Cyber Security

Aims and the profile of the study program

The BA Professional study program in Cyber Security aims to build a community of experts and improve the institutional competencies of users through cyber security education, training and awareness. The program aims to activate and support a culture that values information security and works to reduce risk through the development and refinement of procedures that ensure that security operations and risk assessments are carried out in a consistent manner and in accordance with international standards.

Mission statement

The mission of the BA Professional study program in Cyber Security is to “prepare cyber security professionals in academic and industrial settings, through high quality program that focuses on the integration of scientific theories and practical training, who will have the necessary expertise to lead, design and develop projects in the field of different types of cyber security”.

Responsible persons of the study program

• Rahmil Limani
• Ersan Hamdiu
• Edon Bublaku
• Fjolla Tafa

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the professional BA Program in Cyber Security, students are expected to demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and competences:

Knowledge

• identifies the sources of information necessary for the elaboration of various topics;
• demonstrates computer skills and at the same time, increases its professional capacity in the theoretical-practical dimension;
• prepares data modelling for cyber security;
• categorizes countries with a high degree of risk;
• exchanges experiences gained with others within the team and beyond;
• manages communication strategies and techniques to effectively convey cyber security threats, risks, policies and strategies;

Skills

• programming and coding capabilities to meet real cyber security challenges and threats;
• develops software and online applications according to best security practices, ensuring their immunity to a series of unexpected attacks;
• analyses and manages cyber security risk data in practice based on key policies and procedures covering technology, people and processes;
• demonstrates skills in applying theoretical knowledge of information technology and implementing security strategies in solving real problems;
• discusses and implements personal experiences, different security techniques and strategies in information systems;
• uses effectively the key concepts of programming languages in information security systems;
• facilitates with a practical approach the implementation of security in various network devices;
• monitors and controls security in the infrastructure of various information systems;
• designs and implements security in the database management system infrastructure;

Competences

• uses previous experiences, processes them effectively and presents them to others;
• simulates various attacks on the infrastructure of technological systems and demonstrates strategies for protection measures against them;
• analyses, evaluates and classifies the degree of risk on the internet against cyber security standards;
• evaluates best practices in security concepts to maintain the confidentiality, integrity and availability of data;
• implements social, legal and ethical issues inherent in the field of cyber security.
  

Admission to studies

Bachelor studies in BA Professional in Cyber Security have the right to enrol all those candidates who have completed secondary education, possess the necessary documentation, and fulfil the minimum admission criteria determined by the Senate. According to Article 5 of the Regulations for Bachelor Studies, the conditions for admission to Bachelor studies are:

• successful completion of primary and secondary school with at least 12 years of schooling certified by a relevant diploma;
• successful completion of the National Matura Test according to the criteria defined by the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, which is proven by relevant evidence;
• successful completion of the selection procedure;
• completion of the file with formal documentation as defined by MEST.

Number of study places

The number of study places according to the decision of the KAA is 70 students per academic year.

Recognition of qualifications

Per the Regulation for Bachelor Studies at AAB College, recognition of qualifications and transfer of studies are governed by Articles 6, 7, and 8 of this regulation. These articles outline the conditions, criteria, and procedures for admitting students from other higher education institutions, the transfer process, and the recognition and equivalence of previously studied courses.

Duration and number of ECTS

Studies in the BA Professional program in Cyber Security last 3 years (6 semesters) and comprise a total of 180 ECTS, with 60 ECTS per year and 30 ECTS per semester.

Level and Academic Degree

Upon completion of the studies, students are awarded the academic title Professional Bachelor in Cyber Security.

Employment perspectives

The program aims to prepare experts equipped with knowledge and practical skills to identify, prevent, and manage cyber threats, providing students with competencies in cryptography, malware analysis, network security, incident management, and IT & Cyber Law.

Upon completion of their studies, graduates are prepared to work in roles such as:

• Cyber Security Specialist
• Risk & Incident Response Analyst
• Network Security Engineer
• Secure Systems and Database Administrator
• Information Security Consultant
• Security Compliance Auditor

In addition to employment in ICT companies, graduates may also find opportunities within public institutions, financial organizations, telecommunications companies, and international agencies that require expertise in protecting data and critical infrastructure.

Assessment methods

In the Cyber Security program, a variety of appropriate assessment methods are applied, including midterm tests, written examinations, practical evaluations, projects, individual assignments, and presentations. Students demonstrate their competencies through tasks related to risk analysis, programming, network administration, system management, and the development of security solutions. Additionally, laboratory projects assess the practical application of cybersecurity concepts, problem-solving abilities, and the use of modern technologies for data protection and digital infrastructure security.

Data about student progression

DROP OUT <15%

EMPLOYMENT >90%

STUDENT SUCCESS IN EXAMS 8.5

Student rights

Students at AAB College, in accordance with the Statute and the Regulation for BA Studies, have the right to:

• Attend lectures and participate in academic activities
• Access university services, including the library and internet
• Be represented in student bodies
• Organize non-political associations
• Receive official student documents
• Obtain a diploma upon completion of their studies’

Additionally, students have the right to submit complaints and requests regarding any aspect of the teaching process, assessment, or any other issues that they believe may hinder their academic development and well-being while studying at the college.

Student involvement in quality assurance

At AAB College, students are considered equal partners in the design, implementation, and evaluation of quality assurance processes. They actively participate in every working group or workshop that discusses policymaking, strategic planning, and decision-making. Specifically, students engage in quality assurance procedures through the following activities:

• students assess the academic staff and teaching content
• students assess administrative services and infrastructure
• students are full members in academic and decision-making bodies of the college
• students participate in committees and working groups
• students are involved in drafting, completing, and reviewing study programs
• students provide continuous input on all matters affecting students and the college
• students offer recommendations for improvements related to procedures, policies, processes, or
• decisions concerning the college.