The world is increasingly digital. Few sectors are developing as quickly or having such enormous impact as the IT sector. New challenges emerge regularly. The demand for innovative applications is increasing, especially in the area of security and privacy. The Cyber Security Professional bachelor’s programme is for students who want to make the digital world safer. At Howest University of Applied Science during the three-year programme, you will study problems in the area of application, data, system and network security (e.g. analysing and stopping hacker attacks) and be educated in innovative technologies related to cyber security, cyber crime and cyber warfare. The Cyber Security Professional specialisation is backed by Cyber Security Coalition, a non-profit organisation, and is one of the four optional specialisations within the Applied Computer Sciences bachelor’s programme.
“This programme has been available since 2010 in Dutch at the Bruges campus. Within a few years it has grown into a very popular field of study. Security and privacy are hot topics in our increasingly digital world. Starting in academic year 2021-2022 students we also be able to opt for an English-taught programme, one of the first of its kind in Belgium and in Europe. The focus here is on international students, but of course students from Belgium are also more than welcome”, says Kurt Schoenmaekers, Lecturer in Cyber Security.
“The programme’s strength is that it is future-proof and practical in its orientation. From the first year, we attach great importance to practical experience via case studies, practicum and company visits. The internship during the last year is the cherry on top. Our programme has its own research group and is known for its quality content. Our students are guaranteed immediate job security after graduation.”
English-taught Digital Design & Development bachelor’s programme
In the English-taught Digital Design & Development bachelor’s programme, students think about the serious problems of our times and find innovative digital products to help make the world a better, more exciting, more inclusive and friendlier place. The three-year programme, better known as Devine, is organised by KASK & Conservatorium, the school of arts of HOGENT and Howest.
Deviners use design, development and UX research – three future-proof and in-demand skills – to shape contemporary and future online experiences. With a human-centric approach, Deviners improve lives with their creative vision and coding abilities, creating the ultimate in digital solutions. After graduating, they can enjoy an exciting career in the creative industry as an experience designer, creative technologist, ux designer, front-end developer, interaction designer, motion designer or mobile developer.
“Devine sets the standard for top talent in this sector. After graduation, 98% of the students find a job immediately”, says Kim Diependael, Lecturer at Devine.
“Devine’s strength is undoubtedly the combination of the technical and the creative. Our motto? ‘People love digital products that love people.’ Deviners excel in technology and design, and bridge the gap between both domains. Inspirational study trips are frequently planned to both big and small tech companies around the world. For the internship in the final year, we work together with top national and international companies in the digital sector. Many students choose us for our international focus. It is no exaggeration to say that our students are highly sought after with their unique combination of skills and I’m happy to welcome new international students to our programme. The future is Devine.”
Studying in the heart of Europe
These programmes are given at the Howest campuses in Bruges (Cyber Security) and Kortrijk (Devine): two cities with rich historical and cultural heritage, brimming with a sense of innovation and progress. And, Brussels, the heart of Europe, is never far away. Many innovative companies are also located in the region: ambitious start-ups as well as established names. In short, an ideal breeding ground for creative and digital talent!
The campuses are modern and inspiring environments where students prepare for their careers in the digital sector. They are given numerous opportunities to develop professionally and personally. With a diploma from a Belgian institution, you can work in any country within the European Union. This offers great future and career prospects for digital professionals who graduate from Howest.
Howest: An excellent reputation for digital training
Howest is known for its academic programmes with a focus on technology. In addition to Devine and Cyber Security, the Digital Arts and Entertainment (DAE) bachelor’s programme scores highly with national and international audiences. This programme, which has been offered since 2011, has won The Rookies Award as Best Game Design and Development School in the world in 2017, 2018 and 2021. DAE also won the international Grads in Games award in 2018, 2021 and 2022. This award honours universities and colleges that offer the best quality of education to optimally prepare their students for a career in the games industry.
Also, according to The Princeton Review® Howest University of Applied Sciences is one of the top 50 undergraduate schools in the world at which one can study game design. With the two new English-taught bachelor’s programmes, Howest aims to firmly anchor and strengthen its position in the digital world.