Software development and food safety initiatives to boost local economy
Local skill shortages in both the Food Safety and Software Development sectors were addressed today by Queen’s University Belfast, when it announced exciting new plans that will help boost the Northern Ireland economy. This has been made possible by the Minister for Employment and Learning, Dr Stephen Farry, who has just committed additional funding to these critically important sectors.
The new MSc in Software Development at the School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences was also endorsed by the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment Arlene Foster who said: “This is great news for Northern Ireland and the economy as it will address the current shortage of software developers here. We know that an increase in the number of software developers available in Northern Ireland is an attraction for companies considering investing here.”
The course which starts in September 2012 has already seen strong interest from non-IT graduates, with over 50 being offered a place. Selection onto the programme is via a rigorous industry endorsed selection process. The welcome financial support from DEL has allowed the School to put in place additional measures that will enhance the overall student experience and employment opportunities for graduates of the programme.
John Healy, Director and Head of Technology Citi, said: "It is vital to international companies like Citi that we have a world-class University on our doorstep providing quality graduates equipped with the skills we need. The launch of the MSc in Software Development demonstrates Queen's is listening to employers, and by doing this is ensuring global companies such as ours will continue to invest in Northern Ireland."
Food Security
With growing problems in international food fraud and a need to improve food traceability, the world renowned Institute of Agri-food and Land Use is offering a brand new MSc in Advanced Food Security. Students will be taught by internationally recognised experts in many aspects of current and emerging topics in global food safety.
They will also gain an understanding of the links between the consumption of different types of foods and the effects (good and bad) on human health. Students will have full access to one of the most advanced food safety laboratories in the world to undertake a research project on an important and current food safety topic.
Welcoming the Minister’s announcement, Professor Chris Elliott, Director of the Institute of Agri-food and Land Use at Queen’s said: “The course has been specifically tailored to students who aim to work within the local or global agri-food industries or who wish to follow a career in laboratory based food safety research.
“Food scares such as dioxins in eggs, melamine in milk or E coli in vegetables are reported in the media frequently. What lies behind these contamination incidents is a highly complex global trade in food, and science is seeking solutions to ensure what we eat is safe, wholesome and free from fraud. The MSc will give a unique insight into these problems and give students first-hand experience of developing science based solutions to global issues.”
Professor Elliott concluded by saying that the government of Northern Ireland has recognised the importance food safety plays to the local economy as well as playing a major role in protecting the health and well being of its citizens.
For further details and to submit an application on the MSc in Advanced Food Security please contact Dr Mark Mooney, mark.mooney@qub.ac.uk and for the MSC in Software Development please contact Dr Darryl Stewart (dw.stewart@qub.ac.uk)
Local skill shortages in both the Food Safety and Software Development sectors were addressed today by Queen’s University Belfast, when it announced exciting new plans that will help boost the Northern Ireland economy. This has been made possible by the Minister for Employment and Learning, Dr Stephen Farry, who has just committed additional funding to these critically important sectors.
The new MSc in Software Development at the School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences was also endorsed by the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment Arlene Foster who said: “This is great news for Northern Ireland and the economy as it will address the current shortage of software developers here. We know that an increase in the number of software developers available in Northern Ireland is an attraction for companies considering investing here.”
The course which starts in September 2012 has already seen strong interest from non-IT graduates, with over 50 being offered a place. Selection onto the programme is via a rigorous industry endorsed selection process. The welcome financial support from DEL has allowed the School to put in place additional measures that will enhance the overall student experience and employment opportunities for graduates of the programme.
John Healy, Director and Head of Technology Citi, said: "It is vital to international companies like Citi that we have a world-class University on our doorstep providing quality graduates equipped with the skills we need. The launch of the MSc in Software Development demonstrates Queen's is listening to employers, and by doing this is ensuring global companies such as ours will continue to invest in Northern Ireland."
Food Security
With growing problems in international food fraud and a need to improve food traceability, the world renowned Institute of Agri-food and Land Use is offering a brand new MSc in Advanced Food Security. Students will be taught by internationally recognised experts in many aspects of current and emerging topics in global food safety.
They will also gain an understanding of the links between the consumption of different types of foods and the effects (good and bad) on human health. Students will have full access to one of the most advanced food safety laboratories in the world to undertake a research project on an important and current food safety topic.
Welcoming the Minister’s announcement, Professor Chris Elliott, Director of the Institute of Agri-food and Land Use at Queen’s said: “The course has been specifically tailored to students who aim to work within the local or global agri-food industries or who wish to follow a career in laboratory based food safety research.
“Food scares such as dioxins in eggs, melamine in milk or E coli in vegetables are reported in the media frequently. What lies behind these contamination incidents is a highly complex global trade in food, and science is seeking solutions to ensure what we eat is safe, wholesome and free from fraud. The MSc will give a unique insight into these problems and give students first-hand experience of developing science based solutions to global issues.”
Professor Elliott concluded by saying that the government of Northern Ireland has recognised the importance food safety plays to the local economy as well as playing a major role in protecting the health and well being of its citizens.
For further details and to submit an application on the MSc in Advanced Food Security please contact Dr Mark Mooney, mark.mooney@qub.ac.uk and for the MSC in Software Development please contact Dr Darryl Stewart (dw.stewart@qub.ac.uk)
