Thoughtworks and the  School of Computer Science Partner for an Agile Education

Agile software development practices to become integral part of Computer Science syllabus

 

ThoughtWorks, a global IT consultancy, today announced that it is partnering with The University of Manchester’s School of  Computer Science, sponsoring and providing content for a theme on Agile software development practices. The programme, which is designed to train the next generation of software developers, will become a permanent part of the university’s Computer Science syllabus.

Members of the ThoughtWorks team will present lectures on key projects, such as the development of the new Guardian Unlimited web platform, as well as working with students in lab sessions, providing practical insights from real-world projects. ThoughtWorks staff based in the company’s recently-established Manchester office will also supervise final year undergraduate and MSc projects.

“"The software engineering industry is transforming itself with Agile techniques. ThoughtWorks is at the forefront of developing and applying those methods and any new IT graduates need to be well versed in both their principles and practices" commented Roger Marlow, Client Principal at ThoughtWorks UK, who lectured on ‘The commercial side of software development’, at the University on Friday, 23rd November. “As the popularity of Agile software development practices continues to grow, it’s important for every IT graduate to have a good understanding of Agile methods in their arsenal.”

"Undergraduate Computer Science at Manchester is looking to balance the foundational aspects of the subject with the latest methods and experience from leading industry practitioners. We aim to do this by combining our first class faculty with partners from industry such as ThoughtWorks", commented Bernard Strutt, External Affairs Manager from The University of Manchester’s School of Computer Science,“It’s this combination of skills that enables our graduates to keep pace with this fast moving subject, and secure rewarding careers that can be pursued almost anywhere in the world.”

The Computer Science course at The University of Manchester is one of the most respected in the country. In addition to being accredited by both the BCS and IET, it was rated excellent (the highest possible grade) in the most recent HEFCE teaching assessment exercise. The School has been at the forefront of computing for 40 years, since it’s foundation as the UK’s first specialist university computing department and was one of only six Computer Science departments to rated 5* in the last UK Research Assessment Exercise. The School has an enviable track record of producing some of the most employable graduates in the country and has alumni in some of the very top jobs in research and industry.

ThoughtWorks opened its Manchester office in June 2007 with the aim of offering regional services to customers based in the north of England. The decision to open the Manchester office follows the success of the company’s European Headquarters in London, which has grown from one to over 150 employees in five years.