BSc (Hons) in Information Technology Specialising in
Cyber Security
With cybercrime and data breaches on the rise, this programme equips students with the technical expertise, analytical skills, and hands-on experience needed to secure IT infrastructure and prevent cyber-attacks.
Awarding University
This recognized academic programme is awarded by SLIIT under the Faculty of Computing.
Ensures globally accepted academic standards, preparing students with practical skills aligned to current industry needs and expectations.
Accreditation
Why & What..?
BSc (Hons) in Information Technology Specialising in Cyber Security is designed for students passionate about protecting digital assets, securing networks, and combating cyber threats in an increasingly connected world. With cybercrime and data breaches on the rise, this programme equips students with the technical expertise, analytical skills, and hands-on experience needed to secure IT infrastructure and prevent cyber-attacks.
At SLIIT, students benefit from a comprehensive cyber security curriculum covering ethical hacking, network security, cryptography, penetration testing, and digital forensics. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through training in real-world cyber defense scenarios, security assessments, and risk mitigation strategies.
Courses are aligned with global cybersecurity frameworks such as ISO, NIST, and CISSP, ensuring graduates are job-ready and equipped with recognized industry credentials. Students gain access to state-of-the-art cybersecurity labs featuring advanced security tools, penetration testing environments, and cloud security platforms to enhance practical learning.
Graduates are prepared for high-demand roles such as Cyber Security Analysts, Ethical Hackers, Network Security Engineers, Incident Responders, and Security Consultants. This program is ideal for students seeking a fast-tracked career in cybersecurity and information security, empowering them with critical skills and industry-relevant expertise to protect and defend digital systems in today’s evolving threat landscape.
This programme provides a solid foundation in IT Fundamentals, cyber security principles, blending theoretical knowledge with hands-on training in securing IT infrastructure. Students will:
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Gain knowledge in core IT Fundamentals – Computer architecture, Programming, Networking, Database Management, Operating systems and Mathematics for Computing
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Master Core Cyber Security Fundamentals – Learn network security, firewalls, and encryption techniques.
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Develop Ethical Hacking & Penetration Testing Skills – Gain expertise in offensive security, vulnerability assessments, and red team exercises.
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Explore Digital Forensics & Incident Response – Learn how to trace cybercrimes, analyze breaches, and respond to security incidents.
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Implement Security in Cloud & IoT – Understand cloud security protocols, identity access management (IAM), and IoT security.
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Risk Management & Compliance – Gain knowledge in cyber laws, regulatory standards, and data privacy policies (PDPA, GDPR, ISO 27001, NIST, PCI DSS and more).
This curriculum ensures students acquire in-depth technical knowledge and practical cyber defense skills to safeguard organizations from cyber threats.
Upon successful completion of the programme at SLIIT, graduate will,
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Become Experts in Cyber Security – Develop expertise in network security, ethical hacking, cryptography, and threat intelligence.
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Be Industry-Ready – Work with industry-standard tools such as Kali Linux, Metasploit, Wireshark, Nessus, and cloud security platforms.
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Implement Defensive & Offensive Security Measures – Secure networks, detect vulnerabilities, and perform penetration testing.
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Understand Cyber Laws & Compliance – Ensure adherence to national and international regulations and industry standards, including PDPA, ISO, GDPR, NIST, and PCI DSS, to maintain compliance and uphold best practices in cybersecurity and data protection.
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Career-Ready Graduates – Secure roles such as Cyber Security Analyst, Ethical Hacker, Network Security Engineer, Security Consultant, and Incident Responder.
This program ensures graduates are fully equipped to handle the evolving cyber threat landscape and become leaders in digital security and risk management.
Programme Structure
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First Year
Foundations of IT, Networking, Mathematics, and basic security principles.
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Second Year
Network programming for security, Database Design and Cybersecurity concepts.
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Third Year
Penetration Testing, Cryptography, DevOps Security, Ethical Hacking and Industrial Training.
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Fourth Year
Cybersecurity project, Governance, Risk Management and Compliance, Digital Forensics and emerging security technologies.
