Study Cyber Security in Malaysia

Courses usually begin with the same foundations as other computing degrees: programming, networks, operating systems and databases. They then add the subjects particular to security, such as cryptography, secure software, network defence, risk and policy, ethical hacking and digital forensics. Practical laboratories, in which students work in a controlled environment, are common, and some courses include a final project on a security problem.

Titles often name the emphasis: network security, information security, digital forensics or secure software. Some cyber security degrees are shorter versions of a computer science degree with a security focus, and others are built around security from the first year. Related subjects are information technology and computer science, whose pages are linked below.

Cyber security suits students who are curious about how systems can fail, who are careful and methodical, and who accept that the rules and the tools in this field change often. It rests on ordinary computing skills, so expect to study programming and networks before you study attacks and defences. The subject also involves law and ethics, because the techniques that protect systems can also harm them, and courses usually say clearly what students may and may not do.

Study levels in Malaysia follow a ladder. A foundation course is a pre-university year for students whose school qualification does not give direct entry to a bachelor's degree. A diploma is shorter and more practical, and some universities let diploma graduates join a degree in a later year; each university decides how much credit it gives. A bachelor's degree is the main undergraduate qualification, a master's degree follows it, and a PhD is a research degree.

At bachelor's level, cyber security is the main way into the subject, and most courses expect a school-leaving qualification or a foundation or diploma. A master's degree usually expects a degree in computing or a related subject, and a PhD expects a research proposal. Foundation and diploma courses in computing give a route into a degree, and universities decide the credit they allow.

Pages for a single study level: Bachelor's Degree in Cyber Security in Malaysia

Look at how much of the course is security and how much is general computing. Check the subjects named on the course page, whether laboratory work is included, and what mathematics and programming the course expects. If you plan to work in a field that has its own professional rules, ask the university what its course is recognised for.

• Entry requirements. They differ between universities and courses. Compare the entry requirements on the course page with your own certificates.
• English language. Most courses state a minimum score in a test such as IELTS. The scores stored for these courses are in the summary above.
• Recognition. Each university states how its courses are approved or accredited. Zawqari does not confirm a university's status, so ask the university to confirm it in writing if it matters for your plans.
• Fees and intakes. Fees and intake months are set by the universities and can change. Each course page shows the source and date of every figure.

Listed alphabetically. The order is not a ranking.

• Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation6 courses
• City University Malaysia1 course
• Lincoln University College2 courses
• Multimedia University1 course
• UCSI University1 course
• Universiti Kuala Lumpur1 course
• Universiti Tenaga Nasional1 course

• Study Information Technology in Malaysia

  Information technology courses: systems, networks, databases and software for organisations.

• Study Computer Science in Malaysia

  Computer science courses: programming, algorithms, software and the theory behind computing.

• Study Artificial Intelligence and Data Science in Malaysia

  Artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science and analytics courses in one list.

Need to improve your English first? See English courses at language centres in Malaysia.