“First rate” cyber security apprenticeships recognised by UK experts

A number of universities already offer degrees recognised by the NCSC (which is a part of GCHQ), but this is the first time degree apprenticeship courses have been certified, in turn opening up a new officially recognised pathway for students to pursue a career in cyber security.

The NCSC’s certification initiative aims to help students make informed decisions about the courses on offer and to set a high standard of cyber security teaching across UK institutions.

Three more universities – the University of Greenwich, Leeds Beckett University and the University of South Wales – were also successful in having Bachelor’s degrees recognised in the most recent round of certifications, bringing the total number of recognised undergraduate and post-graduate degrees to nearly 50.

Prospering in the digital age

Chris Ensor, deputy director for cyber growth at the NCSC, said: “For the UK to prosper in the digital age, it’s vital for the next generation of cyber security professionals to have the skills and experience needed to keep people safe online. That’s why I’m delighted to see more university courses certified for providing first-rate education in cyber security. including degree apprenticeships for the first time. Our certified degree initiative now recognises a range of pathways into cyber careers, helping students to make informed choices about their futures and supporting the UK’s growing cyber sector.”

Digital Infrastructure Minister Matt Warman added: “Britain has some of the world’s best universities and it’s great to see even more of them offering specialist degrees certified by our world-class cyber security experts. We are making sure our burgeoning cyber security sector has a strong pipeline of talent to keep people and businesses safe online so that we can build back better and stronger from the pandemic.”

Iain Stewart (UK Government Minister for Scotland) observed: “It’s great news that Edinburgh Napier University’s degree apprenticeship course has been recognised by the NCSC. This will equip a new generation of cyber security experts with skills, knowledge and training of the highest quality. With more than a fifth of Glasgow and Edinburgh’s workforce now occupied in digital economy jobs, Scotland is a competitive choice for individuals looking to build a career in the sector.”

Raising the profile

Offering an NCSC-certified course affords a number of advantages to students and also allows institutions to raise their profile among prospective students at home and abroad. All of the newly recognised courses have received ‘provisional’ certification, meaning the courses may not have started this academic year. Full certification is applicable to courses that have seen at least one cohort already graduate. It does not indicate a higher level of recognition.

The new certified degree apprenticeship courses are as follows:

*Edinburgh Napier University: Integrated Degree Apprenticeship in Cyber Security

University of the West of England in partnership with Gloucestershire College: Integrated Degree Apprenticeship in Cyber Security

The newly recognised Bachelor’s degree courses are as follows:

*University of Greenwich: Computer Security and Forensics

*Leeds Beckett University: Cyber Security

*University of South Wales: Computer Security

Since the programme’s inception in 2014, GCHQ and, subsequently, the NCSC have certified 49 courses offered by 34 institutions across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. This includes nine Bachelor’s degrees and two degree apprenticeships, as well as 35 Master’s degrees and three Integrated Master’s degrees.

A new call for institutions to apply to have post-graduate courses relating to cyber security certified by the NCSC will open next month. More information can be accessed by visiting the NCSC’s website.