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Study Cybersecurity, why & how to study

If you’re interested in technology, problem solving and making a difference in the world, a career in cybersecurity could be for you. Read our guide to discover more.

CHOOSING A COURSE POSTGRADUATE UNDERGRADUATE
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Tamsin Mosse 16 Mar 2023
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CONTENTS

  2. What Cybersecurity degrees can you study?

  3. What do you need to get onto a Cybersecurity degree?

  4. What topics does a Cybersecurity degree cover?

  5. How will you be assessed?

  6. Why study Cybersecurity?

  7. Are scholarships and bursaries available to students studying a Cybersecurity degree?

  8. What do Cybersecurity graduates earn?

  9. What jobs can you get as a Cybersecurity graduate?

  10. What are the postgraduate opportunities?

  11. Similar subjects to Cybersecurity

  12. Have any questions?

Cybersecurity focuses on the protection of digital systems, networks and devices from theft, damage, unauthorised access and other types of cyber threats. It includes protecting sensitive information like personal data, financial information and intellectual property from being stolen or compromised. It is becoming increasingly essential in today’s digital age as more activities are being conducted online.  

Undergraduate Cybersecurity degrees on offer in the UK include: 

  1. GO TO
  2. Find a Cybersecurity degree
  3. Types of undergraduate degrees

Must have  

Entry requirements for a Cybersecurity degree at a university generally range from 72–136 UCAS points. This could include:   

  • A Levels: ABB - CDD 

  • BTECs: DDD - MMP 

  • Scottish Highers: ABBBB – CCCD (Advanced Highers: BBC) 

  • International Baccalaureate: 41 – 33 

  • Universities will usually ask that you have studied: science, maths or computer science at A Level (or equivalent) 

Good to have  

  • At least a grade B at GCSE (or equivalent) in maths and science  

  • Shadowed someone in a relevant IT role  

  • Furthered your knowledge through books, TED talks, podcasts, or insights from the websites of professional bodies  

  • STEM summer schools, if eligible, such as UNIQ or Sutton Trust

  1. GO TO
  2. Entry requirements
  3. About UCAS points
  4. Alternatives to A Levels

Typical modules for courses in this subject include: 

  • Computer networks 

  • Operating systems  

  • Programming languages 

  • Cryptography  

  • Risk management  

  • Digital forensics  

  • Mathematics for computing  

  • Ethical hacking  

  • Cyber-crime investigations

Depending on your modules, you could be assessed through: 

  • Coursework  

  • Placement assessments   

  • Exams  

  • In-class tests  

  • Group work  

  • Oral presentations    

  • Project or portfolio work  

  • A dissertation is usually a final year option 

Career-specific skills: 

  • Cybersecurity fundamentals including threat intelligence, security operations, risk management and cryptography  

  • Network security including firewalls, virtual private networks (VPNs) and intrusion and prevention systems  

  • Programming and scripting language to develop security  

Transferable skills: 

  • Communication  

  • Teamwork  

  • Critical thinking and problem solving  

  • Strong numeracy and IT skills  

  • Project management  

  • Report writing 

Professional accreditations: 

  • Degrees may be accredited by the Chartered Institute of Information Security (CIISec) or British Computer Society (BCS). Other professional bodies you could join include The Cybersecurity Association (CSA), The Institute of Information Security Professionals (IISP) and The Information Systems Security Association (ISSA) 

Some universities offer students specific scholarships, bursaries, or grants so it’s worth checking if you are eligible, how to apply and what it covers such as materials, tuition fees and/or living costs.

As a graduate you could expect to earn between £25,000 and £35,000 in your first role. Salaries tend to vary according to location, sector and employer you work for. With experience you could earn up to £60,000 as a senior cybersecurity analyst and in a leadership role your potential earnings could be over £70,000.  

Cybersecurity graduates are highly sought after in various industries and could lead to a role as:

  • Blockchain developer  

  • Cybersecurity analyst 

  • Cybersecurity project manager  

  • Network engineer  

  • Information security engineer  

  • Security software developer  

  • Security architect 

  • Digital forensic analyst  

  • Ethical hacker  

Examples of postgraduate courses available at universities in the UK: 

  • Cybersecurity MPhil  

  • Criminology (Cybercrime and Cybersecurity) MSc 

  • Data Privacy and Cybersecurity MPhil  

  • Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence MSc 

  • Applied Cybersecurity MSc

Get in touch with our experts by emailing ask@thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk.

We’ll be happy to hear from you! 

CHOOSING A COURSE POSTGRADUATE UNDERGRADUATE
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