The University of Ulster and leading networked IT services provider BT have formed a partnership offering a unique £15,000 scholarship opportunity for a sponsored MSc in Telecommunications and Internet Systems in the academic year 2008/2009.

This postgraduate programme will enable the successful candidate the opportunity to develop their qualifications and gain real-life experience of working in a major company.

It also provides the prospect of employment with BT following the successful completion of the course.

The MSc in Telecommunications and Internet Systems is unique on the island of Ireland and is delivered at Ulster’s Coleraine campus.

It has been widely praised by external reviewers for its relevance to industry and the skills agenda in Northern Ireland and beyond.

Professor Gerry Parr of the University of Ulster said: "We are delighted to have worked with BT to put this innovative Scholarship arrangement in place.

"It provides a significant endorsement for the industrial relevance of our MSc in Telecommunications and Internet Systems which runs at the Coleraine campus and is an example of how the university and industry can collaborate to address the skills shortages in the telecommunications sector on the island of Ireland.

"This scholarship scheme provides the opportunity of MSc projects and the potential for full-time employment with BT, one of the world’s most innovative and research-led companies and we welcome this mode of collaboration," he added.

The course was originally designed in close collaboration between the University of Ulster and BT, and includes the study of broadband networks and protocols, intelligent systems, distributed applications development, converged network management with a significant practical component.

The scheme will provide sponsorship of £15,000 to the successful applicant. This is to contribute to full-time course fees and living expenses on the campus.

As part of the deal, the successful applicant will be expected to do the course full-time on campus and to complete a work related project for their MSc thesis in collaboration with academic supervisors and BT.

At the end of the course, the successful candidate must be willing to be considered for a permanent position with BT Ireland and to remain in that position for at least 12 months.

According to Chris Clark, CEO, BT, “Investing in the right skills is key to keeping Northern Ireland and BT competitive. Globalisation and the rapid spread of emerging skills and technologies will require an adaptive, flexible workforce which can meet the changing needs of customers. We place significant emphasis on using learning and development to attract and retain the right people and we’re delighted to partner with the University on this excellent scholarship programme.”

Further information on the scholarship can be found at http://www.nijobs.com/clients/BT/Courseadvert.doc"http://www.nijobs.com/clients/BT/Courseadvert.doc

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 Notes for Editors

About BT

BT is one of the world’s leading providers of communications solutions and services operating in 170 countries. Its principal activities include the provision of networked IT services globally; local, national and international telecommunications services to our customers for use at home, at work and on the move; broadband and internet products and services and converged fixed/mobile products and services.

BT consists principally of four lines of business: BT Global Services, Openreach, BT Retail and BT Wholesale. In the year ended 31 March 2008, BT Group plc’s revenue was £20,704 million with profit before taxation and specific items of £2,506 million.

British Telecommunications plc (BT) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BT Group and encompasses virtually all businesses and assets of the BT Group. BT Group plc is listed on stock exchanges in London and New York. For more information, visit http://www.bt.com/aboutbt

For further information, please contact:

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