CICRA Campus partners Wrexham Glyndwr University (UK) to offer degree programs in cyber security

Top row (from left): WGU Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Prof. Maria Hinfelaar, CICRA Holdings Group Director and CEO Boshan Dayaratne and CICRA Holdings Director Vasana Wickremasena 

Bottom row (from left): WGU Pro Vice-Chancellor – Partnerships (UK and International) Dr. Aulay Mackenzie, and WGU Director – International Development (The Middle East and Indian Subcontinent) Prashanth Chanmugam 

• BSc (Hons) Cyber Security
• MSc Cyber Security

Students in Sri Lanka will have the opportunity to be awarded with WGU degrees after studying at CICRA Campus’ state-of-the-art facilities in Colombo 4. The degrees awarded by WGU, a public-research University in the UK, are recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) of Sri Lanka. 

WGU has risen by an astounding 41 places, from 107th last year to 66th this year in the Guardian University Guide 2022, published few days ago. The university has also been ranked second in the UK for ‘teaching quality’ by the prestigious Times University Guide 2022. 

CICRA Holdings Group Director/CEO Boshan Dayaratne commented that this partnership will open-up opportunities for students to obtain globally recognised degree qualifications in an innovative field (Cyber Security) without leaving Sri Lanka.

Dayaratne also stated the following: “Over the years, as a specialist institution focused on IT-related learning provision, we have gained the trust of students and working professionals as a provider of world-class educational and professional courses, which are focused on building cutting-edge careers. By partnering with Wrexham Glyndwr University, we will be able to broaden our course offerings such that our students will be able to develop their employability skills to forge opportunities in a wide array of fields related to cyber security. Given the unique advantage that CICRA possess via our leading IT Services and Consulting arm, our approach to learning and teaching integrates application of contemporary theories and principles to practical contexts: Work placements with reputed Sri Lankan organisations are integral to the overall experience we offer to our students.”

Wrexham Glyndwr University Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Prof. Maria Hinfelaar expressed her delight at signing the agreement with CICRA on 13 September. “This has been an exceptionally challenging time for students around the globe, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Education is crucial for the recovery of our communities and our economies. We are really pleased to start our new partnership with CICRA and help students in Sri Lanka to fulfil their ambitions,” Prof. Hinfelaar said.

Wrexham Glyndwr University Pro Vice-Chancellor – Partnerships (UK and International) Dr. Aulay Mackenzie shared the following congratulatory statement: “As an outward-looking university with a clear strategy focused on internationalisation, we are delighted about the partnership development with CICRA Campus. Through this initiative, we seek to offer students in Sri Lanka the opportunity to earn internationally recognised degree qualifications within the realm of Cyber Security; we also intend to collaborate with CICRA Campus in the areas of knowledge transfer and innovation. 

“Our programs in Cyber Security provide a core of knowledge and skills to the participants in relation to the development of secure software platforms as well as with regard to the implementation of systematic protective measures for online business operations and/or work activities.”

Cyber Security – A domain rich with global opportunities 

Cyber Security is a fast-developing field of employment and business as it forms the core of all Internet-based commercial activities. The need for Cyber Security specialists cuts across all industries of the 21st Century, particularly as the world is emerging out of the COVID-19 pandemic. The demand for virtual functioning of work has become accentuated. The field is relevant to school-leavers as well as experienced practitioners. Experts in Cyber Security would be able to find international employment as: 

Chief Information Security Officers - Cryptographers

Security Analysts - Security Architects

Security Consultants - Security Engineers

Forensic Experts - Vulnerability/Risk Assessors

Security Auditors- Risk Managers

As a university, WGU offers industry-led courses and have formed strong collaborations with leading local and international employers. Knowledge and expertise from these collaborations are fed into their courses to ensure students study most relevant skills for their future careers. Situated in North-East Wales, WGU has its origins in the Wrexham School of Science and Art established in 1887. The university has been providing many opportunities for those from non-traditional backgrounds to enter higher education. 

CICRA Campus is Sri Lanka’s pioneering cyber security education organisation. Established in 2011, CICRA Holdings have since evolved into a multi-faceted hub of services that include higher education, professional development and training solutions, cyber security consultancy and software development.