Letter: Wise up to industry

I have worked in IT for 11 years, including eight in industry and three as a full-time university lecturer. I hold an MSc in computing and a PGCE. Seeking to become a full-time university lecturer again, I have been rejected by every institution (former polytechnics) that I have applied to on the basis that I do not have any research experience.

Courses in IT are vocational and aim to prepare students for jobs in an industry that requires the hands-on ability to create and maintain computer systems.

While I appreciate that each PhD through the technology department's door makes the university more attractive funding-wise, surely even just one lecturer who has spent time in the IT industry as opposed to obtaining a doctorate would enhance the teaching of such vocational courses?

Why cannot institutions wake up to the real world?

Elizabeth Patterson
Aldershot, Hampshire