2 answers
Dipuo
Student
Polokwane, Limpopo, South Africa
1
Question
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is it possible to get into honours in cybersecurity with a data science degree,what are the websites/platforms i need to befriend since im still doing my second year in bsc in data science ?
im doing second year in bsc in data science(university level)
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2 answers
Sneha Deb
Tech Consultant
194
Answers
Edison, New Jersey
Updated
Sneha’s Answer
Hi Dipuo! Yes, it’s definitely possible to transition into an honours or postgraduate program in cybersecurity with a data science degree, especially since both fields share strong foundations in programming, statistics, and analytical thinking. You may need to take a few additional cybersecurity-related electives or certifications to strengthen your application, depending on the program.
To build your skills and network early, it’s helpful to use platforms like Coursera and edX for affordable courses in cybersecurity, ethical hacking, and network security, with options from top universities and companies. TryHackMe and Hack The Box are excellent for hands-on practice through real-world security challenges. Cybrary also offers detailed training paths specifically for cybersecurity careers. LinkedIn is valuable for connecting with professionals, finding internships, and staying updated on industry trends, while GitHub is useful for building a portfolio and contributing to projects. You can also learn a lot and stay motivated by engaging with Reddit communities like r/cybersecurity and r/datascience.
Start with small steps like an intro course or a beginner-level challenge, and gradually build your skills over time. Your background in data science already gives you a strong head start, and with consistent effort, you'll be well-prepared for a future in cybersecurity.
To build your skills and network early, it’s helpful to use platforms like Coursera and edX for affordable courses in cybersecurity, ethical hacking, and network security, with options from top universities and companies. TryHackMe and Hack The Box are excellent for hands-on practice through real-world security challenges. Cybrary also offers detailed training paths specifically for cybersecurity careers. LinkedIn is valuable for connecting with professionals, finding internships, and staying updated on industry trends, while GitHub is useful for building a portfolio and contributing to projects. You can also learn a lot and stay motivated by engaging with Reddit communities like r/cybersecurity and r/datascience.
Start with small steps like an intro course or a beginner-level challenge, and gradually build your skills over time. Your background in data science already gives you a strong head start, and with consistent effort, you'll be well-prepared for a future in cybersecurity.
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
Dipuo
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
641
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Dipuo,
At which university are you studying data science? I am trying to find information how your program is structured and which Honours program(s) are being offered. I thought you would be at University of Limpopo at Polokwane, but I don't see a data science degree there, just general computer science.
Several universities in South Africa offer undergraduate degrees in Data Science (links below). In general, you would study 3 years to earn your bachelors in data science or computer science or whatever your program is called. You would then apply for a 4th year to earn a BScHon. For most universities, that's kind of a bottle neck to be accepted into Honours. Most departments have only one Honours program that you go into, not several options. University of Johannesburg has an Honours degree in Computer Science with Cyber Security (link below). Several universities have Masters and PhD programs in data science.
In general, I would recommend that you do your Honours year at the university where you got your bachelors. I recommend this because it's a bit easier to be accepted if you are local, plus a year is short and your university will have you trained to do well in their Honours program. Another university will have different requirements and different focus areas. Once you have your BScHon, advanced degrees are open to you.
If you want to specialize further into cyber security, the time to do that is after you earned your BScHon. You can do a postgraduate certificate or a Masters focusing on cyber security. You would qualify for any Masters program with your background. You can also look at online programs and earn the certifications that are required in cyber security.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
https://www.sun.ac.za/english/datascience
https://smscs.ukzn.ac.za/data-science/
https://www.wits.ac.za/course-finder/postgraduate/science/big-data-analytics/
https://www.uj.ac.za/university-courses/bschons-in-comp-sc-with-cyber-security/
At which university are you studying data science? I am trying to find information how your program is structured and which Honours program(s) are being offered. I thought you would be at University of Limpopo at Polokwane, but I don't see a data science degree there, just general computer science.
Several universities in South Africa offer undergraduate degrees in Data Science (links below). In general, you would study 3 years to earn your bachelors in data science or computer science or whatever your program is called. You would then apply for a 4th year to earn a BScHon. For most universities, that's kind of a bottle neck to be accepted into Honours. Most departments have only one Honours program that you go into, not several options. University of Johannesburg has an Honours degree in Computer Science with Cyber Security (link below). Several universities have Masters and PhD programs in data science.
In general, I would recommend that you do your Honours year at the university where you got your bachelors. I recommend this because it's a bit easier to be accepted if you are local, plus a year is short and your university will have you trained to do well in their Honours program. Another university will have different requirements and different focus areas. Once you have your BScHon, advanced degrees are open to you.
If you want to specialize further into cyber security, the time to do that is after you earned your BScHon. You can do a postgraduate certificate or a Masters focusing on cyber security. You would qualify for any Masters program with your background. You can also look at online programs and earn the certifications that are required in cyber security.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps:
I am doing a BSC IN DATA SCIENCE at SOL PLAATJE UNIVERSITY, which is located in the NORTHERN CAPE. I didn't look too much into doing my honours here, but since you recommended it, I will make sure I complete it while also bagging some of the certificates from online short courses about cybersecurity .... Thank you so much for taking the time to look into my question and provide answers, I appreciate it
Dipuo
Ah, I see. There is a BScHon in Data Science and one in Computer Science. Here is the information on the Honours program in Data Science: https://www.spu.ac.za/index.php/sciences-programmes-bsc-honours-data-science. It includes a year-long project. If you talk to your lecturers and/or the Honours coordinator, they might be able to offer a cyber security project. It depends what the lecturers are interested in and how they assign the projects. But showing an interest and asking questions doesn't hurt.
Karin P.