Prospective and current students enrolled in the Bachelor of Information Technology at CQU will now have the opportunity to gain paid industry work experience as part of their degree.

The Faculty of Informatics and Communications will be launching its new Bachelor of Information Technology Co-op (BIT Co-op) in Term 1 of 2005.

Information Technology Program Coordinator Michael Gregory said that the BIT Co-op is a new IT program that gives students the opportunity to obtain work experience within the program and paid employment following two years of study.

“The Co-op program will give graduates an edge over graduates of traditional IT programs,” he said.

Mr Gregory said students will have the opportunity to develop links with industry, potentially leading to projects for BIT students, research projects and consultancies.

“The BIT Co-op program will be professionally accredited by the ACS, provide opportunities for graduates to compete for attractive positions in IT and prepare students for further study in IT”, he said.

The BIT Co-op program is a seven-term (3.5 years) program that builds on the existing six-term (3 years) Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) program. Students will be given the opportunity to fast-track via third term and graduate in 3-years.

Current BIT students can apply to be transferred into the BIT Co-op program in Term 1 of 2005.

The first intake will occur in Term 2 of 2005. Students wishing more information should contact Michael Gregory on 4930 9485 or email m.gregory@cqu.edu.au.

For details call Michael Gregory Phone: 4930 9485.