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BCS response to Shadbolt Review of Computer Sciences Degree Accreditation and Graduate Employability

BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT has welcomed the Shadbolt Review of Computer Sciences Degree Accreditation and Graduate Employability published yesterday. BCS accredits around 80% of university computing degree courses around the UK, and is also licenced by the Engineering Council and Science Council to accredit courses towards Chartered Engineer and Chartered Scientist.

The aim of the review was to develop a clearer understanding of the reasons why graduates from Computer Science undergraduate degree courses appear to suffer from poor employment outcomes relative to graduates from other STEM disciplines. As part of this investigation, the review considers the role of academic accreditation in maintaining or improving outcomes.

Bill Mitchell, Director of Education says of the report: “This is a very helpful report at a time when university computing departments are having to adapt to a changing education environment and increasing demands from society. The report reflects many of the findings in our own review into degree accreditation, which has been ongoing over the last year. We particularly welcome the recommendation that employers should work more closely with accrediting bodies such as BCS to ensure degrees produce graduates with the right professional skills to embark on a successful career. Many global employers and major universities are already working with us and will be helping us develop a professional skills profile for graduates that will inform innovations we will be introducing to accreditation in the near future.”

The report recommends that BCS, IET and Tech Partnership should ensure that existing systems of degree course accreditation are flexible, agile, and enable HE providers to respond to changing demand and emerging technological trends and developments. Accreditation of courses should be focussed on outputs. Accrediting bodies should work to increase awareness and value of accreditation so that it is valued by HE providers, students and employers, and consider how their role can provide a forum for engagement between HE and employers.

In addition, it also recommends that employers, through employer groups, such as Tech Partnership amongst others, should engage more consistently with HE providers and BCS and IET to ensure accreditation is effective and reflects current industry demand.

Bill concludes: “BCS has a duty under our Royal Charter to establish and maintain standards in computing education for the benefit of society. We believe the recommendations in this report will help us improve accreditation so that it provides much greater value in a world where universities have to continuously innovate to remain at the forefront of education and research.”

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Channel website: http://www.bcs.org/

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