A career in cyber security is one of the most wanted and top-considered degrees nowadays. The reason is that this digital era is giving many high-tech security challenges to companies. Cyber hackers always seek a chance to destroy valuable software, hardware, or information straight away. So, the cyber security industry is growing rapidly, and skills in this area are highly sought-after. But companies struggle sometimes with the skill gaps in this field, so they hire humanities graduates to fill roles, so long as they have some form of experience or certification. As a result study Cyber Security in the UK will give you the opportunity to enter into the British cyber security industry.

Why Should You Study Cybersecurity Degree in the UK?

A UK higher degree in Cyber Security can surely help to overcome these gaps and make a special career in Cyber Security in this demanding field. While the pandemic continued, the whole world became more dependent on the online platform and the ever-increasing cyber threats warned us frequently to be aware of this vulnerability in the digital and e-commerce sectors. The coronavirus pandemic creates a new normal that is becoming challenging for businesses.

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Digital transformation and compliance implications are noticeable anywhere in the world. Companies operate with employees working from home, which implicates the necessity of cyber security. Therefore, governments take initiatives to work from home that have a significant impact on technology. As a result, technology has become an indispensable part of our working and personal lives. Creating a cyber-safe remote-working environment is not possible for many organizations, so companies are badly in need of cyber security against cyber threats.

This unique subject enhances students’ personal as well as academic growth and becomes a pathway to explore their career choices. The Cyber Security degree takes over many high-tech security challenges and shows how to prevent destroying valuable software, hardware, or information straight away. Still, the UK is a dream country for those with a Cyber Security degree.

Why Cyber Security is Important for an Organization?

Any organization needs super protection for its sensitive data. The reason is that cyber threats have become common nowadays. Phishing, ransomware, and engineering attacks are common among them. Again, the concept of risk management, viruses, identity theft, and others are related to online safety. A deep understanding of cyber security is important since the modern age depends on this wider world of online services. The companies will need to apply a strong security policy to create a strong guard.

How does the course go?

  • You will learn about computer architecture and how data is used in organizations during your first year. You will learn about the construction and organization of contemporary software programs as well as programming and problem-solving topics. Additionally, you’ll discover how to handle data in virtual and cloud environments.
  • You will learn about cybersecurity operations and architecture in the second year. You will use specialized tools and equipment to expand your awareness of computer networks and build technical proficiency in network and system security.

Additionally, you will develop your data mining and ethical hacking skills.

  • You will expand and apply your understanding of various cybersecurity applications, technologies, methodologies, tools, and procedures in your final year.

Digital forensics, human variables that affect security, risk management, information management and governance, and cyber intelligence are among the topics you will study. You will have the chance to collaborate with industry to work on a real-life project, and the themes covered will impact and support your final year project module.

3 Reasons to Explore the career in Cyber Security Industry

There are some definite reasons for people’s interest to break into one of these roles. Here’s our top three-

1. Future-proof your career:

As we know online safety is necessary for today’s almost every company so, the demands of skilled professionals are high. The main career in cyber security is to track and target hackers. And, investors are investing big amounts in this field for product durability. So, there are expanded fields of Cyber Security professionals around the world. Moreover, records say, there’s been a 0% unemployment rate in the Cyber Security sector since 2011. Some common job roles of this sector are-

  • Cyber security Engineer,
  • Specialist,
  • Administrator,
  • Analyst,
  • Architect,
  • Consultant etc.

2. Increase ability to face challenges:

With the growing field of technology, new puzzles come frequently for the experts. If you are a true passionate then these will excite you with new experiences. By dealing with different problems, you can increase your ability and problem-solving capability. There will not any fixed tactics always, you have to discover and implement new ones to overcome the risks. So, in this field professionals have opportunities to learn smartly and raise new challenges with solutions.

3. Impressive salaries:

Big posts and expert people earn smart salaries, no doubt, and a career in cyber security is such a field that is dominating the modern technological sectors today. Many renowned organizations lost billions of dollars to cyber-attacks. So, to protect digital information and fight against those risks, companies are hiring skilled people with great salaries. According to the (ISC)2 Cyber Security Workforce Study in 2019, cyber security jobs are pleasing to 71% of cyber security specialists in the USA. Besides, 84% of world cyber security employees are satisfied with their positions. In terms of earnings, we can see the example of the United Kingdom. The overall salary for cyber security jobs is £62,500 in the country.

Categories of Cyber Security courses in the UK:

The UK universities offer flexible research-led courses and include state-of-the-art computing labs and NCSC-Certification. The expert tutors catch the sight of everyone who always inspires students by supporting them with up-to-date research activities. Therefore, UK universities prove their worth by providing the best and most advanced levels of learning experience as well as business and technology expertise all over the world. UK universities offer almost 100 undergraduate and postgraduate Cyber Security courses to be chosen by students. The exclusive infrastructure, the latest virtual lab facilities, and outstanding academic facilities increase the demand for growing talents and lead the fight against cybercrime.

