Cyber Security Professionals in Huge Demand

The UK Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) indicates a significant surge in demand for cybersecurity professions in their 2022 report on Cyber Security skills in the UK labour market, with a 58% increase from 2020. The report estimates that between 33-51% of all UK businesses have a basic or more advanced technical and non-technical skills gap in their organisations. 

Examining from a regional perspective, a recent study by cybersecurity firm Trellix2 indicates that 66% of IT managers across the UAE and Saudi Arabia believe their organisations lack “the right people and processes to be cyber resilient”. According to DCMS, security engineers, security analysts, security managers, security architects and security consultants are the most common roles in demand. 

Bridge the Skills Gap with Middlesex University Dubai BSc Honours Cyber Security and Digital Forensics (BSc CSDF) 

With the aim of cultivating graduates who meet the requirement of the emerging and increasingly critical cybersecurity industry, Middlesex University Dubai offers the Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics. This programme equips students with a diverse set of highly prized skills and knowledge sought after in the global security and digital forensics domains. Comprising of twelve carefully designed modules, this programme addresses the skill gap in the rapidly expanding field of cybersecurity while meeting the industry's specific needs. 

Farhan Yasin, second-year student, BSc CSDF said: “I chose to study Cybersecurity at MDX because the modules are very well structured; we are able to get all the knowledge required to enter the field of cybersecurity.” 

To facilitate the teaching of the BSc Cyber Security and Digital Forensics, a dedicated laboratory has been built and equipped with cutting-edge tools, hardware, and software commonly employed in the realms of digital forensics and penetration testing. Within this programme, students acquire foundational and advanced proficiencies, encompassing digital investigation, file systems, digital evidence management, memory analysis, and network protocols. They undergo training on safeguarding against cybercrimes and ensuring compliance with the regulations that oversee cybersecurity in organisational contexts. 

The BSc CSDF programme’s success and its ability to provide an excellent learning experience to students is evident in the remarkable increase in student enrolment in September 2023, which grew by approximately 200% compared to the cohort in September 2022. 

Upon completing the CSDF programme, students will be well-prepared for a diverse career in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics, as well as equipped for postgraduate studies in fields such as Cyber Security and Penetration Testing or e-Security and Digital Forensics. 

One second year student said: “I study Cybersecurity at MDX as it's globally recognised as one of the most established universities from the UK.  My experience as a 2nd year has been great, very intense so far with a vast amount of content to digest. When I graduate, I see myself fully immersed in the cybersecurity field on route to becoming a top specialist.” 

MDX Offers Excellent Students Experience

At Middlesex University and Computer Engineering and Informatics department, we place a strong emphasis on enhancing the Student Learning Experience (SLE) to address the rapid evolution of technology and the increasing demand for skilled graduates in cybersecurity field and other diverse IT specialisations. SLE aims to upgrade students' skills, to professionally develop and help them to identify career paths beyond the curriculum. 

Student Farhan Yasin adds: “After graduating, I see myself at a well-versed company as I have all the skills required and will also have the certifications required by using the Student Learning Experience service provided by the University.” 

Through strategic partnerships with leading organisations in the cybersecurity industry, including Cisco, EC-Council, Red Hat and more, we offer specialised learning pathways and courses in networking and cybersecurity, accompanied by the opportunity to attain certifications. Additionally, we engage students through workshops, webinars, and guest speaker sessions facilitated by industry experts, providing valuable insights, networking opportunities, and exposure to the latest industry trends. Additionally, field trips to large-scale tech conferences such as GITEX and GISEC offer students a glimpse of current cybersecurity developments. We also encourage students to participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions and other industry-related hackathons. 

For more information about the Middlesex University Dubai BSc Honours Cyber Security and Digital Forensics, click here or reach out to our Admissions Team: [email protected].

References: 

https://www.ukcybersecuritycouncil.org.uk/careers-and-learning/why-work-in-cyber-security/

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/shortage-cyber-security-professionals-uae-priyanka-mishra