A Level 

As with GCSEs there is no set combination of subjects required for a career in Cyber Security. The following subjects may provide a good background understanding: 

• Maths 
• Computer Science 

• Psychology 
• Sociology 
• Government & Politics 
• Business 

A Levels will prepare you for an entry level role, a higher apprenticeship within Cyber Security or progression onto a Cyber Security undergraduate degree. 

Advanced Apprenticeship 

An apprenticeship is a great option for training in Cyber Security. It allows you to get hands on paid work experience within the sector while also undertaking training and qualifications. 

The Cyber Security technician is a Level 3 apprenticeship and typically takes 18 months to complete. It will enable you to provide first line cyber security support and can lead to roles such as Cyber Security Administrator, Incident Response Technician and Junior Security Analyst. 

Advanced Higher Courses 

There is no set combination of subjects required for a career in Cyber Security. The following subjects may provide a good background understanding: 

• Maths 
• Computing Science 
• Business Management 
• Physics 

Highers and advanced highers will prepare you for an entry level role, a higher apprenticeship within Cyber Security or progression onto a Cyber Security undergraduate degree.

Apprenticeship (CQFW) 

An apprenticeship is a great option for training in Cyber Security. It allows you to get hands on paid work experience within the sector while also undertaking training and qualifications. Level 3 apprenticeships in Wales which cover areas of Cyber Security are: 

• IT, Software, Web & Telecoms Professional 
• Digital Application Support 
• Digital Telecommunications 
• Information Security 
• IT Infrastructure 
• IT Solutions Development and Support 

BTEC 

BTECs are available in IT (Information Technology) and Computing and are – designed for young people who are planning a career in IT and Cyber Security. A BTEC prepares you for progression into employment or further study – but it is worth checking University entrance acceptance as this can vary.

CertHE (Certificate of Higher Education) 

A Certificate of Higher Education is the equivalent to one year of study at undergraduate level. CertHE’s are available in areas such as Computing & IT, Computing & IT and Business, and Computing & IT and Psychology. They are available to study part time or full time, with distance learning options. This means they can be a great option if you are looking to return to education and training.

Cyber EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) 

The Cyber EPQ is offered by CIISec and is delivered online using distance learning tools. The EPQ is a Level 3 qualification and worth up to an extra 28 UCAS points. It can be studied through school or independently. More information can be found at: https://cyberepq.org.uk/

Degree Apprenticeship (CQFW) 

An apprenticeship is a great option for training in Cyber Security. It allows you to get hands on paid work experience within the sector while also undertaking training and qualifications. The Digital Degree Apprenticeship is available in Wales and apprentices can work in: 

• Information and Cyber Security 
• Software and Web Development 
• Data Analytics and Data Science 

With so many UK universities offering degrees containing cyber security content, it can be difficult for students and employers to assess the quality on offer. NCSC certified degrees help prospective students to make better informed choices. The full list of certified degree apprenticeships, bachelor’s, integrated master’s and master’s degrees can be found at https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/information/ncsc-certified-degrees 

Degree Apprenticeship (RQF) 

An apprenticeship is a great option for training in Cyber Security. It allows you to get hands on paid work experience within the sector while also undertaking training and qualifications. 

The Cyber Security Technical Professional apprenticeship is an integrated degree apprenticeship and will enable you to lead teams which manage cyber security risks. Typical job titles following a Level 6 Cyber Security Technical Professional apprenticeship include Cyber Risk Manager, Cyber Incident Manager and Cyber Security Engineer. 

With so many UK universities offering degrees containing cyber security content, it can be difficult for students and employers to assess the quality on offer. NCSC certified degrees help prospective students to make better informed choices. The full list of certified degree apprenticeships, bachelor’s, integrated master’s and master’s degrees can be found at https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/information/ncsc-certified-degrees 

DipHE 

A Diploma of Higher Education is the equivalent to two years of study at undergraduate level. DipHE’s are available in areas such as Computing & IT, Computing & IT, Practice and Computing & IT and Business. They are available to study part time or full time, with distance learning options. This means they can be a great option if you are looking to return to education and training.

