SIT introduces new diploma in Information Systems Engineering |23 February 2018

The Seychelles Institute of Technology (SIT) announced the introduction of a new national diploma course in Information Systems Engineering.

The newly developed programme is a three-year training course offered full time to secondary five (S5) school leavers and learners from the School of Advanced Level Studies (Sals) as well as other professional centres. It is also offered on a part-time basis (4 years) to those already in employment.

The diploma is a competency-based programme consisting of real-time practical and theoretical knowledge components in parallel. Some of the key modules include Software Installation and Upgrade, Desktop Publishing, Network Fundamentals, Customer Care in Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Information Technology (IT) System Development, Improving Productivity Using IT, Digital Image Editing, Web Designing, Database Designing, Fibre Optics and Telecommunication Techniques.

Modules of this particular course will be delivered by SIT lecturers who possess at least a degree in IT or communications; some of these lecturers also hold a master’s degree. While the necessary equipment and materials for the course are available, the institute has said that they will be purchasing more in the future.

In line with this, a learning management system has been set up which allows all assessment modules to be viewed online. Students can log in and browse through their course materials even when they are at home and their parents can also log in to review their children’s work.  

Graduates of the programme will possess skills and knowledge in the IT industry with specialisations in Network Engineering, Multimedia Design and Software Development as well as basic practical skills in the telecommunication industry.

According to the Director of SIT, Hubert Barbé, in 2015, various industrial experts were invited to the institute’s Programme Evaluation workshops where it was pointed out that the Diploma in Telecommunications which was previously being offered by the SIT supported limited areas in the local IT industry. Subsequently, efforts were made to restructure and diversify the IT programme to meet the IT demands of the country through the introduction of a diploma in Information Systems Engineering. 

Mr Barbé adds that all organisations in both the private and public sectors use IT in some form or another, for example marketing, and it is therefore imperative that SIT continues to improve and develop its courses if it is to produce fully competent graduates that can satisfy the growing needs and expectations of these organisations.

At this level, graduates will also be able to work with confidence, a certain degree of autonomy and some responsibility for the supervision of others which is very important as this is what the industry is increasingly demanding.

Despite the challenges of the industry, Mr Barbé firmly believes that to be successful, the SIT, like other organisations, must continuously make efforts to bring about positive changes and new developments that will benefit the country and its economy.

For further information, call the SIT on 4 601 501 / 4 601 502; email ise@sit.sc or visit www.sit.sc.

Reference: SIT

Photo & image sources: SIT