| Semester 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Code | Module | Credit |
| IT1120 | Introduction to Programming | 4 |
| IE1030 | Data Communication Networks | 4 |
| IT1130 | Mathematics for Computing | 4 |
| IT1140 | Fundamentals of Computing | 4 |
| Semester 2 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Code | Module | Credit |
| IT1160 | Discrete Mathematics | 4 |
| IT1170 | Data Structures and Algorithms | 4 |
| SE1010 | Software Engineering | 4 |
| IT1150 | Technical Writing | 4 |
| Semester 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Code | Module | Credit |
| IT2120 | Probability and Statistics | 4 |
| SE2010 | Object Oriented Programming | 4 |
| IT2130 | Operating Systems & System Administration | 4 |
| IT2140 | Database Design and Development | 4 |
| Semester 2 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Code | Module | Credit |
| IT2011 | Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning | 4 |
| IE2092 | Introduction to Cyber Security | 4 |
| IE2102 | Network Programming | 4 |
| IT2160 | Professional Skills | 4 |
| Semester 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Code | Module | Credit |
| IT3120 | Industry Economics & Management | 4 |
| IE3122 | Network Security | 4 |
| IE3132 | Vulnerability Assessment & Penetration Testing | 4 |
| IE3142 | DevOps Security | 4 |
| Semester 2 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Code | Module | Credit |
| IT3190 | Industry Training | 4 |
| IE3152 | Cryptography | 4 |
| IE3162 | Ethical Hacking & Cyber Ops | 4 |
| IT3160 | Research Methods | 4 |
| Semester 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Code | Module | Credit |
| IT4200 | Research Project - I | 4 |
| IE4102 | Governance, Risk Management & Compliance | 4 |
| IE4112 | Data & Systems Security | 4 |
| IE4122 | Secure Software Engineering | 4 |
| IE4132 | Cyber Law & Ethics | 4 |
| Semester 2 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Code | Module | Credit |
| IE4200 | Research Project - II | 6 |
| IE4142 | Digital Forensics | 4 |
| IE4152 | Virtualization & Cloud Security | 4 |
| IE4130 | Internet of Things | 4 |
More about the program
Local A/Ls : Minimum of 3 “S” passes in the Physical Sciences stream or Engineering Technology stream in one and the same sitting for A/Ls or an equivalent qualification. OR Minimum of 3 “S” passes in any stream (other than Physical Science/ Engineering Technology streams) in one and the same sitting at the GCE A/L Examination AND a “C” pass for O/L Mathematics AND completing the IT Bridging programme conducted by SLIIT.
Applicants who have followed Information & Communication Technology as a main subject for A/Ls AND obtained a “C” pass for O/L Mathematics will be exempted from the IT Bridging Program.
Cambridge/Edexcel A/Ls : Minimum of 3 “D” passes in subjects related to Mathematics in one and the same sitting for A/L’s. OR Minimum of 3 “D” passes in any other subjects (other than Mathematics related subjects) in one and the same sitting at the GCE A/L Examination AND a “C” pass for O/L Mathematics AND completing the IT Bridging Program conducted by SLIIT.
Applicants who have followed Information Technology/Computer Science as a main subject for A/Ls AND obtained a "C" pass for O/L Mathematics will be exempted from the IT Bridging Program.
To be eligible to follow Cyber Security Specialisation, students must meet the minimum GPA requirement specified by the faculty at the end of the 2nd Year 1st Semester. Applicants should also pass the Aptitude Test conducted by SLIIT.
Applicants should also pass the Aptitude Test conducted by SLIIT
- Security Analyst
- Security Engineer
- Security Architect
- Architect-Security
- Forensics Investigator
- Network Security Engineer
- Information Assurance Engineer
- IT Auditor
- Security Administrator
- Penetration and Vulnerability Tester
- Secure Software Developer
- Incident Responder
Fees per semester are LKR 350,000 for the first year, and the first semester of year 2. For each subsequent semester, the fee is LKR 360,000. The duration of this degree is 4 years. Each year consists of 2 semesters.
The course fee is all-inclusive, covering lectures, tutorials, examinations, and access to library and computer laboratory facilities.
Course fees are subject to change.
Fees can be paid to the bank accounts of SLIIT at any branch. For further details on payment options and bank information, please visit:
https://www.sliit.lk/study/fees-and-scholarships/fees-and-costs?#payment-to-sliit
SLIIT's Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Information Technology Specialising in Cyber Security is a dynamic four-year degree designed to equip students with the skills needed to protect digital systems, secure networks, and defend against evolving cyber threats. The programme combines a rigorous theoretical foundation with extensive hands-on training in areas such as ethical hacking, digital forensics, cryptography, and cloud security. Graduates are prepared for high-demand roles in cybersecurity, armed with industry-recognized certifications and practical experience in real-world defense scenarios.
FAQs
This program is ideal for students passionate about cybersecurity, technology, and digital protection. It is best suited for those seeking careers in ethical hacking, digital forensics, network security, and risk management.
Graduates can pursue careers as Cybersecurity Analysts, Ethical Hackers, Digital Forensic Investigators, Network Security Engineers, Risk and Compliance Officers, Security Consultants, and other roles in cybersecurity and information security across various industries.
Students will gain hands-on experience with Kali Linux, Metasploit, Burp Suite, Nmap, Wireshark, Nessus, Snort, and various other security platforms. Students will learn programming languages such as Python, C/C++, Java, JavaScript, and SQL, which are essential for secure coding, penetration testing, and vulnerability analysis.
Yes, the program includes a mandatory internship, providing students with practical experience in the field. Additionally, the Cybersecurity program is strengthened by numerous collaborations with leading security service providers and offers opportunities to engage with professional bodies such as ISACA, EC-Council, and Cisco.
Graduates can pursue careers such as Cyber Security Analyst, Ethical Hacker, Network Security Engineer, Digital Forensics Expert, and Security Consultant.