What does an average day look like for somebody working in cybersecurity?
That isn’t an easy question to answer when you consider the vastness of the field. Somebody who works in cybersecurity needs to stay constantly abreast of industry changes – especially new attacks cooked up by cybercriminals – and help their employers create and tweak their security plans.
However, thanks to Tom , who has developed the Open Institute of Technology’s (OPIT’s) Master’s Degree in Enterprise Cybersecurity, we can provide some insight into what your average day may look like.
Who Is Tom ?
Serving as the Program Chair of OPIT’s upcoming Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity, Tom brings a vast amount of practical experience to the table. His work has spanned the globe. Tom has been employed as the Chief Security Officer for a major Croatian bank, in addition to serving as the Chief Information Officer for a company in the United States’ manufacturing sector.
His practical experience spans other industries – including technology and finance – and he’s currently completing a doctorate while running his own practice. Tom’s specialty is the behavioral aspect of cybersecurity. His deep understanding of the “culture” that surrounds the field has been shaped by his work on development strategies, policies, and frameworks for his past employers.
The Importance of Trends
The first thing Tom highlights is that a cybersecurity professional has to follow the trends in the industry. As he points out: “We are living in an era where digital transformation is accelerating, and with it, the complexity and frequency of cyber threats are also increasing.” To demonstrate this, he points to an ISACA report published in 2023 showing that cyber attacks have increased 48% in 2023 compared to 2022. More worryingly, 62% of the organizations that experience these attacks underreport them – an indication that many simply don’t have the talent to truly understand the threat they face.
As a cybersecurity professional, your role is to provide the expertise such companies are sorely lacking.
Thankfully, many business leaders understand that they need this expertise. Tom points out that 59% of leaders say they’re understaffed in the cyber department, leading to a rising demand for people with the following technical skills:
- Identity and access management
- Data protection
- Cloud computing
- DevSecOps (development, security, and operations)
Furthermore, Tom says that artificial intelligence (AI) is completely transforming the cybersecurity industry. While AI is often beneficial to professionals in the field – it can enhance threat detection and response – it is also a danger. Malicious entities can use AI to conduct a new wave of attacks, such as data poisoning, for which you need to be prepared as a cybersecurity professional.
Tom’s discussion of these emerging trends highlights one of the most critical aspects of a day in the life of a cybersecurity professional – learning is key. There is no such thing as static knowledge because the industry (and the attacks your company may face) constantly evolve.
An Average Day Broken Down
Now that you understand how important staying on top of the ever-changing trends in cybersecurity is for those in the field, it’s possible to break things down a little further. On an average day, you may find yourself working on any, some, or even all of the following tasks.
Developing and Maintaining a Cybersecurity Strategy
Given that such a large number of business leaders are understaffed and have minimal access to appropriate talent, you’ll often be tasked with creating and maintaining a company’s cybersecurity strategy.
This strategy is not as simple as creating a collection of actions to take in the event of an attack.
Tom emphasizes not only the importance of proactivity, but also of integrating a cybersecurity strategy into the wider business strategy. “It becomes part of the mission and vision,” he says. “After all, there are two things that are important to companies – their data and customer trust. If you lose customer trust, you lose your business. If you lose your data, you lose your business.”
As a technically adept professional, you’ll be tasked with building a strategy that grows ever more complex as the threats the company faces become more advanced. New technologies – such as AI and machine learning – will be used against you, with your main task being to ensure the strategy you create can fend off such technologically-empowered attacks.
The Simpler Day-to-Day
Now, let’s move away from the complexities of developing an overarching plan and go into more detail about daily responsibilities. A cybersecurity professional is usually tasked with dealing with the day-to-day maintenance of systems.
It’s all about control.
Tom says that much of the role involves proactively identifying new protective measures. For instance, software patching is key – outdated software has vulnerabilities that a hacker can exploit. You’ll need to stay up to date on the development of patches for the software your company uses and, crucially, implement those patches as soon as they’re available.
Creating regular backups is also part of this day-to-day work. It’s an area that many businesses neglect – perhaps assuming that nothing bad can happen to them – but a backup will be a lifesaver if a hacker compromises your company’s main data stores.
