Programme Feature: Master of IT

By Jaspal Kaur Naranjan Singh

IT underpins our daily lives, from the apps and websites we use, to the info sharing that facilitates health, transport and finance services. With AI technology advancing quickly and concerns about data privacy violations making big news, there’s a huge need for IT experts.

In fact, IT skills are needed more than ever because nearly all industries are going through digital transformation. While we used to think of IT as mainly for high-tech companies, it’s now essential for many different kinds of businesses.

MIT at OUM

The Master of IT (MIT) offered by OUM’s Faculty of Technology and Applied Sciences meets the new skillset demand, empowering graduates to enter the field with specialist knowledge and career-ready experience.

As a flexible degree suited to graduates and professionals with or without prior experience in the field, MIT enables students to develop and improve not only their technical skills but also their managerial capabilities. They could enhance their computerised technical knowledge, their ability to handle info management, and also their problem-solving capabilities in computer-related management.

This is a fully online programme so students could continue to work full time. Dedicated e-facilitators conduct e-tutorials online for students throughout Malaysia. Students can access the myOUM portal which has the myINSPIRE learning platform, Digital Library, eServices, myResearch, Handbooks, Survival Guide and other resources.

They can also pace themselves in taking up the courses as and when they want. The minimum duration to complete the programme is 2 years and the maximum is 4 years.

Should You Study MIT?

The programme produces skilled professionals in the fields of network solutions management/engineering, wireless broadband engineering, IT network applications, architecture/development, telecommunications software development, and data networking.

You can tailor your studies to align with your career goals and interests. These are some of the roles you can pursue with an MIT qualification:

• IT Manager/Director/ Project Manager
• IT Infrastructure Manager
• IT Network Consultant
• IT Network Applications Architect/Developer
• Senior IT Consultant
• Chief Technology Officer
• Cyber Security Expert
• Data Science Expert
• Data Networking Expert
• Digital Forensic Expert
• Network Solutions Manager
• Wireless Broadband Engineer
• Telecommunications Software Developer/Expert

As IT is a broad field, roles and careers are varied and span a range of industries. From start-ups to financial services and consulting firms, many industries and organisations are in need of IT expertise.

 Do You Qualify?

The entry requirements are flexible, taking into account not only your paper qualifications but also experience.

You are eligible for the MIT programme if you have:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Computing or related fields with a minimum 2.50 CGPA
• A Bachelor’s degree in Computing or related fields with a minimum 2.00 CGPA and 5 years of experience (there will be a comprehensive internal assessment)
• Other equivalent qualifications (you’ll need to undertake certain prerequisite courses)
• 5 years of working experience in related fields (you’ll need to undertake certain prerequisite courses and a comprehensive internal assessment)

Could You Apply for APEL?

Yes, you could! There are 3 categories for you to benefit from:

• A: You can seek to enrol in OUM if you have an APEL.A certificate from MQA.
• C: You can turn your working experience into credits for most MIT courses.
• Q: You can obtain the MIT degree if you have 20 years of relevant working experience.

To find out the details, visit https://apel.oum.edu.my/

 What Will You Learn?

There are 8 core courses with a total of 40 credits:

• Methodology of Information System Development
• Project Management
• Software Quality and Metrics
• Information System Planning
• Advanced Database Systems
• Information Security Management
• Research Methodology
• Masters Project Paper

The electives are grouped into 3 main fields: management, data science and networking.

For the management track, the courses are:

• Knowledge management
• Change management
• Web design and technologies

For the data science track, the courses are:

• Data analytics
• Artificial intelligence
• Machine learning courses

For the networking track, the courses are:

• Advanced computer networks
• Network security
• Network management

However, you can also mix and match any three of the electives.

Does the curriculum cover industry trends and real-world applications?

Every 2 years, a curriculum review is conducted to ensure that the programme is aligned with current industry needs and trends, as well as with MQA standards for computing and master’s degrees. The reviews are done by academic experts, alumni and industry experts. All feedback is taken into consideration to improve the programme.

Real-world scenarios are integrated into the coursework, so that students could analyse and solve problems that are comparable to those in the industry.

Meanwhile, the master’s project enables students to apply the knowledge they have gained by planning, executing and completing a substantial research. As a result, they will develop research skills that could help them in their careers, as they will learn to conduct literature review, formulate research questions, design methodologies, collect and analyse data, and draw conclusions.

They will also sharpen their problem solving and critical thinking skills, digital and numeracy skills, project management skills, communication skills and leadership, autonomy and responsibility skills, and entrepreneurial skills.

Time for Action!

You can apply to enrol in the January, May or September intakes. To find out more, visit https://www.oum.edu.my/all-programmes/postgraduate-programme/master-of-information-technology/