Australian University Launches Blockchain Postgraduate Program With IBM

Australian research university RMIT announced two postgraduate programs in cybersecurity and blockchain.

RMIT University, an Australian public research university, is adding two new postgraduate programs in the field of cybersecurity and blockchain technology.

The university announced May 26 that it was partnering with IBM, Palo Alto Networks, and Stone & Chalk to offer a graduate certificate in cyber security and graduate certificate in blockchain-enabled business.

The programs are expected to start in October 2020 and will last for nine months.

Meeting demand for blockchain jobs

RMIT introduced the new programs in order to meet the rising demand for industry professionals in cybersecurity and blockchain.

The announcement cited reports that showed the Australian cybersecurity industry will almost triple to 6 billion Australian dollars in the next six years, which will create demand for 18,000 professionals in Australia.

Even the blockchain industry is projected to show an 80% annual growth. However, at present, only one in every 20 managers is able to easily find professionals in this field. 

Expressing her concern about the increasing skill gap in these emerging sectors, Helen Souness, RMIT Online CEO, said:

“The unpredictable nature of our current environment requires us to strengthen and accelerate our understanding of the digital landscape. Cybersecurity and blockchain technologies are emerging as business-critical skills and we are delivering the training that provides those skills in our workforce.”

Rupert Colchester, head of blockchain for IBM Australia and New Zealand, stated that graduates of the blockchain program will be able to help companies apply the technology to their operations, adding:

“Students will also be able to build more transparent supply chains which can be used across a number of industries ranging from the financial sector to fast moving consumer goods.”

In February 2020, RMIT University also launched an eight-week blockchain course called “Developing Blockchain Strategy.”

The courses will help students stand to the technological demands and emerge as thought leaders that drive blockchain adoption and are able to implement sophisticated cybersecurity strategies.

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