Tending to Your Ecosystem
It’s not simply your own institution that you must maintain as a cybersecurity professional – everyone who interacts with that institution must also be managed. Vendors, external software developers, and any other part of your supply chain need to be as risk-aware as your business. As Tom puts it: “If they don’t care about vulnerabilities in their system, and they work for you as a company, then you’ll have an issue because their risk suddenly becomes your risk.”
As such, managing the cyber security aspect of your company’s relationships with its partners is a vital part of your duties. You may engage in planning with those partners, helping them improve their practices, or cooperate with them to create strategies encompassing your entire supply chain.
Continued Education
Tom goes on to highlight just how important continued education is to the success of a cybersecurity professional. “It’s always interesting. And if you’re really passionate about it, cybersecurity becomes your lifestyle,” he says. “You want to see what’s new. What are the new attack methods, what are your competitors doing, and what is new on the market.”
He points to a simple example – phishing emails.
These emails – which were traditionally laden with spelling errors that made them easier to spot – are becoming increasingly hard to detect thanks to the use of AI. They’re written better. Failure to understand and adapt to that fact could make it harder to educate yourself and the people in your company.
Your average day may also involve educating your colleagues about upcoming threats and new attack methods they need to understand. The phishing example Tom shares applies here. Any email that looks somewhat legitimate is a threat, so continued education of your colleagues is essential to stop that threat from having its intended effect.
An Example of a Typical Project
Given how vast the cybersecurity field is, the range of projects you may work on will vary enormously. However, Tom provides an example of when he worked in the banking industry and saw the rise of the Zeus Botnet.
In this case, his responsibilities were twofold.
First – finding a way to defend against botnet attacks. That involved researching the malware to figure out how it spread, allowing him to put protective measures in place to prevent that spread. The second task involved creating educational programs, both for employees and his bank’s clients, to make them aware of the Zeus Botnet.
Here, we see the education part of the cybersecurity professional’s “average day” coming into play, complementing the more technical aspects of dealing with malware. We even see supply chain risk coming into play – each client is part of the bank’s supply chain, meaning they need to understand how to defend themselves just as much as the bank does.
The Qualifications Needed to Work in Cybersecurity
With a multitude of cybersecurity qualifications available – many covering specific niches – it’s tough to find the appropriate one to make you attractive to an employer. That’s where Tom’s work with OPIT comes in. The master’s degree that he’s developing not only focuses on the technical skills a professional needs but places those skills in a business context.
The upcoming course will offer electives in subjects such as AI, cloud security, and IoT security, granting students flexibility to pursue a specialization within their degree. The overall program is also closely aligned to industry certifications – such as those offered by CISSP – to ensure graduates are as industry-ready as they are academically qualified.
The intention, Tom says, is to fill the skills gap that 3 million businesses say they have in cybersecurity. The program provides the right blend of knowledge between technical and managerial skills, in addition to allowing students to pursue subjects of particular interest to them.
Ultimately, it doesn’t teach absolutely everything that you could learn about the industry. No course can. But it does equip you with key foundational knowledge aligned with industry certifications that make you more employable. That, combined with your continued education and completion of relevant certifications once you’re employed, means you have an enormous opportunity to build a successful cybersecurity career with OPIT.
So, the qualifications needed for the industry start with a relevant degree. They then blossom out. Professionals focus on courses that meet the specific requirements of their roles so that they learn the cybersecurity techniques that are most effective for their needs.
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From the same author
Read the articleComputer Science is fast becoming one of the most valuable fields of study, with high levels of demand and high-salaried career opportunities for successful graduates. If you’re looking for a flexible and rewarding way to hone your computing skills as part of a supportive global community, the BSc in Computer Science at the Open Institute of Technology (OPIT) could be the perfect next step.
Introducing the OPIT BSc in Computer Science
The OPIT BSc in Computer Science is a bachelor’s degree program that provides students with a comprehensive level of both theoretical and practical knowledge of all core areas of computer science. That includes the likes of programming, databases, cloud computing, software development, and artificial intelligence.