As cyber security deals with computer and software systems, there are some categories as well as subdivisions that are as follows:

  • Penetration Testing and Vulnerability Scanning
  • Computer Forensics and Information Security
  • Security Investment & Management
  • Optimal information security investment
  • Operational security management
  • Security strategies
  • Risk management
  • Microsoft Cloud Computing and Cyber Security
  • Information Technology Management and Cyber Security
  • Application security
  • Informa information security
  • Recovery and business continuity planning
  • Critical infrastructure security
  • Information Technology with IBM
  • Physical security
  • Network and infrastructure security
  • Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Security
  • Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
  • Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
  • Comp TIA Security+
  • Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP)
  • Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
  • NIST Cyber Security Framework (NCSF)
  • Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
  • Digital Forensics and incident response
  • Endpoint protection and mobile security.
  • Data governance, risk and compliance, and so on.

However, there are some common threats against secret, political and military assets of a nation:

  • Cyber terrorism,
  • Cyber war fare,
  • Cyber espionage, etc.

Entry requirements:

  • Cyber Security can be studied by graduates with strong computing abilities and degrees in a variety of disciplines, including engineering, Applied Mathematics, and Physics.
  • Additionally needed is an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.

Cyber Security’s Impressive Career and Work Experience in the UK

Studying cyber security in the UK challenges the network of industry contacts. Thus, UK graduates are welcomed cordially all over the world. Zero percent unemployment rate is found for cyber security. Almost 43,000 full-time employees are available in the UK with an impressive salary. Moreover, students get post-study work opportunities after graduating from UK Universities.

In this Cybersecurity field professionals have opportunities to learn smartly and take immediate initiatives for ultimate solutions. The UK graduates are highly employable for exclusive skills. Students are lucky enough with the key IT skills like Big Data Hadoop, Cisco-Networking, Ethical Hacking, Digital Marketing that help to enhance a successful career and enable organizations and individuals free from cyber-attack, any place in the world. Last but not the least, the latest technology protects all digital information from cyber-attacks. Several well-known companies lost billions of dollars for cyber-attacks before the years. Thus, it is a smart way to choose Cyber security study in the UK.

Students must grab the Cyber security degree for their future career because of its high demand. Some challenging working sectors are:

Why study cyber security in the uk | 3 amazing reasons
  • Cyber security Engineer,
  • Specialist,
  • Administrator,
  • Analyst,
  • Architect,
  • Consultant,
  • Penetration tester,
  • Professional services,
  • Security consultancies,
  • Information technology companies and network providers,
  • Financial services institutions,
  • Government,
  • Energy,
  • Transport companies, for instance, airlines,
  • The media,
  • Schools, colleges and universities, and so on.

As the UK’s cyber security subject dominates the modern technological sectors, 84% satisfaction was found from the Cyber security employees.

Salary range:

The Cyber Security job sectors offer almost £62,500 the overall salary in the UK. The starting salary range for cyber security is around £25,000 to £35,000.

Jobs After Master’s in Cyber Security

According to the UK government, there is a significant talent gap in the Cyber Security industry. It was observed that approximately 51% of firms wanting to fill generalist cybersecurity positions had trouble locating candidates with the precise skill set needed. Security engineers (18%), security analysts (13%), security architects (10%), and managers are the most frequently required roles in the Cyber Security sector (9%). In industries like banking and insurance, and information and communications, this expertise is most sought after or obtained.

Let’s examine the pay scale for master’s degrees in cyber security in the UK for some of the most sought-after career roles:

Job roleSalaries
Security Analyst£64,900
Chief Information Security Officer£102,000
Platform Security Manager£97,000
Data Security Manager£92,300 
Information security engineer£67,300 
Information Security Specialist£87,100
Information Security Administrator£77,100 
Network Security Systems Manager£83,500 
Jobs after master’s in cyber security

After discussing pay, let’s move on to the demographics of the areas in the UK where core-cyber security and roles that support cyber security are likely to be concentrated:

Due to the significant skill gap, demand for cyber security positions in the UK is still high and is unlikely to decline much anytime soon. As a result, obtaining a master’s degree in cyber security in the UK with the goal of finding employment there is a wise decision. The UK’s two-year stay back provision, which enables international students with a Tier-4 visa to stay back and find work in the UK, provides an additional benefit for incoming students.

The duration of Cyber Security programs:

  • Generally, it takes 3 or 4 years for Bachelor’s degrees in Cyber Security
  • Almost 1-2 years for Master’s courses,
  • It takes 3-5 years for PhD programs in Cyber Security. In some cases only takes 1 or 2 years.

