Product design and development provides an outlet for creative talent. In the newer computing technologies, the dotcom revolution has established an urgent need for people with flair and imagination to develop websites and integrated network systems. The multi-media technologist who can combine creativity with computing expertise is now in great demand. To prepare students for careers in technology, higher education has developed a whole new series of flexible programmes. Students in further education are encouraged to study a broad range of courses, coupled with some degree of specialism.
Most programmes are modular, enabling students to build credits towards their final award.
These days HE providers place less emphasis on final examinations, instead using a range of assessment methods. Technology courses have a strong practical bias. Students develop key skills alongside specific subject expertise. Industry continues to play a key role in shaping courses, in some cases helping to deliver them. Placement periods and work-based learning are more and more important, as students take up the 'earn and learn' opportunities these offer.