ISLANDERS will soon be able to study for a foundation degree in information technology for business without having to leave Jersey.

The new two-year degree will be launched at Highlands College in September and will give Island students the chance to spend time working in the industry, as well as studying.

The course parallels the financial services degree which Highlands introduced in September and has been designed in close consultation with local employers and the Jersey branch of the British Computer Society in order to meet the needs of the Island. It will be validated by the University of Plymouth.

Highlands principal Ed Sallis (pictured) said that the college had a good IT infrastructure with a strong link to industry. The development of the degree was the ‘next logical step’ for them. ‘Despite the credit crunch, a recent survey we carried out shows that firms remain keen to employ well-qualified IT specialists, and our degree will also provide students with the chance to take professional qualifications,’ said Prof Sallis.