(BlockBar) Dublin City University is to create the country’s first master’s program in blockchain technology. The University has partnered with tech company network Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet to launch this program. The new educational certification was announced by the Irish government’s Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation on May 29.
It is to be noted that the “Master’s in Blockchain: Distributed Ledger Technologies” degree is the culmination of ICT Skillnet’s efforts which is to identify the skills upcoming blockchain engineers need to learn. It is done with the help of blockchain educational hub Blockchain Ireland.
The course is introtroduced as a two-year part-time course. It will be conducted online only. The course will be beginning with its first cohort of students in September 2019. The course is intended for IT professionals working in Ireland. The preference will be given to participants with a Level 8 Honours Degree (2.2) or higher in Computer Science, Computing, Computer Applications or a related discipline.
Dave Feenan, the acting network manager for Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet said:
“This new Master’s will provide Ireland will a real opportunity to upskill our already excellent IT professionals, preparing them for jobs of the future. The synergy between industry and education means these professionals will have the practical tools needed to bring the benefits of Blockchain technology to a variety of sectors.”
The inauguration of the new master’s program occurred during Blockchain Ireland week. It was a governmental campaign to raise awareness and support for the blockchain industry in Ireland.
It is to be noted that IDA Ireland, an agency responsible for attracting foreign direct investment, began a campaign, last summer, to promote the development of the blockchain industry in the country. Ireland has established itself as an advantageous jurisdiction for tech businesses in recent years with a 12.5% corporate interest rate, .
There is another good news for those who want to pursue a course in blockchain technology. The United States Ivy League University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) has also announced to offer an online program on fintech. It will include topics on blockchain technology and cryptocurrency. The course is called “Fintech: Foundations and Applications of Financial Technologies” and is offered by UPenn’s Wharton School division, Wharton Online.