Be in demand: Introducing Online Computer Science MScs at York
As technology continues to advance at breakneck speed and businesses become ever more reliant on digital infrastructure and IT, the need for people with specialist skills and understanding of the technology to maintain cybersecurity is also increasing.
The UK is ranked third globally in its requirement for cyber professionals, but the skills gap to fill the roles is estimated to be the second worst in the world, according to research from Indeed. To put this into numbers, the amount of UK cyber roles available grew by almost a third between 2014 and 2016, with over 75% of UK-based cyber security workers now earning more than £47,000 per year. Despite this, it’s estimated that there will be around 100,000 unfilled cyber vacancies in the UK by 2020.
A future opportunity
Computer science covers a wide range of topics, from programming and software development to cyber security and data mining, all of which are fundamental to the future of business. While the principles of computer science are now a key feature of primary and secondary education in the UK, a chasm of vacant roles will be unfilled for a number of years.
This is why the University of York has announced the launch of three new online Masters degrees in Computer Science, offering ambitious, driven career-changers the opportunity to learn the knowledge and skills necessary to make the move into the sector and give them the chance to pursue a lucrative and in-demand career. With options to specialise in data analytics or cyber security, students can get to grips with essential knowledge and experience, which could well be the stepping stone to a promising new career.
Flexible online learning
The new programmes are part of the University of York’s growing portfolio of online courses which allow students from all over the world to earn a Masters degree at a prestigious Russell Group university while balancing their studies around work and personal commitments.
Offering the course entirely online opens these programmes up to a wide range of people, in particular ambitious career-changers who cannot commit to a more traditional method of study. Students can choose from six start dates throughout the year, giving them the flexibility to begin studying when it suits them. The course is also offered with the option to pay per-module, so learners can avoid significant up-front cost by spreading payments through the duration of their study.