Like other programs at OPIT, the Computer Science BSc is delivered exclusively online, with a mixture of recorded and live content for students to engage with. Participants will enjoy the instruction of world-leading lecturers and professors from various fields, including software engineers at major tech brands and esteemed researchers, and will have many paths open to them upon graduation.
Graduates may, for example, seek to push on with their educational journeys, progressing on to a specialized master’s degree at OPIT, like the MSc in Digital Business and Innovation or the MSc in Responsible Artificial Intelligence. Or they could enter the working world in roles like software engineer, data scientist, web developer, app developer, or cybersecurity consultant.
The bullets below outline the key characteristics of this particular course:
- Duration: Three years in total, spread across six terms.
- Content: Core courses for the first four terms, a student-selected specialization for the fifth term, and a capstone project in the final term.
- Focus: Developing detailed theoretical knowledge and practical skills across all core areas of modern computer science.
- Format: Entirely online, with a mixture of live lessons and asynchronous content you can access 24/7 to learn at your own pace.
- Assessment: Progressive assessments over the course of the program, along with a capstone project and dissertation, but no final exams.
What You’ll Learn
Students enrolled in the BSc in Computer Science course at OPIT will enjoy comprehensive instruction in the increasingly diverse sectors that fall under the umbrella of computer science today. That includes a close look at emerging technologies, like AI and machine learning, as well as introductions to the fundamental skills involved in designing and developing pieces of software.
The first four terms are the same for all students. These will include introductions to software engineering, computer security, and cloud computing infrastructure, as well as courses focusing on the core skills that computer scientists invariably need in their careers, like project management, quality assurance, and technical English.
For the fifth term, students will have a choice. They can select five electives from a pool of 27, or select one field to specialize in from a group of five. You may choose to specialize in all things cybersecurity, for example, and learn about emerging cyber threats. Or you could focus more on specific elements of computer science that appeal to your interests and passions, such as game development.
Who It’s For
The BSc in Computer Science program can suit a whole range of prospective applicants and should appeal to anyone with an interest or passion for computing and a desire to pursue a professional career in this field. Whether you’re seeking to enter the world of software development, user experience design, data science, or another related sector, this is the course to consider.
In addition, thanks to OPIT’s engaging, flexible, and exclusively online teaching and learning systems, this course can appeal to people from all over the globe, of different ages, and from different walks of life. It’s equally suitable for recent high school graduates with dreams of making their own apps to seasoned professionals looking to broaden their knowledge or transition to a different career.
The Value of the BSc in Computer Science Course at OPIT
Plenty of universities and higher education establishments around the world offer degrees in computer science, but OPIT’s program stands out for several distinctive reasons.
Firstly, as previously touched upon, all OPIT courses are delivered online. Students have a schedule of live lessons to attend, but can also access recorded content and digital learning resources as and when they choose. This offers an unparalleled level of freedom and flexibility compared to more conventional educational institutions, putting students in the driving seat and letting them learn at their own pace.
OPIT also aims not merely to impart knowledge through lectures and teaching, but to actually help students gain the practical skills they need to take the next logical steps in their education or career. In other words, studying at OPIT isn’t simply about memorizing facts and paragraphs of text; it’s about learning how to apply the knowledge you gain in real-world settings.
OPIT students also enjoy the unique benefits of a global community of like-minded students and world-leading professors. Here, distance is no barrier, and while students and teachers may come from completely different corners of the globe, all are made to feel welcome and heard. Students can reach out to their lecturers when they feel the need for guidance, answers, and advice.
Other benefits of studying with OPIT include:
- Networking opportunities and events, like career fairs, where you can meet and speak with representatives from some of the world’s biggest tech brands
- Consistent support systems from start to finish of your educational journey in the form of mentorships and more
- Helpful tools to expedite your education, like the OPIT AI Copilot, which provides personalized study support
Entry Requirements and Fees
To enroll in the OPIT BSc in Computer Science and take your next steps towards a thrilling and fulfilling career in this field, you’ll need to meet some simple criteria. Unlike other educational institutions, which can impose strict and seemingly unattainable requirements on their applicants, OPIT aims to make tech education more accessible. As a result, aspiring students will require:
- A higher secondary school leaving certificate at EQF Level 4, or equivalent
- B2-level English proficiency, or higher
Naturally, applicants should also have a passion for computer science and a willingness to study, learn, and make the most of the resources, community, and support systems provided by the institute.