Foundation Apprenticeship (CQFW) 

An apprenticeship is a great option for training in Cyber Security. It allows you to get hands on paid work experience within the sector while also undertaking training and qualifications. The foundation IT, Software, Web & Telecommunications Professional apprenticeship is available in Wales and covers fundamental areas of Cyber Security.

Foundation Apprenticeships (SQCF) 

Foundation apprenticeships provide work-based learning opportunities for learners in their senior phase of secondary education and can lead to a job or further study. The foundation apprenticeships in IT: Hardware/System Support and IT: Software Development are the most relevant options for those interested in pursuing a career in Cyber Security.

Foundation Degree 

Created in partnership between universities, higher education colleges and employers, foundation courses focus on developing in-demand technical skills for a particular job or profession. They are ideal if you are unsure about taking a full degree or if you want to study while you work. The entry requirements for foundations degrees vary, most require you to have GCSE maths at grade 5 or equivalent, and a relevant Level 3 qualification. To find out more about the courses available and individual entry requirements visit www.ucas.com 

GCSE 

5 GCSEs (including English and Maths) at grades 4-9 will mean you have a range of options to study further or begin an apprenticeship in Cyber Security.  

If you know that you would like to work in Cyber Security, then the following GCSE’s may be of interest (but are not essential!): 

• GCSE Psychology or Sociology can help with understanding of social engineering and human factors within Cyber Security 
• GCSE Computer Science would be a good background for a technical career in Cyber Security 

Graduate Apprenticeship (SCQF) 

An apprenticeship is a great option for training in Cyber Security. It allows you to get hands on paid work experience within the sector while also undertaking training and qualifications. A Graduate Apprenticeship in Cyber Security will enable you to build a career in Cyber Security gaining the skills, knowledge and understanding that the industry expects from a graduate.

Higher Apprenticeship (CQFW) 

An apprenticeship is a great option for training in Cyber Security. It allows you to get hands on paid work experience within the sector while also undertaking training and qualifications. Higher apprenticeships in Wales which cover areas of Cyber Security are: 

• IT, Software, Web & Telecoms Professional 
• Digital Telecommunications 
• Information Security 
• IT Infrastructure 
• IT Solutions Development and Support 

Higher Apprenticeship (RQF) 

An apprenticeship is a great option for training in Cyber Security. It allows you to get hands on paid work experience within the sector while also undertaking training and qualifications. 

The Cyber Security Technologist is a Level 4 apprenticeship and typically takes 24 months to complete. It will enable you to apply an understanding of Cyber Security to protect from attacks and unauthorised access. This apprenticeship has 3 options for specialising, these are: Cyber Security Engineer, Cyber Risk Analyst and Cyber Defend & Respond. Typical job titles following a Level 4 Cyber Security Technologist apprenticeship include: Cyber Security Analyst, Forensics and Incident Response Analyst, Secure Operations Centre (SOC) Analyst and Network Intrusion Analyst.

Higher Level Apprenticeships (CCEA) 

If you have completed A Levels or equivalent, then you may be interested in a Higher Level Apprenticeship. An apprenticeship is a great option for training in Cyber Security, it allows you to get hands on paid work experience within the sector while also undertaking training and qualifications. Higher Level apprenticeships are available in Cyber Security and other related disciplines.

Higher Courses 

There is no set combination of subjects required for a career in Cyber Security. The following subjects may provide a good background understanding: 

• Maths 

• Computing Science 
• Psychology 
• Sociology 
• Politics 
• Business Management 

• Physics 

Highers and advanced highers will prepare you for an entry level role, a higher apprenticeship within Cyber Security or progression onto a Cyber Security undergraduate degree. 

HNC (Higher National Certificate) 

A Higher National Certification (HNC) is a Level 4 vocational qualification that takes one year to complete full time, or two years part-time. HNCs are practical-based courses ideal for those wanting to enter the workforce. HNC’s are available in Cyber Security and will cover areas such as programming, networking, and database design and development.

