Some remarks on data processing degrees
R T Bell, E H Robson · ITNOW · 1986
Abstract It is over a decade since a working party (chaired by Professor F. Land) on Degrees in Data Processing was established by The British Computer Society. This was done in response to a perceived need for specialised courses aimed at preparing young men and women for careers connected with the design and implementation of computer-based information systems for management. A report [1] giving detailed proposals for the structure and syllabus content of first degree courses in data processing was published in 1975. The authors of the report acknowledged that by then the use of computers to support information processing in business, commercial and administrative systems had become firmly established and that ‘the need by management for reliable, timely and relevant information imposes a demand for information systems of a high standard of effectiveness and efficiency’. Thus it was proposed that there should be ‘courses providing specialised study of information systems and associated data processing’ which aim to provide a sound education at honours degree level for future data processing practitioners. Following the publication of the report (and largely as a result of it) a small number of degree courses were established in the public sector aimed precisely at meeting the needs identified by the working party. One such, the sandwich degree of BA/Hons)/BA in Data Processing at Sunderland Polytechnic, was validated by the CNAA in June 1979 and admitted its first recruits in October of that year.