In addition, if you happen to have relevant work experience or educational achievements, you may be able to use these to skip certain modules or even entire terms and obtain your degree sooner. OPIT offers a comprehensive credit transfer program, which you can learn more about during the application process.
Regarding fees, OPIT also stands out from the crowd compared to conventional educational institutions, offering affordable rates to make higher tech education more accessible. There are early bird discounts, scholarship opportunities, and even the option to pay either on a term-by-term basis or a one-off up-front fee.
Read the articleThe Open Institute of Technology (OPIT) provides a curated collection of courses for students at every stage of their learning journey, including those who are just starting. For aspiring tech leaders and those who don’t quite feel ready to dive directly into a bachelor’s degree, there’s the OPIT Foundation Program. It’s the perfect starting point to gain core skills, boost confidence, and build a solid base for success.
Introducing the OPIT Foundation Year Program
As the name implies, OPIT’s Foundation Program is about foundation-level knowledge and skills. It’s the only pre-bachelor program in the OPIT lineup, and successful students on this 60-ECTS credit course will obtain a Pre-Tertiary Certificate in Information Technology upon its completion. From there, they can move on to higher levels of learning, like a Bachelor’s in Digital Business or Modern Computer Science.
In other words, the Foundation Program provides a gentle welcome into the world of higher technological education, while also serving as a springboard to help students achieve their long-term goals. By mixing both guided learning and independent study, it also prepares students for the EQF Level 4 experiences and challenges they’ll face once they enroll in a bachelor’s program in IT or a related field.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what the OPIT Foundation Program course involves:
- Duration: Six months, split into two terms, with each term lasting 13 weeks
- Content: Three courses per term, with each one worth 10 ECTS credits, for a total of 60
- Focus: Core skills, like mathematics, English, and introductory-level computing
- Format: Video lectures, independent learning, live sessions, and digital resources (e-books, etc.)
- Assessment: Two to three assessments over the course of the program
What You’ll Learn
The OPIT Foundation Program doesn’t intensely focus on any one particular topic, nor does it thrust onto you the more advanced, complicated aspects of technological education you would find in a bachelor’s or master’s program. Instead, it largely keeps things simple, focusing on the basic building blocks of knowledge and core skills so that students feel comfortable taking the next steps in their studies.
It includes the following courses, spread out across two terms:
- Academic Skills
- Mathematics Literacy I
- Mathematics Literacy II
- Internet and Digital Technology
- Academic Reading, Writing, and Communication
- Introduction to Computer Hardware and Software
Encompassing foundational-level lessons in digital business, computer science, and computer literacy, the Foundation Program produces graduates with a commanding knowledge of common operating systems. Exploring reading and writing, it also helps students master the art of communicating their ideas and responses in clear, academic English.
Who It’s For
The Foundation Year program is for people who are eager to enter the world of technology and eventually pursue a bachelor’s or higher level of education in this field, but feel they need more preparation. It’s for the people who want to work on their core skills and knowledge before progressing to more advanced topics, so that they don’t feel lost or left behind later on.
It can appeal to anyone with a high school-level education and ambitions of pushing themselves further, and to anyone who wants to work in fields like computer science, digital business, and artificial intelligence (AI). You don’t need extensive experience or qualifications to get started (more on that below); just a passion for tech and the motivation to learn.
The Value of the Foundation Program
With technology playing an increasingly integral role in the world today, millions of students want to develop their tech knowledge and skills. The problem is that technology-oriented degree courses can sometimes feel a little too complex or even inaccessible, especially for those who may not have had the most conventional educational journeys in the past.
While so many colleges and universities around the world simply expect students to show up with the relevant skills and knowledge to dive right into degree programs, OPIT understands that some students need a helping hand. That’s where the Foundation Program comes in – it’s the kind of course you won’t find at a typical university, aimed at bridging the gap between high school and higher education.