HND (Higher National Diploma) 

A Higher National Diploma (HND) is a Level 5 vocational qualification provided by higher and further education colleges. It takes two years to complete full time or three to four years if you study part time. HNDs are practical-based courses ideal for those wanting to enter the workforce. HND’s are available in Cyber Security and will cover areas such as programming, networking, and database design and development.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma 

The IB diploma programme is an academically challenging programme that prepares you for either further study or working life. The IB allows you to choose a subject from five groups – options that may be particularly relevant to a career in Cyber Security are Computer Science, Mathematics, Information Technology in Global Society, Psychology, Economics, Digital Society or Business Management. The assessment of the IB contains a theory of knowledge across your chosen subjects.

L2 Apprenticeships (CCEA) 

An apprenticeship is a great option for training in Cyber Security. It allows you to get hands on paid work experience within the sector while also undertaking training and qualifications. A Level 2 IT and Telecoms Professional apprenticeship will give you an introduction to IT and Telecoms, systems support and technical support.

L3 Apprenticeships (CCEA) 

An apprenticeship is a great option for training in Cyber Security. It allows you to get hands on paid work experience within the sector while also undertaking training and qualifications. A Level 3 Information Technology apprenticeship will give you an introduction to Information Technology, and ICT systems and principles.

Masters Degree 

Masters degrees in Cyber Security are available to study full or part time. Most Cyber Security Masters degrees require at least a 2nd Class degree in Computing, Engineering, Maths or Information Management – although alternative qualifications and industry experience is often considered. 

With so many UK universities offering degrees containing cyber security content, it can be difficult for students and employers to assess the quality on offer. NCSC certified degrees help prospective students to make better informed choices. The full list of certified degree apprenticeships, bachelor’s, integrated master’s and master’s degrees can be found at https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/information/ncsc-certified-degrees 

Modern Apprenticeships 

Modern apprenticeships offer anyone over the age of 16 paid employment combined with the opportunity to learn. They are designed to help create a high-calibre workforce. 

The Technical Apprenticeship in Digital Technology is designed to support the development of apprentices working in digital technology, who will develop skills, knowledge, and techniques relative to their chosen specialist pathway. The three pathways are; 

• Cyber Security 
• Software Development 
• Data Analytics

National 5 Courses 

There is no set combination of subjects required for a career in Cyber Security. The following subjects may provide a good background understanding: 

• Maths 
• Computing Science 
• Psychology 
• Sociology 
• Business Management 
• Physics

Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQ) 

Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) are work-based qualifications. They work as a guarantee that someone can do their job well and to the national standards for their sector. SVQs offered include Digital Technology: Cyber Security, Information Security Professionals and Information Technology and Telecommunications Professionals.

T Level 

T Levels are a great option for a career in Cyber Security as they combine 80% classroom-based learning with 20% practical work experience. Currently the Digital Support Services T Level offers specialisms such as Digital Infrastructure and Digital Support, each of which contain elements of Cyber Security and a new Cyber Security specialism will be launching in September 2023. 

A T Level will enable you to progress to an entry level role within Cyber Security, further training within an apprenticeship, or a place on a higher education course.

Undergraduate Degree 

If you know that you want to go into Cyber Security then there are a range of degrees available to you. Most undergraduate degrees in Cyber Security have an entry requirement of 100-120 UCAS points, which can be from a range of qualifications. Qualifications in Computer Science, IT, Maths, Business Studies, or Science can be beneficial but are not a requirement for all courses. Related degrees in areas such as Computer Science, Software Engineering or Systems Engineering can also be used for entry into Cyber Security. To find out more about the courses available and individual entry requirements visit www.ucas.com.  

With so many UK universities offering degrees containing cyber security content, it can be difficult for students and employers to assess the quality on offer. NCSC certified degrees help prospective students to make better informed choices. The full list of certified degree apprenticeships, bachelor’s, integrated master’s and master’s degrees can be found at https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/information/ncsc-certified-degrees