In the world today, it is technology and computers that take center stage. Every piece of data is interconnected, so there is a need to protect it from hackers. UK universities offer excellent cyber security courses that educate students about cyber threats and various ways to deal with them. These courses are also perfect for those students who wish to build a strong foundation in software and research.

In today’s cyber age, there is always a risk of losing data to hackers. Due to this, there is a huge requirement in the field of cyber security, and many students are opting for various courses in the same field. Though many universities from different countries offer master’s and bachelor’s programs in cyber security, the UK tops the list for being the most popular among international students.

If you are one of those who want to upgrade your skill in the IT sector, you can find a lot of information about the top universities in the UK offering this course, the programs offered, and the fee structure. So, keep reading.

Why study Cyber Security courses in the UK

The United Kingdom is one of the top countries with the best universities that offer Cyber security courses. Most of these universities are ranked among the top universities in the world. The course duration of the cyber security courses in the UK depends on the program you pick, and it can range between 1 year to 4 years. 

Students who opt for cyber security courses in the UK have a hands-on experience in the field thanks to the curriculum and practical teaching and learning methodologies implemented. Students also have an opportunity to connect with experts in the field and have a more in-depth understanding of the same.

Let us now have a look at some of the reasons why the UK is the best country to pursue a course in cyber security. 

Course Curriculum – The universities in the UK are known for their curriculum and faculty and the world-class education they provide to the students. The course covers subjects related to the challenges faced by the advanced modern world and ensures that the students obtain the needed skills. 

Practical Learning – The universities in the UK also help students learn from the best in the industry. Students get a practical learning experience via industrial visits and special lectures and learn more about the cybersecurity industry as a whole. 

Excellent Job Opportunities – As per a recent study, there is a lack of talent in the field of cyber security. This increased the demand for skilled experts. Students who complete their bachelor’s or master’s can obtain excellent jobs with good pay scales across various industries. A few universities in the UK also provide campus placements.

Specialization Highlight

Best Universities for Cyber Security courses in the UK

Students pursuing a course in cyber security in the UK often have an option of campus placement or internship. The bachelor’s and master’s programs cover computer forensics, computer ethics, software management, security management, and ethical hacking.

Several top universities in the UK have different cybersecurity courses. Students can check out the detailed list of courses provided on the university website and proceed with the application accordingly. However, to make things easy for you, we have listed the top universities offering bachelor’s and master’s programs in cyber security in the UK. 

University College London – University College London is the top university that offers bachelor’s and master’s programs in cyber security. The courses here provide a basic understanding of cyber security, enhance their skills, and provide specialized knowledge via practical learning. This, in turn, helps students with excellent career opportunities, building a fantastic career in the field of IT and cyber security. 

The University of Birmingham – The University of Birmingham offers cyber security programs that mostly focus on the past, present, and future threats in the cyber world. The university also has a foundation program for its graduates that enables them to make a strong career in research or the IT industry. Students can confidently handle and find solutions for real-world hacking problems post-program completion using ethical methods. 

University of Southampton – One of the best universities in the UK, the University of Southampton has master’s and bachelor’s programs in cyber security. These programs are well-planned and provide insight into the world of cyber security and the challenges faced in today’s modern world. The university also awards certification as per the NCSC standard, and this holds a lot of value across the globe. 

University of York – The programs offered by the University of York helps students develop a very comprehensive skill set in the field of cyber security. Students get to learn and obtain an opportunity to work on real-life security threats, finding solutions using the latest technologies. The course upgrades the students’ skills and transforms them into multi-skilled professionals. Some of the topics covered in the courses include coding, the basics of computer engineering, and mathematics. 

Lancaster University – Lancaster University prepares students for the threats in cyber security. This is done via their vast and in-depth curriculum that covers all aspects of the field. As a result, students not only enhance their skills and knowledge but also gain a very innovative experience. Those who complete their course via Lancaster University can find exciting career opportunities in the field of software security, cyber security, and cyber law enforcement. 

Level of Study

The cyber security programs offered by the universities in the UK have a course duration of 1 – 4 years, which can vary based on the program and the university. Also, part-time courses have more duration when compared to full-time courses. The top universities offer the best courses that provide students with the needed skills and knowledge. And the courses offered are not just limited to bachelor’s as there are master’s and Ph.D. programs. 

Let us now look at the various cyber security courses in the UK, the fee structure, the eligibility, and the admission process. 

