Master of Science in Security by Design
Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)
Part-time (24 months)
Overview
Thank you for considering SUTD’s Master of Science Security by Design (MSSD) programme. This programme offers engineers quality education in the area of cybersecurity that is much needed to create and manage a secure Smart Nation. Graduates from the MSSD programme will have a thorough understanding of cybersecurity fundamentals and the skill set to apply security by design principles in a variety of organizational domains.
The MSSD programme is one-of-a-kind in that it focuses on bringing cybersecurity at the design stage of critical infrastructure and enterprise networks. This focus enables the training of a special type of engineer who can not only contribute to the security of organizations that do online business, but also to the security of large scale public infrastructures such as power grid, water treatment and distribution, transportation, and oil and natural gas processing.
SUTD takes pride in using its novel interactive pedagogy and the Outside-in approach coupled with a sharp focus on design. Thus, students in MSSD programme will learn to apply fundamentals of cybersecurity through a variety of design projects and hands-on exercises that are relevant in today’s world.
As part of your application, you will now be considered for the below scholarship:
- CSA iTrust MSSD Scholarship (CiMS) – S’poreans & PR
- 7 candidates were recipients in 2022
Thank you again for registering in the MSSD programme. We wish you much success!
Yours sincerely,
MSSD Committee
About the programme
This is a one-year to two-year Master programme in Security-by-Design. This programme is designed for engineers with an undergraduate degree in any one of several fields of engineering. It encompasses the latest research findings, both applied and fundamental. The programme also provides advanced and in-depth knowledge of technologies to prepare the students for challenges in their careers. The programme adds to quality manpower in the area of cybersecurity that is much needed to design and manage a Smart Nation.
The MSSD programme is unique in the following aspects:
- It is specially designed for working engineers who have a sound background in traditional engineering disciplines such as Mechanical, Electrical, and Computer Engineering.
- In addition to the basics of cyber security, the programme is designed for students to learn how to secure public infrastructure in Singapore including the water treatment and distribution system, electric grid, and transportation system.
- Students in the programme shall have ready access to some of the world’s best facilities in cyber physical systems including testbeds for Secure Water Treatment (SWaT), Electric Power and Intelligent Control (EPIC), Water Distribution (WADI), and IoT.
- Partnerships are being considered with top universities in the US, UK, and The Netherlands thus offering a limited number of students in the programme an opportunity to spend up to 14 weeks at these universities to complete a project or a thesis.
- Close collaboration with public and private sectors in Singapore in the design and execution of the programme.
WHAT'S NEXT
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Frequently asked questions
Are there other similar programmes offered by AUs?
There are several undergraduate and graduate level programs available in Singapore that focus on cyber security. However, SUTD is the first university in Singapore to offer a Master of Science in Security by Design. Distinctive features of this programme include (a) focus on the design of security solutions, (b) a student-centric pedagogy that uses active learning, flipped classroom, and multidisciplinary projects, (c) access to one of a kind testbeds and test skids for experimentation, and (d) opportunity for international attachment to complete a project or a thesis.
How do I know if my programming skills are adequate for admission into MSSD?
Selected candidates will be given a test to assess their programming ability in one of the following programming languages: C/C++, Java, and Python. Applicants unable to pass this test, and who exhibit a strong academic background and/or work experience, will be given an option to go through an intensive course in computer programming before being formally admitted into the MSSD programme. Passing this intensive course will be a pre-requisite to formal entry in the MSSD programme.
How does the admission process work?
The MSSD Graduate Committee will screen all applications. Selected candidates will be invited for an interview with members of the committee.
Recommendations by the committee will be forwarded to the Head of the ISTD pillar who, in concert with Office of the Graduate School, will decide on a final list of applicants to be offered admission into the MSSD program.
What is "Security by Design"?
The term “Security by Design” refers to an approach where security considerations are embedded into system design and implemented before the system becomes operational. Thus, appropriate security policies, tools, and methods are embedded into the system during its implementation instead of doing so after the system is operational. Security by Design requires careful analysis of system requirements—both functional and non-functional – assuming that the system will operate in a malicious environment.
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