Introduction

In recent years, both Higher Education and labour market market have undergone significant changes.
Higher education is expanding rapidly, the economy is increasingly knowledge based and competitive, and the nature of graduates' work is increasingly diverse.
This website aims to support a shift in thinking and action on employability away from bolt-on marginal and optional activities; (short term, one-off, fragmented initiatives with limited impact with a one-dimensional skills-only focus that ignores broader dimensions of employability in diverse contexts) towards efforts that:

• are holistic, strategic and based on close collaboration between HEIs and employers;
• can show impact for students and graduates and support from employers.
• are informed by the realities of widening participation in higher education and social inclusion;
• recognise the diversity of students, including those from low income, ethnic minority and non-traditional backgrounds;
 

Whilst demand for ICS places in HE remains high, there is a need to avoid complacency and to continue to review and develop the computing curricula so that it retains its attractiveness for potential students, existing students, employers and society.

When constructing the case for the introduction of a new programme, academic staff are confident in defining the proposed curriculum but must also keep abreast of the employment market demands and changes in the workplace in order to balance vocational training needs with educational goals.  The computing discipline places considerable emphasis on "skills for the workforce”, liaising with panels of practitioners and industrialists in programme planning, design, review and accreditation to ensure that the necessary skills are embedded in the curriculum.   However, the subject content and skills that the programme is designed to develop must match the requirements of the employer whilst at the same time ensuring that students are supported in a way which maximises their employability.