By progressing through the Foundation Program, students gain not just knowledge, but confidence. The entire course is aimed at eliminating uncertainty and unease. It imbues students with the skills and understanding they need to push onward, to believe in themselves, and to get more value from wherever their education takes them next.
On its own, this course won’t necessarily provide the qualifications you need to move straight into the job market, but it’s a vital stepping stone towards a degree. It also provides numerous other advantages that are unique to the OPIT community:
- Online Learning: Enjoy the benefits of being able to learn at your own pace, from the comfort of home, without the costs and inconveniences associated with relocation, commuting, and so on.
- Strong Support System: OPIT professors regularly check in with students and are on hand around the clock to answer queries and provide guidance.
- Academic Leaders: The OPIT faculty is made up of some of the world’s sharpest minds, including tech company heads, experienced researchers, and even former education ministers.
Entry Requirements and Fees
Unlike OPIT’s other, more advanced courses, the Foundation Program is aimed at beginners, so it does not have particularly strict or complex entry requirements. It’s designed to be as accessible as possible, so that almost anyone can acquire the skills they need to pursue education and a career in technology. The main thing you’ll need is a desire to learn and improve your skills, but applicants should also possess:
- English proficiency at level B2 or higher
- A Secondary School Leaving Certificate, or equivalent
Regarding the fees, OPIT strives to lower the financial barrier of education that can be such a deterrent in conventional education around the world. The institute’s tuition fees are fairly and competitively priced, all-inclusive (without any hidden charges to worry about), and accessible for those working with different budgets.
Given that all resources and instruction are provided online, you can also save a lot of money on relocation and living costs when you study with OPIT. In addition, applicants have the option to pay either up front, with a 10% discount on the total, or on a per-term basis, allowing you to stretch the cost out over a longer period to ease the financial burden.
-
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Related posts
Computer Science is fast becoming one of the most valuable fields of study, with high levels of demand and high-salaried career opportunities for successful graduates. If you’re looking for a flexible and rewarding way to hone your computing skills as part of a supportive global community, the BSc in Computer Science at the Open Institute of Technology (OPIT) could be the perfect next step.
Introducing the OPIT BSc in Computer Science
The OPIT BSc in Computer Science is a bachelor’s degree program that provides students with a comprehensive level of both theoretical and practical knowledge of all core areas of computer science. That includes the likes of programming, databases, cloud computing, software development, and artificial intelligence.
Like other programs at OPIT, the Computer Science BSc is delivered exclusively online, with a mixture of recorded and live content for students to engage with. Participants will enjoy the instruction of world-leading lecturers and professors from various fields, including software engineers at major tech brands and esteemed researchers, and will have many paths open to them upon graduation.
Graduates may, for example, seek to push on with their educational journeys, progressing on to a specialized master’s degree at OPIT, like the MSc in Digital Business and Innovation or the MSc in Responsible Artificial Intelligence. Or they could enter the working world in roles like software engineer, data scientist, web developer, app developer, or cybersecurity consultant.
The bullets below outline the key characteristics of this particular course:
- Duration: Three years in total, spread across six terms.
- Content: Core courses for the first four terms, a student-selected specialization for the fifth term, and a capstone project in the final term.
- Focus: Developing detailed theoretical knowledge and practical skills across all core areas of modern computer science.
- Format: Entirely online, with a mixture of live lessons and asynchronous content you can access 24/7 to learn at your own pace.
- Assessment: Progressive assessments over the course of the program, along with a capstone project and dissertation, but no final exams.
What You’ll Learn
Students enrolled in the BSc in Computer Science course at OPIT will enjoy comprehensive instruction in the increasingly diverse sectors that fall under the umbrella of computer science today. That includes a close look at emerging technologies, like AI and machine learning, as well as introductions to the fundamental skills involved in designing and developing pieces of software.
The first four terms are the same for all students. These will include introductions to software engineering, computer security, and cloud computing infrastructure, as well as courses focusing on the core skills that computer scientists invariably need in their careers, like project management, quality assurance, and technical English.
For the fifth term, students will have a choice. They can select five electives from a pool of 27, or select one field to specialize in from a group of five. You may choose to specialize in all things cybersecurity, for example, and learn about emerging cyber threats. Or you could focus more on specific elements of computer science that appeal to your interests and passions, such as game development.
