First grads from new IT and business degree

The first students have graduated from a new degree combining IT and business training.

The Information Technology Management for Business (ITMB) at Northumbria University had five graduates in its first graduating class. The programme was developed by industry body e-skills UK alongside employers and universities to help target the lack of business skills some IT pros have and vice versa.

The course is also offered at 12 other universities for the full list, go here.

Andrew Turnbull, programme leader for the ITMB at Northumbria, said: "Employers are increasingly seeking business professionals who have a thorough knowledge of Information Systems and a sound grasp of technology but who also understand the business environment and can hit the ground running."

The programme has been supported by 50 industry players, who have not only helped develop the curriculum but delivered lectures and mentored students.

One of those supporters has been British Airways. Paul Coby, chief information officer at the airline, said, "I know I speak on behalf of employers throughout the UK when I say that the ITMB combination of business understanding with real IT skills is just what we are looking for."

Indeed, one student from the Northumbria, Christine McKibbin, has won a spot on that firm's graduate IT programme after earning first class honours.