Computer science graduates called on to stay

Computer science departments are concerned only a handful of students stay on to do graduate research, reducing the number of top scientists coming out of universities and creating a shortage of potential teachers.

Universities with computer science departments sponsored the recent "Next Generation Tour", in which six graduate students and leading British computer scientist Harold Thimbleby sought to inspire and motivate students to do graduate studies.

"Lots of people want to do undergraduate computer science, but few stay on after they get their degrees," said tour organiser Dr Matt Jones of Waikato University.

"We need people with undergraduate degrees, but the country also needs people who can challenge given ideas and thoughts. Companies need that as well, and have been very supportive of this tour."

Computer science graduates tend to be snapped up for programming jobs with starting salaries of $35,000 and up.

Jones said although many felt the need to start earning as soon as possible to pay off student loans, postgraduate study did not necessarily involve taking on higher levels of debt.

"Faculties say they have scholarships to offer. The problem is finding people to give them to."

Thimbleby is an expert on human-computer interaction and a strong advocate of the notion computers should be used to improve people's lives.