The University of Waikato has become the first in New Zealand to have its Computer Science and Software Engineering programmes accredited under IT Professionals NZ’s new partnership with the Australian Computer Society to prestigious Seoul Accord graduate standards.
The accreditation, awarded by the Australian Computer Society, is an international recognition of tertiary-level computing and IT-related qualifications.
With it, the University’s Bachelor of Computer Science (BCompSC), Bachelor of Applied Computing (BAppComp), and Bachelor of Engineering with Honours in Software Engineering (BE Hons) are certified to meet Australian Computer Society, IT Professionals NZ and international Seoul Accord graduate standards.
It means the BE Hons at Waikato is now a dual accredited programme, as it already has accreditation under the Washington Accord with Engineering New Zealand.
Senior Lecturer Dr Jessica Turner, Head of Computing and Mathematical Sciences Professor Annika Hinze, Institute of IT Professionals NZ CEO Victoria MacLennan, Pro-Vice Chancellor for the Division of STEM Professor Geoff Holmes
At the presentation of the accreditation on campus this week, Pro-Vice Chancellor for the Division of STEM Professor Geoff Holmes said that while the new accreditation would be attractive for international students, he believes it’s equally important for domestic students.
“If our graduates leave the country, hopefully temporarily, having the Seoul Accord accreditation will give them mobility and assurance that they can take their qualification with them overseas,” he said.
“And then hopefully they will bring that experience back to New Zealand,” he added.
Professor Holmes also said the accreditation is great for staff and students as it provides regular professional reviews of the programmes.
Head of Computing and Mathematical Sciences Professor Annika Hinze said the accreditation process included a review of the curricula, teaching standards, and graduate outcomes.
Institute of IT Professionals NZ CEO Victoria MacLennan acknowledged the University’s work and being “brave” in obtaining the accreditation.
"It gives you international recognition for having achieved the standard,” she said.
“It also gives international students a different lens to look at you as an organisation, and to look at your degrees, and choose to come to Waikato instead of going somewhere else, because you have gotten through this degree accreditation process.”
Both Professor Holmes and Professor Hinze acknowledged the significant contribution of Senior Lecturer Dr Jessica Turner, whose leadership and dedication were instrumental in the success of the accreditation process.