Bachelors Programs

UK universities offer various bachelor’s programs in cyber security. The bachelor’s courses have a duration of 3-4 years. A few of the top courses include, 

• BSc in Crime and Security
• BSc (Hons) in Computer Science
• BSc in Computer Science

Eligibility Criteria – When you are planning to pursue a course in cyber security in the UK, it is important to know the eligibility criteria for the same. Most universities have different requirements; however, the most common ones are listed below. 

• Students need to have an aggregate of 60-70% minimum in their high school / 12th grade and need to be from a science background.
• Students also need to provide the scorecards for English proficiency tests, and the cut-off for TOEFL is 70, IELTS is 6.0, and PTE is 55-70.
• A few universities might also ask for SAT or ACT scores, with a minimum of 30 on the ACT and 400-1600 on SAT.
• Students should also submit a letter of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and proof of funding.

Application Process – Students who wish to pursue a bachelor’s program in cyber security in the UK can apply online via the university’s official website. 

• Visit the website, fill out the required information, and upload the documents. 
• Pay the application fee.
• If the application is approved, you will receive an email with a request for an interview or letter of acceptance. 
• Once you pass the interview and receive the admission letter, you can apply for the visa.

Cost of Studying – The average tuition fee for bachelor’s programs in cyber security in the UK is GBP 23258. However, a few universities offer scholarships and discounts to international students; the details are available on the university’s website.

Other than the tuition fees, international students spend an average of GBP 1000 monthly for accommodation, travel, food, books, and supplies.

Masters Programs

The universities in the UK provide excellent master’s programs in cyber security. The duration of these programs can vary from 1 year to 4 years, with MEng courses being the longest. This again depends on whether the course is full-time or part-time and the university enrolled in it. Some of the top courses offered are,

• MSc in Cyber Security
• MEng in Computer Science with Cyber Security
• MSc in Computer Science with Cyber Security
• MSc in Information Security

Eligibility Criteria – Students must meet the eligibility criteria per the university requirements to enroll in the master’s program. Some of the requirements are listed below,

• Students need to have a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in cyber security or computer science or a related course. The CGPA needs to be 3.0 / 4.0 and an overall aggregate of 50% -70%.
•  Students should have provided scorecards for English language proficiency tests like TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. The requirements are 70-100 for TOEFL, 6.0-7.0 for IELTS, and 55-70 for PTE.
• Most universities that offer cybersecurity courses also ask for GRE/GMAT scores. The average score required is 500+ on GMAT and 320+ on GRE.
• Along with those mentioned above, students should also provide a Letter of Recommendation, State of Purpose, Updated Resume, Work Experience certificates, if any, a Copy of a Valid Passport, and Proof of Funding.

Application Process – Students can apply for master’s programs in cyber security online. The application forms are on the official website of the university. Students must fill in the required details, upload the documents, and pay the application fee. Once the application and the interview are through, students obtain a letter of acceptance, using which they can apply for a study visa. 

Cost of Studying – The average tuition fee for most master’s programs in cyber security is GBP 29,000. Students can also avail of various scholarships offered by the universities, and the details of the same are added below.

Scholarships for Cyber Security courses in the UK

The universities in the UK provide excellent scholarships, especially for international students. Most of these are based on merit and are provided by the university offering the program. So, if you are applying for an undergraduate or a post-graduate course and are looking for a scholarship, make sure to contact the university for the same.

Let us quickly look at some of the scholarships offered for cybersecurity courses by universities in the UK.

Job Scope for Cyber Security Courses in the UK

The sector of Cyber Security in the UK is witnessing a major skill gap. Hence, students who complete their bachelor’s or master’s can find immediate jobs based on their skill level. The job opportunities in the field of cyber security are many at the moment, and studies indicate that they will only increase in the coming years. Furthermore, with digital transformation expecting a major rise in the coming years, every business would certainly need skilled individuals to protect the data. Hence, individuals with excellent skills in cyber security are in huge demand. 

Some of the sectors one can expect jobs in after completing cyber security courses in the UK include,

• Security Operations
• Security Consultancy
• IT Security for various organizations
• DevOps

Also, one of the many reasons people love to work in cybersecurity is the excellent pay scale. Though the pay depends on the skills and job role obtained, the average salaries for cyber security jobs in the United Kingdom are listed below.

Students who wish to study courses in Cyber Security in the UK can find amazing opportunities in the country and across the globe. One can also have a chance to work with some top private and government organizations. Thus, it can be said that the Cyber Security courses in the UK can certainly help you with a good future ahead.