A Master of Information Technology in Internet of Things with unparalleled opportunities

A Master of Information Technology in Internet of Things with unparalleled opportunities

The Internet of Things (IoT) has become vital across numerous industries. As a rapidly growing field within information technology, IoT is now applied in areas such as supply chain optimisation, smart manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, smart cities, retail, and environmental monitoring. By connecting everyday devices and systems, IoT significantly improves operational efficiency and responsiveness in these sectors. With a projected market value of US$1,560 billion by 2029, the IoT industry is set to generate many opportunities for IT professionals with specialised degrees.

Now is the perfect time to pursue a Master of Information Technology in Internet of Things at Macquarie University, a leading programme that focuses on strategic and industry-aligned education.

The programme is delivered in three stages, each designed to equip students with essential knowledge and skills in the rapidly evolving field of IoT:

Master of Information Technology in IoT

This strategic, multifaceted structure effectively addresses the growing demand for IoT professionals by emphasising practical experience and industry context. Real-world projects, such as case studies, capstone projects and internships, let students simulate scenarios and hone essential soft skills, including teamwork, communication, adaptability, critical thinking, time management and creativity.

“The Master of IT in IoT programme at Macquarie University goes beyond traditional classroom learning by emphasising practical, hands-on skills that extend beyond specific vendor products,” says Michael Sheng, Distinguished Professor and Head of the School of Computing.

“Students gain valuable experience with a variety of IoT hardware and software devices, tools, and kits, preparing them for the diverse challenges of the IT industry.” 

The programme was devised with Sheng’s input. He is ranked by Microsoft Academic as one of the Most Impactful Authors in Services Computing (top five of all time) and is currently a member of the Australian Computer Society (ACS) Technical Advisory Board on IoT.

How does Macquarie’s IoT degree stand out amongst similar IoT programmes? The answer is an ambitious programme designed in consultation with industry experts across various sectors. Course Director Rajan Shankaran sought extensive feedback from sectors such as health, telecommunications, and more to ensure the programme’s curriculum aligns with graduate needs.

An industry-focused approach

These partnerships provide opportunities for students and faculty alike to partake in industry forums, seminars, and conferences. Programme lecturer Dr. Adnan Mahmood enjoys participating and sees it as an opportunity to further his research.

“I get an opportunity to hear the point of view of, to interact with, and to solicit feedback from leading IoT experts,” he says. “It facilitates me to not only remain abreast with the latest IoT trends and technological advancements, but to also embed the learnings arising from these research engagements into a number of academic units which I convene and deliver at the School of Computing.”

“Our partnership with industry leaders and technology experts plays a crucial role in shaping the programme. We actively engage with these professionals to stay informed about emerging trends and technological advancements,” says Shankaran. “This ongoing dialogue helps us integrate the latest developments into our curriculum, ensuring that it remains cutting-edge and responsive to real-world demands.”

Graduates are set for compelling career outcomes. From local councils and multinational corporations to science and technology operations and engineering consulting firms, there’s a vast range of employers seeking IoT graduates of Macquarie University’s calibre.

The IoT programme ensures students develop new skill sets to tackle jobs that involve designing, developing, and maintaining IoT systems. Such roles include business transformation practitioners, digital anthropologists, Metaverse engineers, smart city planners, machine learning scientists, cloud architects, and more.

Successful careers in IoT await

You can say IoT is a very niche degree – it's been around for years, but as a degree, it's very recent. I would want to work as an IoT architect, an IoT developer, or even a tester. I see myself using the skills required for that kind of role, which I see myself acquiring in these two years of my studies at Macquarie.

Our impact

We do a lot of hands-on work, and we try to learn new things by doing them, such as working with many microcontrollers or different working methods. So, I'm quite sure if I were to enter an industry, I'd have knowledge of every single controller and microprocessor. I'm looking forward to working with automation in cars because the Internet of Vehicles is a part of IoT, and it's a booming industry now.

What I like most about this program is that it doesn't just focus on typical classroom learning. It introduces the mechanism for students to get involved in real-world scenarios, internships and opportunity to get out there and build projects. In an area like IoT, which is so tied to the context of where you use it, when you take all of that and you put it into healthcare, transport, education, and you have that context as a student, seeing what it actually does to people's lives is invaluable.

These IoT programs that are being offered by universities like Macquarie University are going to change the way IoT is being deployed in today's world. The students come out with practical experience. Companies are then getting these students with this practical experience to solve real-world problems.