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From diploma to degree: 5 courses for the aspiring cybersecurity professional

Posted on: 12th November, 2020

Did you know that cybercrimes have been soaring in number?

Cybercrime cases increased by over 50% from 2018 to 2019 locally, accounting for 26.8% of overall crime last year[i]. This number will only rise as digitalisation continues to accelerate especially in a post-Covid-19 world, making cybersecurity talent an important asset to any organisation today.

In this article, PSB Academy recommends 5 cybersecurity courses that’ll help you get started in the art of digital defence.

1) Diploma in Network Defence and Forensic Countermeasures

If you’re interested in the cybersecurity field, you’ll definitely be familiar with the EC-Council and the internationally recognised certifications that they offer.

Here’s some good news: the EC-Council played a role in the unique, hybrid curriculum of this diploma, having developed the Security Specialist and Network Defense modules! You’ll be eligible for not just one, but four EC-Council certifications upon completing these modules and meeting their individual examination requirements. These are the Certified Ethical Hacker, Certified Network Defender, Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator and EC-Council Certified Security Specialist certifications respectively.

You’ll also study IT modules such as Data Communications and Networking in this diploma, making the Diploma in Network Defence and Forensic Countermeasures the perfect tasting menu for your first foray into cybersecurity. You can then choose to advance to either of our cybersecurity bachelor programmes, both of which feature below.

2) Bachelor of Science with Honours in Cyber Security

Do you already have a Diploma qualification or equivalent in IT or cybersecurity?

Explore the Bachelor of Science with Honours in Cyber Security awarded by Coventry University, which achieved Gold in the Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework (TEF) exercise established by the Government in England[ii]. The university is also amongst the world’s top 250 young universities by Times Higher Education[iii], as well as the top 30 universities in the United Kingdom by The Guardian[iv].

You won’t have to sit for examinations for this cybersecurity course as it is 100% coursework based. Instead, focus on building your cybersecurity skillset and applying your newfound knowledge in specialised areas like the Internet of Things.

Enrolments take place during March, July, and November yearly; mark your calendar so that you won’t miss our next intake!

3) Bachelor of Science (Cyber Security)

Another undergraduate-level cybersecurity course to consider is the Bachelor of Science (Cyber Security) awarded by Edith Cowan University.

Edith Cowan University has built a strong reputation in the cybersecurity field. In fact, it is one of only two universities chosen by the Australian government as an Academic Centre of Cyber Security Excellence (ACCSE)[v]. As an ACCSE, Edith Cowan University is responsible for boosting Australia’s cybersecurity capabilities and providing support for research concerning national cybersecurity challenges. Pair this with the degree’s comprehensive curriculum, and you can trust that your learning is in good hands!

Enrolments for Bachelor of Science (Cyber Security) take place during January, May, and September yearly.

4) Graduate Certificate of Cyber Security

The Graduate Certificate of Cyber Security caters to working professionals with no formal education or experience in cybersecurity, and is open to those with a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognised institution. Candidates with at least 5 years of appropriate professional experience are also welcome.

The six-month long programme comprises the first three core modules of the Master of Cyber Security, namely Cyber Security, Networking Technologies, and Network Security. These will provide you with the essential skills you’ll need to help your organisation safeguard against, and mitigate, cyber threats.

What if you take a shine to the cybersecurity field mid-study, and want to switch to it full-time? Don’t worry; you can progress to the Master of Cyber Security programme with exemptions (subject to approval)! You’ll then learn everything from data analysis and visualisation to information warfare, and top it all off with an Applied Project to provide you important real-world exposure.

5) Postgraduate Diploma in Cyber Security

The Postgraduate Diploma in Cyber Security is suitable for fresh graduates and working professionals in any discipline or industry who want to leap into the cybersecurity industry. Applicants should hold a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognised institution, and those with other qualifications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Over the course of 12 months, you’ll acquire specialised knowledge in the areas of information security management, computer networking and network defence, Linux shell scripting, ethical hacking and penetration testing, as well as computer forensics investigations. This cybersecurity course also includes a real-world project, which helps you gain the hands-on experience you’ll need to succeed.

After graduating, you can choose to continue with the Master of Cyber Security programme to further advance your cybersecurity skillset!

Has a specific cybersecurity course caught your eye?

You can find out more about it via its individual course page, where we list everything you’ll need to know regarding admission criteria, programme structure and more. You’re also welcome to submit an enquiry to our programme consultants, who will be able to share with you about the course in even greater detail.

PSB Academy is excited to inform you that the following cybersecurity courses will be accepting students in January 2021:

If one of the two is a course you’ll like to take, submit an application here and we’ll get back to you shortly. We can’t wait to help you embark on your journey into cybersecurity!


[i] https://www.csa.gov.sg/-/media/csa/documents/publications/singaporecyberlandscape2019.pdf

[ii] https://www.officeforstudents.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/teaching/tef-outcomes/#/tefoutcomes/

[iii] https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2020/young-university-rankings#!/page/0/length/25/name/coventry/sort_by/rank/sort_order/asc/cols/stats

[iv] https://www.theguardian.com/education/ng-interactive/2020/sep/05/the-best-uk-universities-2021-league-table

[v] https://www.education.gov.au/academic-centres-cyber-security-excellence-accse