Take a step further, get yourself a Degree
In the last post, I share about the diploma courses that you can take to make your first step into the cybersecurity career. In today’s post, let us talk about one step further by getting a Degree.
Many of you may be thinking, in Singapore not everyone can get into a local university such as NUS, NTU and SMU. I myself didn’t pursue my Degree in a Local University but a private University. If you want to get into cybersecurity career, a Degree is a plus point but the knowledge and experience in the field is equally important. There are many successful cybersecurity professionals out there without a Degree and yet they are doing well in the field.
I will be sharing 4 Degrees offered in Singapore that you can consider taking to enhance your knowledge in cybersecurity.
Bachelor of Computing in Information Security (with Honours*)
Like all other computing degree, programming is always an essential module students will have to go through in any courses in Information Technology. Bachelor of Computing in Information Security (with Honours*) offer students the basic Computing knowledge and then moving on into the specialization of the Degree.
Students who choose to take up this Degree will have an opportunity to dive in deeper in the Digital Forensics and IT Governance aspect in the cybersecurity field. This is a full-time Degree. A full-time Degree offers student more time to focus in their studies and also to take on core-curriculum activities enabling them to enjoy fully the typical student life.
Reference: https://www.comp.nus.edu.sg/programmes/ug/isc/
Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security and Forensics and Computer Science (Double Major) offered by Murdoch University
From talking to students in the degree, I was told that this degree focus on Forensics module not forgetting the part where many students before the era of cybersecurity exist had taken Computer Science. After completing the Degree, you are not only valuable in the cybersecurity sector but also the general IT sector. The Degree are offered in both part-time and full-time. For those who wish to support your own study you may consider taking this degree as a part-time student.
Part-time studies may not be easy as you are require to work in the day and go to school and night. Not forgetting that you need to complete projects, assignment and take exam while you are working. Being a Part-Time student, you need to be very discipline to make your time and money worthwhile.
Reference: http://www.kaplan.com.sg/course/bachelor/information-technology/bachelor-of-science-in-cyber-forensics-information-security-and-management-and-computer-science-double-major/
Bachelor of Computer Science (Cyber Security) offered by University of Wollongong
SIM Global Education is another institution that offer private education to Singaporean and Foreigner. Bachelor of Computer Science (Cyber Security) have a whole range of Electives Modules that student can take. This is a Full-Time Degree. Students are taught general Cyber Security in this course. All the essentials that you need to know in Cyber Security for you to perform your role is covered in the range of modules offered. Being a student in SIM Global taking a degree offered by University of Wollongong, I personal feel that the university offered courses that are very programming intensive. Almost all assignments given are programming assignments. To take the course, you can prepare yourself by practicing your programming skills and ensure you have all the basics right.
Reference: https://www.simge.edu.sg/programme/bachelor-of-computer-science-cyber-security/
Bachelor of Computer Science (Digital Systems Security) offered by University of Wollongong
I graduated from this degree myself and I will be able to share my experience of the degree. The first 2 years of the degree is very General however there are a lot of assignments in each module. The assignment are given every 2 weeks and you are required to submit the assignment within a week. The specialization is on the 3 year where you will be learning modules such as cryptography. Many Degree offer cryptography as a touch and go Module. However in university of Wollongong they offer you with in-depth knowledge till the point that you will be able to compute the encryption and decryption for AES. This degree offer one with very deep knowledge in a every single module.
Reference: https://www.simge.edu.sg/programme/bachelor-of-computer-science-digital-systems-security/
Till the next time we meet again. Hoo-ya Cybersecurity Warriors. If you have any queries do email me at lukephua@cybersecurity-world.com.
See ya!