MDS offers new cloud computing + AI programs supported by Amazon Web Services and IBM

As part of its 2019 academic curriculum, Torrens University’s Media Design School (MDS) is now offering authorised Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud computing courses and data science courses by IBM, designed to help students acquire the skills and credentials needed to successfully join the cloud IT workforce. In addition, MDS is launching specific programs in AI, having partnered with IBM to design courses that will arm graduates with the technical acumen and core soft skills required for a successful career in AI.

Students can now study a Master of Software Engineering – Artificial Intelligence Advanced or Cloud Computing Advanced, or a Bachelor of Software Engineering – Artificial Intelligence or Cloud Computing. Alternatively, they can opt for micro-credentials and attain specific elements of learning from either of the programs.

The programs’ launch coincides with the World Economic Forum’s announcement that cloud computing and AI are the two most in-demand (hard) skills of 2019, while creativity is the most in-demand soft skill (according to analysis by LinkedIn).

Cloud computing

Through AWS Academy, students can enrol in courses to acquire and expand the skills and credentials needed for careers in cloud computing technology and help them prepare for industry-recognised AWS Certifications. Students will have the opportunity to learn about cloud computing through creative interactive learning, lab work and state-of-the-art digital educational materials. Courses will be taught by AWS Academy Accredited Instructors, who are trained by AWS to help students become proficient in AWS services and solutions and prepare graduates and professionals at all levels to advance their careers in cloud computing technologies and business transformation. MDS’ participation in AWS Academy comes through a global arrangement with its parent company, Laureate Education, Inc.

Says Himanshu Khanna, program director at MDS: “We are proud to be among the first institutions globally to make AWS Academy curriculum available to our students. Cloud computing has become the new normal for organisations around the world, and the technical skills that students develop through this program will position them well for their careers today and in the future.

“We are strengthening our commitment to student outcomes and employability by working with global brands like Amazon Web Services and IBM. Our students will undertake meaningful learning experiences and cover content that will set them up for successful careers in this growing field.”

Cloud technology, along with mobile internet, is predicted to be the top technological driver of job changes in the next few years and industry trends indicate an imminent significant shortage of graduates.

Artificial intelligence

In line with the changing landscape of the tech industry, MDS’ artificial intelligence courses, in partnership with IBM, have been designed to provide technical, creative and problem-solving skills required to succeed in a specialist software engineering role.

The course curriculum covers a range of technical subjects with a focus on the major areas of AI – computer vision, natural language processing, speech recognition, machine learning and robotics.

Says Khanna: “As with all MDS courses, our AI program will have a strong focus on soft skills, to ensure students graduate with not only the required knowledge, but also the in-demand skills of ideation, design thinking, project and time management and interpersonal communication.”

It has been predicted that that AI will be the most significant change driver over the next two decades, with 2.3 million jobs expected to appear as early as 2020, and industry feedback indicates a significant shortage of employees demonstrating both technical prowess and an ability to think critically and creatively.

MDS’ Australian industry partner, Datacom, believes in the importance of applying creativity to technology, in order to help organisations unlock new opportunities to transform the way they do business and serve their customers.

Says Husain Al-Badry, general manager innovation and CX, Datacom: “We have been hiring MDS graduates for the past few years and we’re extremely excited about their new artificial intelligence and cloud computing degrees. We were actively consulted during the program development and we’re really looking forward to their design-based approach to technology showing through future graduates.”

More information on the courses can be found at: https://www.torrens.edu.au/courses/technology.

The first intake of students is set for 25 February 2019. The programs will be offered online in Trimester one, with a view to offering classes at campuses in Sydney and Melbourne later in the year.