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Higher Diploma in Information Security

Programme Code: HD 135 3416 6338 2305 5315 hdis@hkuspace.hku.hk
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QF Level: 4
QR Registration No.: 17/000517/L4
Registration Validity Period:  02/06/2017 to ongoing

Application Code 報名編號 : HD135

This programme introduces fundamental knowledge and skills in Information Security. The curriculum covers different aspects of Information Security, including Audit, Information Security Management System, Network Security, Data Center Security and Forensics.

Some courses are taught by the practitioners from the industry, and our students will be exposed to the state-of-the-art techniques and technologies. Besides conventional lectures and laboratory sessions, the programme team works with the industry to provide students with internship/externship opportunities. Student will be required to complete a self-directed final year project under the supervision of an expert from the industry.

Graduates of this programme can serve as information security sub-professionals. They are equipped with the required knowledge for pursuing the information security-related certifications. They are also capable of becoming information security professionals through further study or professional training plus work experience.

Opportunities for Further Studies

2022 Overall Progression Rate: 64%
UGC-funded Bachelor’s Degree Programmes: 75%

Some of our graduates/students are admitted to UGC-funded degree programmes every year. The list below shows the programmes that our graduates/students of recent years have articulated to*:

The University of Hong Kong
BEng 

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
BEng Computer Engineering
BEng Computer Science
BSc Information Technology
   
City University of Hong Kong
BEng Computer and Data Engineering
BEng (Hons) Information Engineering
BSc
BSc Computer Science

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
BSc (Hons) Information Security
   
Hong Kong Baptist University
BSc (Hons) Computer Science

The Education University of Hong Kong
BEd (Hons) (Secondary) - Information & Communication Technology
   

HKU SPACE International College

Graduates are eligible to apply for admission to various degree programmes offered by HKU SPACE International College.

Career Prospects

Graduates of our programme can apply for the following jobs in the market: 

  • Information Security Engineer
  • Junior Information System Auditor (Non-Big4 Firm)
  • Security Production Pre-sales person
  • Junior Penetration Tester
  • Secure Coding Developer

*The above list is not exhaustive and only shows some of the examples.

GENERIC SKILLS
  • Introduction to Academic English
  • English for Academic Purposes I & II
  • Elementary Statistics
  • Introduction to Computer Programming
  • English for Science and Technology
  • Practical Chinese

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING COURSE

  • Project (Information Security)
    or
    Internship (Information Technology)
SPECIALISM

Year 1 

  • Introduction to Information Security
  • Information Security Administration
  • Computer Systems and Network Protocol Essentials
  • Ethics and Computing Professionalism 
  • Project Management for Information Technology
  • Switching, Wireless and Routing Essentials
  • Security Audit Fundamentals 

Year 2 

  • Shell Programming
  • Ethical Hacking
  • Information Security Management System
  • Introduction to Computer Forensics
  • Data Center Security Requirements and Compliances
  • Network Security

*Courses offered in each semester are subject to student enrolment and resources available.

Visit to Nexusguard Consulting Limited

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Mak Chi Fung
Mak Chi Fung
  • 2020 Year 2, Higher Diploma in Information Security
  • Offer received: BEng Computer Engineering, HKUST (Year 2)
  • Offer received: BEng Computer Engineering, PolyU (Year 3)
  • Offer received: BEng Electronic Engineering, CityU (Year 3)

Information security is increasingly important nowadays. Under the current covid-19 pandemic, we go online in many aspects of our lives. Therefore the awareness for information security has risen.

In this programme, I learned to integrate different domains of information security such as audits, network security, and forensics. At the same time, I also learned two types of programming languages for my future studies and work. Apart from the hard knowledge, our lecturers also introduced the operations of the information security industry. For example, I learned when we should obtain an information security certification and the objective of different certifications.

If you wish to enter the information security industry in the future, this course can help you to understand it deeply. If you want to continue to study, it can also help you build a solid foundation in computing knowledge.

