Should I do BSc or an MSc?

redrabbit29

redrabbit29

redrabbit29

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I have a HND in IT and I'm from a technical background with good knowledge of programming, web languages and Linux.

I have the option of doing:

A 2 year top Up degree to get a BSc in Computing and Information Systems - this appears quite straight forward and is distance learning.

Or

An MSc in Security Management - this is 2 years distance learning but can be extended to 3 if you want more time. You pick two of the following modules include:

  • Crisis Management and Governance
  • Cybercrime, Security and Risk Management
  • Investigation and Psychology
  • Countering Fraud and Corruption
  • International and Transnational Offending
  • International Fraud and Corruption
  • Managing Justice and Security Organisations

I can do this MSc due to relevant work experience and my HND which make me suitable for the masters. This is obviously a higher qualification but is harder I think. It may also take me 3 years so would cost a bit more.

I want to at some point go into cyber security, Security management, that kind of thing. Recruiters continually ask about degrees. It's always bugged me that I don't have one.

Any thoughts or experience of this?
 
I have a BEng. It's never put me at a disadvantage vs an MEng when getting a job at least at interview stage.
 
Thanks

My instinct is for the BSc as the dates are better, it will be fairly straight forward and I can fit it easily around work.

That with my technical background and current experience should be a good match I hope
 
* When you say technical background and good knowledge of programming/Linux, what do you actually mean? This could range from playing around with websites in your bedroom, to many years experience in a highly technical role with a full and in-depth knowledge of programming and low-level system architecture. My advice will very much depend on your answer to this one :D

* The two courses you've chosen are completely different (ignoring the BSc vs. MSc argument for a second). You haven't given any details of the modules on Computing & IS, but I suspect they'll be mainly technical with little/no overlap of the topics in the MSc?

* Do you want to go in to the technical side of cyber security (i.e. do you want to have a thorough low-level knowledge of encryption, OS design, etc.) or do you want to approach it from more of the high-level business side of things? As per the previous point, you seem to have chosen two courses that come in from completely different directions.

* Do not do a degree just because it bugs you that you don't have one. How good is your C.V. otherwise? If you already have a good track record in relevant positions then the BSc especially might not really help you much (because of the typical content of that type of course and your hints at previous knowledge, rather than the level of the qualification).
 
Depends what job you are looking for? The BSc is certainly more generalist, you'll never be out of work with that degree and good skills to back it up. You could always take a security direction once in a job somewhere. I would recommend comparing the modules of each course and consider which ones are more likely to help in your career.
 
Tuppy_Glossop said:
Cyber security is going to be huge. Specialise now.
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Yep, IT Security is growing which is why I've applied for a Junior Security role where I am at the moment (Interview was 8 weeks ago and still don't know if I have it yet! :()

My suggestion is to do the Security qualification as there will be plenty of jobs available and should be higher pay too.
 
EVH said:
If they both take the same amount of time, do the MSc.
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This, if you've already got relevant industry experience then a degree is just a tick box and a masters is a better box to tick than a bachelor's.
 
That's because it's a Master's....

Just be prepared for Angus peppering. You don't get taught as you do in a BSc, so a lot of it is self learning and referencing.
 
Dis86 said:
I have a BEng. It's never put me at a disadvantage vs an MEng when getting a job at least at interview stage.
Click to expand...

This very much depends on what type of Eng you are doing though. In my company, graduates with MEng were immediately on a higher salary band than those with BEng, and if you want to work towards any sort of chartership then the MEng is a big leg up.


Not saying one is better than the other, just that there are some advantages to MEng
 
Phil99 said:
* When you say technical background and good knowledge of programming/Linux, what do you actually mean?
Click to expand...

Well, I was previously a web developer, hand coding html/php/mysql etc... I also use to manage the linux server and have used it as a desktop OS for about 6 years. My knowledge of command line is very good as most of it was remote or terminal based.

Programming wise, in college I did Delphi/Pascal and Java. More recently I've been using Python. All to a fairly average level, nothing I'd describe as "complex".

Networking knowledge is good.

Also got a strong background in digital forensics which is my current job role. Looking at deleted files, hex code, etc...


Phil99 said:
* The two courses you've chosen are completely different (ignoring the BSc vs. MSc argument for a second). You haven't given any details of the modules on Computing & IS, but I suspect they'll be mainly technical with little/no overlap of the topics in the MSc?

* Do you want to go in to the technical side of cyber security (i.e. do you want to have a thorough low-level knowledge of encryption, OS design, etc.) or do you want to approach it from more of the high-level business side of things? As per the previous point, you seem to have chosen two courses that come in from completely different directions.

* Do not do a degree just because it bugs you that you don't have one. How good is your C.V. otherwise? If you already have a good track record in relevant positions then the BSc especially might not really help you much (because of the typical content of that type of course and your hints at previous knowledge, rather than the level of the qualification).
Click to expand...


Yea the BSc modules include Project Management, Advanced Networks, Advanced Database and a final year project (can be theoretical or an actual built piece of software which is what I would do).

I've been looking today at the Open University. They do MSc in IT Security which seems a good match as theres loads of different modules to choose from, some more management/theory based and some more "hands on".

In the next 2-3 years I want to move from my current role which is a capped salary into one that is better paid and has more opportunities. So management, IT Security, Cyber security analyst roles is what I'm mainly looking at.

My current work are going to also pay for me to do the MCSA and possibly CCNA too. So I will have some really good certifications on my CV as well as some good work experience. I'm just keen to learn and improve my CV with some qualificaitons too.
 
CS degrees are common as muck. Totally go for the MSc, it's more involved and if you think cyber security is big now, it's well documented to explode into prominence this year.
 
Tuppy_Glossop said:
How many people have generic computer degrees ? Loads. How many have specific Cyber Security degrees ? Not very many as it's a relatively new course at most unis.
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When it comes to IT experience counts a lot more than qualifications in my experience, because there's just so much you pick up on the job which you don't get taught. Get in to a techy job early and get years of experience, while studying IT security at the same time. I wouldn't just jump straight in to doing security, because you will be totally lost if you don't already know the technology inside out.
 
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Nasher said:
When it comes to IT experience counts a lot more than qualifications in my experience, because there's just so much you pick up on the job which you don't get taught. Get in to a techy job early and get years of experience, while studying IT security at the same time. I wouldn't just jump straight in to doing security because you will be totally lost if you don't already know the technology inside out.
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He won't be jumping straight into it, he'd be doing a masters degree first.
 
The MSc will cost more
The MSc will be harder
The MSc will be more specialised

But because of these points, the MSc is much better to have
 
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