Industry Certification + Post Graduate Qualifications = Career Growth

How important is the intersection of industry certification and post graduate qualifications? The IT industry is ever-evolving, and professionals need to stay ahead of the curve to thrive. Industry certifications play a key role in helping IT professionals keep their skills sharp, stay relevant in their field, and open doors to new career opportunities. When paired with post graduate qualifications, these certifications become even more powerful. At IT Masters, we recognise the value of industry certifications, offering students the chance to leverage them to save time, money, and take their careers to new heights.

How Do Industry Certifications Work?

Industry certifications are formal recognitions issued by vendors or organisations that validate a professional’s expertise in specific tools, technologies, or methodologies. Whether you’re earning a certification in cloud computing, cybersecurity, or project management, these credentials prove to employers that you possess the practical skills to succeed in specialised IT roles.

Popular certifications like Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and AWS Certified Solutions Architect are highly sought after by employers, as they signify up-to-date knowledge in rapidly changing technology landscapes.

The Most Popular Industry Certifications

Here are some of the most popular IT industry certifications:

• Cybersecurity: Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), CompTIA Security+
• Networking: Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), CompTIA Network+
• Cloud Computing: AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals
• Project Management: Project Management Professional (PMP), CompTIA Project+

The Benefits and Advantages of Industry Certifications

Industry certifications offer numerous advantages for IT professionals:

• Career Growth: Certifications provide validation for your skills, making you a more competitive candidate for promotions and job opportunities.
• Higher Earning Potential: Certified professionals often command higher salaries, with many employers offering bonuses or pay raises for those with recognised credentials.
• Global Recognition: Certifications from organisations like Cisco, AWS, and Microsoft are globally recognised, giving you the flexibility to work internationally.
• Lifelong Learning: Certifications encourage continuous learning, helping you stay current with evolving technologies.

Maximise Time and Cost Savings with Industry Certification Credits at IT Masters

At IT Masters, we go a step further by allowing students to apply their industry certification credits toward postgraduate study. This means that if you’ve already earned certifications from recognised vendors (e.g., Cisco, Microsoft, AWS, Palo Alto), you can fast-track your degree.

Here’s how it works:

• Industry certifications may qualify you for credit exemptions, allowing you to skip certain subjects in your postgraduate degree.
• This saves you both time and money, reducing the overall cost of your degree and enabling you to graduate sooner.
• For example, students who have completed certifications like the CompTIA Security+ or CISSP can apply for credits toward relevant subjects in our cybersecurity programs.

This flexibility is especially useful for busy professionals looking to balance work, life, and study. IT Masters offers a supportive framework to ensure you get the most value out of your existing certifications. You can find out what credit is on offer by using our Credit Finder to search by Vendor, Certificate, Course or Subject. 

Mapping Out Your Path to Success with IT Masters

At IT Masters, we work closely with our students to ensure they can map out their educational journey in a way that takes full advantage of their industry certifications. Our dedicated staff help students identify how their certifications can be applied as credits and assist them in planning their course load effectively.

We understand that each student has unique qualifications and goals, and we tailor our advice to ensure that your certifications and academic progress align with your career objectives. Whether you’re aiming to enter cyber security, cloud computing, or project management, we guide you through the process of combining certifications and postgraduate qualifications to maximise your career potential. It’s important to understand that subject credit can’t be used to automatically award a student a post graduate qualification – students must study and be assessed for at least 50% of their subjects e.g. 2 subjects minimum for a Graduate Certificate and 6 subjects minimum for a Masters. This means students with approved industry certification credits can potentially earn a postgraduate degree in half the time compared to those without certification credits and for half the cost! 

Industry Certifications + Postgraduate Qualifications = Greater Career Outcomes

Combining industry certifications with postgraduate qualifications opens the door to even greater opportunities in your career. Certifications validate your hands-on skills and technical know-how, while postgraduate degrees provide the academic depth and critical thinking needed to excel in leadership and strategic roles.

By pairing certifications with a Masters degree, you become more attractive to employers for roles such as senior project manager, cloud architect, or cybersecurity specialist. This combination not only enhances your employability but also positions you as a highly versatile professional capable of both implementing and leading complex projects.

Why Choose IT Masters for Your Postgraduate IT Qualifications?

At IT Masters, we pride ourselves on bridging the gap between industry and academia. Our courses are 50% taught by industry professionals and 50% taught by academics, offering students a unique learning experience that blends real-world skills with academic expertise. We understand the value of industry certifications and make it easy for students to translate their prior learning into postgraduate credit.

• Credit for Certifications: We recognise many industry certifications for postgraduate credit, helping you reduce study time and costs.
• Industry Alignment: Our courses are aligned with the needs of today’s IT industry, ensuring that you graduate with the skills and qualifications in demand by employers.
• Expert Guidance: Our team helps you map out a clear educational path that utilises your existing qualifications and certifications to achieve your career goals.

By choosing IT Masters, you’re setting yourself up for success with a flexible, supportive learning environment designed to help you maximise your potential.

Take your IT career to the next level by combining the power of industry certifications with a post graduate degree from IT Masters. Start your journey today and unlock greater opportunities, enhanced earning potential, and the career outcomes you’ve been working toward.