Lau Nga Sze
Lau Nga Sze
  • 2020 Year 2, Higher Diploma in Information Security
  • Offer received: BSc in Computer Science (Advanced Standing I), CityU
  • Offer received: BEng in Information Engineering (Advanced Standing II), CityU
  • Offer received: Broad Discipline of Computing, PolyU
  • Offer received: BEng in Computer Science, HKUST
  • Offer received: BSc in Computer Science – Information Systems and Analytics Concentration, HKBU

When I was in Form 5, I have applied Computer Forensic Technology, one of the Applied Learning Courses offered by HKU SPACE. At that time, I have already built up my interest in Information Security and determined to enter this career field in future. Besides, with the advancement of technology, I believe that Information Security specialists stand as a very important role, while it is a relatively new domain in the IT industry. Foreseeing the potential and the importance of Information Security, I am determined to study this programme.

Information Security is not just about technology, management skills are essential as well. This programme provides common IT courses such as programming and networking. Apart from that, you will learn specialized technical skills through hacking and computer forensics, while learning management skills through auditing and Information Security management. After studying this programme, I have realized Information Security is more than an IT subject because it relates to other subjects and areas.

Even though I could not achieve the local universities entrance requirements after my public exams, HKU SPACE Community College has given me the second chance. The learning environment is comfortable, students are motivated and eager to learn. My sincere thanks go to the lecturers, they are professional, patient, and willing to help and support us. The best part of this programme is being taught by lecturers who are working in this industry. I always feel excited when they share their stories and work experiences.   

More talents are needed in this industry. If you are interested in information security, do not hesitate to apply for this programme. You will gain more than you think and have a taste of the adventures in the world of Information Security. I look forward to seeing you and hope you enjoy the journey.

Cheung Ching Fung, Matt
Cheung Ching Fung, Matt
  • 2019 Year 2, Higher Diploma in Information Security
  • Offer received: BEng in Computer Science, HKUST

Information  Security  when  compared  with  IT  is  a  relatively  new domain for many people nowadays, it is not hard to discover the news that about data disclosure and system security loophole. Along with the advancing of technology, use of IT raises Information Security to an important role, that’s what I noticed about the future potential of this subject and the reason I study in.

This programme contains a wide area of knowledge than IT subject, you will learn professional skills such as hacking (also defense), auditing, forensics management skills and compliance. Networking and  programing  (C  and  shell),  these  courses  same  as  other  IT student will not missing in this programme. It can help you to build abilities on either management or technology.

Apart from the programme itself, lecturers are one of the main factors that leading student to success. Lecturers enjoy sharing their stories and experiences, willing to discuss and guiding students. It is better to ask the way than go astray during college time.

If you are interested in information security and want to expand the view of your future studies and careers. Information Security will be a good choice for you. Everything must have a beginning, hope to see you to start your journey here.

Bob Chan
Bob Chan
  • Higher Diploma in Information Technology (2008-2010)
  • BSc Information Management, HKU (2010-2012)
  • CISSP, PCI QSA
  • Part-time Lecturer, HKU SPACE Community College

Back to 10 years ago, I was a student of HD in IT. Despite my major was networking, I had opportunities to learn about Information Security and entered the industry after my bachelor studies. Now I am back to HKU SPACE as a lecturer of the new programme HD in Information Security.

If one is asking me why I come back to teach, there are two reasons behind:

First, when compared with IT, Information security is a relatively new domain for people, corporates, institutions and even the society. Due to the fast advancement of technologies and increasing utilization in various industries, more security breakout and concern can be seen (and foreseen). However, shortage of manpower is a major problem throughout the industry, especially in entry level. So I would like to train more people for the whole industry, like what I have gone through in these years.

Another reason is to convey (correct) awareness of information security to teenagers and even the general public, for the misconceptions I have seen nowadays. From TV episodes, movies or the Internet we can see hackers who possess great abilities to destroy or save the world, and teenagers are being attracted and want to become such a person. But the truth is, this industry is a lot more than hackers and technical skills.

In this programme you will learn professional knowledge and skills necessary to survive in this industry, from compliance, audit, management, to technical skills, forensics and hacking (which is pursued by many). Also, you will hear sharing of stories and experience from our adventures in information security field.

My colleagues and I are here to help you to build interests and abilities, as well as provide guidance for your future studies or careers. Looking forward to seeing you around.

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