DEGREE GUIDE

Cyber Security

What do Cyber Security degrees involve?

Cyber Security degrees teach you how to protect networks, systems, and data from cyber threats in an increasingly digital world. You will explore key areas such as ethical hacking, cryptography, network security, digital forensics, and risk management. These courses help you develop problem-solving and analytical skills while learning how to detect, prevent, and respond to cyberattacks. You will also gain an understanding of security policies, legal regulations, and emerging threats in cybersecurity. With hands-on labs, simulated cyber-attacks, and industry certifications, you’ll build practical expertise that prepares you for careers in cybersecurity, ethical hacking, and digital forensics.

Example
Modules

Cyber Security Fundamentals: Explore the core principles of cyber security, from identifying digital threats to understanding how to reduce risks and protect systems.

Applied Cryptography: Study encryption methods that secure sensitive data, learning how cryptographic tools are used in messaging, banking and online services.

Digital Forensics: Learn how to investigate cybercrime by recovering and analysing digital evidence from devices, networks and storage systems.

Common Degree Names

💼 Most Cyber Security degrees offer a placement year in industry, tech firms, or government agencies.
🌍 Study abroad is offered at some universities.

BSc (Hons) Cyber Security
BSc (Hons) Cyber Security and Digital Forensics
BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Cyber Security)
BSc (Hons) Cyber Security and Networks
BSc (Hons) Cyber Security and Ethical Hacking
MSci Cyber Security

MSci is a four-year course available at some institutions that combines undergraduate and master's level study.

Level 3 (A-level / IB Diploma (HL) / Scottish Highers)

Cyber Security is about protecting systems, networks, and data from digital threats. You'll need to think logically about how systems can be attacked and defended, so universities look for students with strong problem-solving skills.

Universities usually expect:

Maths – usually required or expected
Computer Science or IT – often required or strongly preferred
Physics or Further Maths – useful for understanding systems and problem-solving

✨ Maths and Computer Science together keeps the widest range of Cyber Security courses open for you.

Universities may also accept:

BTEC Extended Diplomas in IT or Computing, especially with Merits or Distinctions in technical units
T-levels in Digital Production, Design and Development are often accepted

✨ Cyber Security courses vary in focus—some are very technical, others include legal or business elements. Always check the course’s preferred subjects on the university website.

Level 2 Qualifications (GCSE / MYP / National 5)

Most universities require:

GCSE English Language and Maths at grade 4/C or above, or National 5s or MYP equivalents

📘 Some courses ask for GCSE Maths at grade 5 or 6 (B), especially if you haven’t studied A-level Maths.

Computer Science is useful, but not required.

💬 Interviews
Not usually required. Some universities may offer an informal chat, particularly for vocational or placement-focused courses.

📝 Admissions Tests
There are no national admissions tests for Cyber Security.

🔍 Work Experience
Not essential, but coding projects, participation in cyber competitions, online challenges, or personal IT projects can show motivation and help strengthen your application or personal statement.

If your qualifications don't match the usual entry requirements, there are some other possibilities.

🌱 Foundation Year in Cyber Security, Computing, or IT
If you don’t have the required A-levels (especially Maths), a foundation year can prepare you for the full degree. These are widely offered.

🎓 Access to HE Diploma (Computing, Science, or Digital Technologies)
Some universities accept Access courses that include Maths and IT-related units. High grades and GCSE Maths at grade 5/B or above may still be required—check each course carefully.

💼 Level 3 Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships like Cyber Security Technician, Digital Support Technician, or IT Security Analyst can provide valuable experience and lead to further study or direct entry into the industry.

Is this degree right for you?

Members can explore whether this degree fits who they are:

Skills you'd develop and whether they match your strengths
How this aligns with your interests, motivators and values
Career paths and where graduates end up

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Skills you would develop in a Cyber Security degree

Is this a good fit for you?

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Interests that would make a Cyber Security degree a good match for you

Careers a Cyber Security degree could lead you to