Who It’s For
The BSc in Computer Science program can suit a whole range of prospective applicants and should appeal to anyone with an interest or passion for computing and a desire to pursue a professional career in this field. Whether you’re seeking to enter the world of software development, user experience design, data science, or another related sector, this is the course to consider.
In addition, thanks to OPIT’s engaging, flexible, and exclusively online teaching and learning systems, this course can appeal to people from all over the globe, of different ages, and from different walks of life. It’s equally suitable for recent high school graduates with dreams of making their own apps to seasoned professionals looking to broaden their knowledge or transition to a different career.
The Value of the BSc in Computer Science Course at OPIT
Plenty of universities and higher education establishments around the world offer degrees in computer science, but OPIT’s program stands out for several distinctive reasons.
Firstly, as previously touched upon, all OPIT courses are delivered online. Students have a schedule of live lessons to attend, but can also access recorded content and digital learning resources as and when they choose. This offers an unparalleled level of freedom and flexibility compared to more conventional educational institutions, putting students in the driving seat and letting them learn at their own pace.
OPIT also aims not merely to impart knowledge through lectures and teaching, but to actually help students gain the practical skills they need to take the next logical steps in their education or career. In other words, studying at OPIT isn’t simply about memorizing facts and paragraphs of text; it’s about learning how to apply the knowledge you gain in real-world settings.
OPIT students also enjoy the unique benefits of a global community of like-minded students and world-leading professors. Here, distance is no barrier, and while students and teachers may come from completely different corners of the globe, all are made to feel welcome and heard. Students can reach out to their lecturers when they feel the need for guidance, answers, and advice.
Other benefits of studying with OPIT include:
- Networking opportunities and events, like career fairs, where you can meet and speak with representatives from some of the world’s biggest tech brands
- Consistent support systems from start to finish of your educational journey in the form of mentorships and more
- Helpful tools to expedite your education, like the OPIT AI Copilot, which provides personalized study support
Entry Requirements and Fees
To enroll in the OPIT BSc in Computer Science and take your next steps towards a thrilling and fulfilling career in this field, you’ll need to meet some simple criteria. Unlike other educational institutions, which can impose strict and seemingly unattainable requirements on their applicants, OPIT aims to make tech education more accessible. As a result, aspiring students will require:
- A higher secondary school leaving certificate at EQF Level 4, or equivalent
- B2-level English proficiency, or higher
Naturally, applicants should also have a passion for computer science and a willingness to study, learn, and make the most of the resources, community, and support systems provided by the institute.
In addition, if you happen to have relevant work experience or educational achievements, you may be able to use these to skip certain modules or even entire terms and obtain your degree sooner. OPIT offers a comprehensive credit transfer program, which you can learn more about during the application process.
Regarding fees, OPIT also stands out from the crowd compared to conventional educational institutions, offering affordable rates to make higher tech education more accessible. There are early bird discounts, scholarship opportunities, and even the option to pay either on a term-by-term basis or a one-off up-front fee.
The Open Institute of Technology (OPIT) provides a curated collection of courses for students at every stage of their learning journey, including those who are just starting. For aspiring tech leaders and those who don’t quite feel ready to dive directly into a bachelor’s degree, there’s the OPIT Foundation Program. It’s the perfect starting point to gain core skills, boost confidence, and build a solid base for success.
Introducing the OPIT Foundation Year Program
As the name implies, OPIT’s Foundation Program is about foundation-level knowledge and skills. It’s the only pre-bachelor program in the OPIT lineup, and successful students on this 60-ECTS credit course will obtain a Pre-Tertiary Certificate in Information Technology upon its completion. From there, they can move on to higher levels of learning, like a Bachelor’s in Digital Business or Modern Computer Science.
