Cybersecurity Studies in the UK

Cyber and IT Security Studies in the UK

The cyber security field is estimated to grow by 37% from 2012-2022, with new software and positions being created regularly. Cyber security degrees help students gain knowledge to defend computer systems, networks, servers and other devices against cyberattacks. Many universities offer detailed courses that can open up a range of job opportunities for their graduates and make them qualified security experts.

Some of the best universities in the UK and worldwide for IT security, according to Business Insider, include Royal Holloway, University of London, Lancaster University, Queen’s University Belfast, Newcastle University, The University of Bristol.

Royal Holloway, University of London​​

Royal Holloway, University of London launched its cybersecurity program in 1992 and now has formed over 3000 students and has trained over 3,000 students on undergraduate, master, and doctoral levels.

Queen’s University Belfast

Queen's University Belfast is a renowned university in the Uk and has a strong connection with big tech companies like Cisco, IBM, Thales, BAE Systems, McAfee, Roke, and Altera. The university provides training in applied cryptography, computer forensics, ethical and legal issues in cyber security, malware network security, and monitoring and media security.

Lancaster University

Lancaster University’s postgraduate program in cybersecurity is recognised by different big institutions of the cyber security industry such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI) groups.

Newcastle University

Different courses in cybersecurity are available at Newcastle University, including secure system engineering, information and operational assurance techniques, and quantitative security. The university reported that 86% of its students find employment within six months of graduating.

University of Bristol​

The Bristol Security Centre was one of the first eight research groups in the UK to be ACEs-CSR certified. The Center teaches cyber security from an engineering, science, social science, and law perspective, and is mainly specialised in cryptography research.

Course and Background

The cybersecurity course modules differ from one university to another and from one course to another. Various fields are integrated into the course to ensure its effectiveness. All courses are based on practical applications. Some modules include:

• Penetration testing;
• Information security management;
• Malware analysis;
• Password cracking;
• Applied cryptography;
• Ethical & legal issues in cybersecurity;
• Network security and monitoring;
• Legal and regulatory aspects of information security;
• Smart cards, RFIDs and embedded systems security;
• Software security;
• Security testing;
• Human aspects of security and privacy.

The course is open to different applicants coming from different disciplines such as:

• Computer Science;
• Software engineering;
• Electrical Engineering;
• Mathematics with Computer Science;
• Physics with Computer Science.

Career Opportunities

As the world advances in technologies, the attacks on companies keep getting more advanced too. This requires skilled professionals to ensure that companies assets are well protected from massive cyberattacks.

The job market for cybersecurity professionals is growing rapidly and the demand keeps getting higher across a wide variety of industries. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a 28% job increase in this field by 2026.

According to Robert Half Technology’s Salary Guide, cyber security professionals are among the most highly compensated in the technology sector. The average salary for cyber security jobs in the UK is £62,500.

UK universities offer a world-class study experience for international students. If you want to get a high-quality education and an internationally recognised certification in Cybersecurity, the UK is your ideal destination.