Discipline Overview of Information Technology

Information technology (IT) is shaping the future and IT professionals have many opportunities in the era of digital smart cities of the 21^st century. IT is integrated with all the activities of daily life and work. IT is widely used to support many industries in the commercial, private and public sectors, creating a strong demand for skilled professionals.

In order to provide learners the latest knowledge and skills required for this rapidly changing career environment, a comprehensive suite of IT programmes has been designed by IT Discipline, covering the areas of information and communications technology (ICT) and multimedia and entertainment technology (MET). ICT programmes enable learners to develop and administer various IT and innovative and creative business applications and solution platforms, as well as computer servers, communication networks, cloud computing, big data, data science, financial technology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and smart technologies, whereas MET programmes equip them for creative industries such as the computer graphics, multimedia, virtual reality, interactive technology, computer games and animation, and theme park and theatre creative technology.

Articulation

Graduates opting for further studies are eligible to apply for the degree programmes offered by various local and overseas universities including :

Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi)
City University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong Baptist University
Hong Kong Metropolitan University
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
The University of Hong Kong
Coventry University, UK
University of the West of England, Bristol, UK

Career Prospect

There are many opportunities for technically skilled personnel in the rapidly growing sector of IT and creative industries. ICT graduates are usually hired as programmers, technicians, systems analysts, software engineers, network engineers, information and cybersecurity engineers, or data analysts. MET graduates are usually hired as multimedia designers, special effect designers, computer animators, interactive media programmers and designers, game developers and designers, theme park technical managers, art & cultural centre technician, audio-visual systems designers and managers. With the IT industry growing steadily in recent years in both local and global markets, the employment rate for IT graduates is very high. The demand for IT professionals at all levels is expected to continue to be strong over the next decade.

Professional Recognition

Responding to market demands, the programmes offered are widely recognised by industry and professional bodies. All programmes are recognised by the Hong Kong Computer Society as satisfying the academic requirements for its Associate membership.