In other words, the Foundation Program provides a gentle welcome into the world of higher technological education, while also serving as a springboard to help students achieve their long-term goals. By mixing both guided learning and independent study, it also prepares students for the EQF Level 4 experiences and challenges they’ll face once they enroll in a bachelor’s program in IT or a related field.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what the OPIT Foundation Program course involves:
- Duration: Six months, split into two terms, with each term lasting 13 weeks
- Content: Three courses per term, with each one worth 10 ECTS credits, for a total of 60
- Focus: Core skills, like mathematics, English, and introductory-level computing
- Format: Video lectures, independent learning, live sessions, and digital resources (e-books, etc.)
- Assessment: Two to three assessments over the course of the program
What You’ll Learn
The OPIT Foundation Program doesn’t intensely focus on any one particular topic, nor does it thrust onto you the more advanced, complicated aspects of technological education you would find in a bachelor’s or master’s program. Instead, it largely keeps things simple, focusing on the basic building blocks of knowledge and core skills so that students feel comfortable taking the next steps in their studies.
It includes the following courses, spread out across two terms:
- Academic Skills
- Mathematics Literacy I
- Mathematics Literacy II
- Internet and Digital Technology
- Academic Reading, Writing, and Communication
- Introduction to Computer Hardware and Software
Encompassing foundational-level lessons in digital business, computer science, and computer literacy, the Foundation Program produces graduates with a commanding knowledge of common operating systems. Exploring reading and writing, it also helps students master the art of communicating their ideas and responses in clear, academic English.
Who It’s For
The Foundation Year program is for people who are eager to enter the world of technology and eventually pursue a bachelor’s or higher level of education in this field, but feel they need more preparation. It’s for the people who want to work on their core skills and knowledge before progressing to more advanced topics, so that they don’t feel lost or left behind later on.
It can appeal to anyone with a high school-level education and ambitions of pushing themselves further, and to anyone who wants to work in fields like computer science, digital business, and artificial intelligence (AI). You don’t need extensive experience or qualifications to get started (more on that below); just a passion for tech and the motivation to learn.
The Value of the Foundation Program
With technology playing an increasingly integral role in the world today, millions of students want to develop their tech knowledge and skills. The problem is that technology-oriented degree courses can sometimes feel a little too complex or even inaccessible, especially for those who may not have had the most conventional educational journeys in the past.
While so many colleges and universities around the world simply expect students to show up with the relevant skills and knowledge to dive right into degree programs, OPIT understands that some students need a helping hand. That’s where the Foundation Program comes in – it’s the kind of course you won’t find at a typical university, aimed at bridging the gap between high school and higher education.
By progressing through the Foundation Program, students gain not just knowledge, but confidence. The entire course is aimed at eliminating uncertainty and unease. It imbues students with the skills and understanding they need to push onward, to believe in themselves, and to get more value from wherever their education takes them next.
On its own, this course won’t necessarily provide the qualifications you need to move straight into the job market, but it’s a vital stepping stone towards a degree. It also provides numerous other advantages that are unique to the OPIT community:
- Online Learning: Enjoy the benefits of being able to learn at your own pace, from the comfort of home, without the costs and inconveniences associated with relocation, commuting, and so on.
- Strong Support System: OPIT professors regularly check in with students and are on hand around the clock to answer queries and provide guidance.
- Academic Leaders: The OPIT faculty is made up of some of the world’s sharpest minds, including tech company heads, experienced researchers, and even former education ministers.
Entry Requirements and Fees
Unlike OPIT’s other, more advanced courses, the Foundation Program is aimed at beginners, so it does not have particularly strict or complex entry requirements. It’s designed to be as accessible as possible, so that almost anyone can acquire the skills they need to pursue education and a career in technology. The main thing you’ll need is a desire to learn and improve your skills, but applicants should also possess:
- English proficiency at level B2 or higher
- A Secondary School Leaving Certificate, or equivalent
Regarding the fees, OPIT strives to lower the financial barrier of education that can be such a deterrent in conventional education around the world. The institute’s tuition fees are fairly and competitively priced, all-inclusive (without any hidden charges to worry about), and accessible for those working with different budgets.
Given that all resources and instruction are provided online, you can also save a lot of money on relocation and living costs when you study with OPIT. In addition, applicants have the option to pay either up front, with a 10% discount on the total, or on a per-term basis, allowing you to stretch the cost out over a longer period to ease the financial burden.
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