and in order to fully grasp the vast opportunities the digital sector provides, you will need to bring these skills to your role.
To find out more about each of these programmes, please visit the course pages below.
If you want more information about studying Part-Time at Northumbria University London, visit our pages for Working Professionals.
