Master of Science in Security by Design
Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)
Part-time (24 months)
Admission Criteria/Eligibility
The MSSD programme is open to graduates with a degree in engineering, physics, chemistry or mathematics. A sound mathematical background and computer programming skills are required of entering students. The programme is open to all students including foreigners.
An applicant should possess:
- A bachelor’s degree in computer science or any branch of engineering; or
- A bachelor’s degree in a related discipline with two years ICT industry experience.
The graduate committee shall decide on the application based on the student’s background. And the approval will be on a case by case basis.
Application Fee
All applicants are required to pay a non-refundable application fee of S$21.80 (inclusive of prevailing Goods & Services Tax). Please make payment by the application closing date for your application to be processed. Applicants will be prompted to make payment in the online application portal during your application submission.
The following payment modes are available:
- DBS/POSB ATM
- DBS/POSB internet banking
- eNETS Debit (local bank only)
- Credit Card (VISA/Master)
Application
All applications must be submitted online for the MSSD programme.
To submit an application, the following documents are required:
- Original Undergraduate and/or Master’s degree transcript and certificate softcopies
Please provide your latest official transcripts and official letter of certification from your institution stating the expected date of graduation or award of degree if you have not graduated from your degree programme. For non-English documents, an official English translation must be provided. - Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score report
If the medium of instruction during your undergraduate studies was not in English, please submit your IELTS or TOEFL scores by the application deadline. - Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) score report
GRE is not required but is recommended. The scores will be considered if it is provided with the application. - Names, titles & e-mail addresses of your 3 Recommenders
Recommenders should be academic faculty, industry supervisors or senior colleagues who can gauge your scholastic capabilities, academic or professional achievements and your ability to complete the programme. Do notify your recommenders beforehand as they must submit their respective online recommendations within 1 week after you submit your application. - Soft copy of your Identity Card or relevant pages in your Passport
- Statement of Interest (1,000 words) soft copy
- A copy of your curriculum vitae
Please submit your online application early to facilitate processing. Short-listed applicants may be interviewed face-to-face, via Skype or over the telephone.
Deadline
| INTAKE | ONLINE APPLICATION (OPEN DATE) | CLOSING DATE FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS |
| 2025 intake * | 11 November 2024 | 31 March 2025 |
* Successful applicants will be notified via email.
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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