A UK higher degree in Cyber Security opens the door to overcoming skill gaps and exploring a career in this demanding field. The Cybersecurity undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) degree levels also offer diploma or certification programs. This rapidly-growing field takes place as a part of the global information security market and is about to reach $170.4 billion by 2022.

Top Universities to Study Cyber Security in the UK

University of Glasgow

The University of Glasgow is one of the top 100 institutions in the world and a part of the exclusive Russell Group. Glasgow’s master’s programs in cyber security were created with consultation from professionals in the field.

Course- MSc IT Cyber Security

The MSc IT Cyber Security program is a rigorous, practically focused course that focuses on cyber security technologies and techniques, which students apply to a sizable cyber security development project, according to Glasgow.

Coventry University

Coventry University has gathered more than 200 programs, all of which are continually being updated to meet the most recent industry demands and to be at the cutting edge of world-class education. On Coventry’s cyber security program, a placement year is an option.

Course- Cyber security BSc

“Our Cyber Security BSc (Hons) course is aimed to generate high quality graduates who can effectively contribute in one of the fastest growing sectors in the UK,” says Coventry.

University of Warwick

The University of Warwick‘s BSc Cyber Security program offers a variety of modules, such as Cyber Systems Architecture and Organization, Discrete Structures for Cyber Security, Networks, Communication, and Cyber Defense, to help you gain a deeper understanding of cyberspace. This program is provisionally certified by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) at GCHQ.

Course- Cyber security BSc

According to Warwick University, this degree “combines theory and practice with a strong technical focus to deepen your understanding of how cyber systems are designed to function and how they may be abused.”

University of West London

The University of West London places a high value on excellent instruction and offers you a cutting-edge curriculum as well as useful skills for the job.

Course- Cyber security BSc

According to West London, this cyber security course combines exposure to emerging technologies and solutions with a foundational understanding of concepts and principles to prepare tomorrow’s security professionals.

Scholarships Cyber Security in the UK

There are several scholarships offered by the university which could be full or partial and require applying within the deadline.

  • GREAT Scholarships for a sustainable future
  • Global scholarships
  • Country-specific scholarships
  • Science and research funding
  • Commonwealth Scholarships
  • Chevening Scholarships

However, to show your interest in studying in this program, please register:

Some of the best Universities in the UK for Cyber Security:

Best universities in the uk for cyber security
  • University of York
  • University Of Surrey
  • University of Oxford
  • Abertay University
  • De Montfort University
  • University of London
  • Coventry University
  • Edinburgh Napier University
  • Northumbria University
  • Manchester Metropolitan University
  • Kingston University
  • Anglia Ruskin University Language Centre
  • Glasgow Caledonian University
  • Nottingham Trent University
  • Cranfield University
  • Buckinghamshire New University

It is to be noted that among the world’s best universities, Oxford secured fifth place for computer science as well as cybersecurity, while the University of Cambridge placed sixth.

Top Universities for masters in cyber security in the UK

 RangesUniversity College LondonCourse and durationTuition fees
4thUniversity college LondonMSc information security (1-year)  £31,200
12ndUniversity of BirminghamMSc Cyber Security (1-year)  £25,380
16thUniversity of YorkMSc Cyber Security (1-year)  £23,300
 17thLancaster UniversityMSc Cyber Security (1-year)  £24,430
28thQueens University of BelfastMSc. Applied Security (1-year)  £21,400
35thSwansea UniversityMSc Cyber Security (1-year)  £18,500  
38thAnglia Ruskin UniversityMSc Cyber Security (1-year)              £14,100  
49thMiddlesex UniversityMSc Cyber Security£14,500
67thUniversity of Greenwich       MSc Computer Forensic and Cyber Security  £14,000
81stUniversity of HertfordshireMSc Cyber Security (1-year)  £14,500
Top Universities for masters in cyber security in the UK

In addition to their 2-year MSc cybersecurity programs, University of Hertfordshire, University of Bradford, Manchester Metropolitan University, and University of North Umbria all provide professional internship and placement year opportunities.

However, the costs are slightly more than those listed above if you opt to enrol in professional internship or placement courses in cyber security.

Why Choose a Master’s Program in Cybersecurity in the UK?

A master’s degree in cyber security teaches students how to protect computer systems, servers, networks, data, and more, which naturally draws students who want to become ethical hackers, cryptographers, security engineers, and more. Let’s look at why a UK master’s degree in cyber security should be your first choice:

Leading Universities: A number of the UK’s leading universities offer master’s degrees in cyber security. These institutions provide outstanding instruction and research, and they are known throughout the world.

Duration of the Program: In comparison to other popular studies abroad destinations like the USA, the MSc Cyber Security program in the UK lasts only one year.

Professional Internship: Many UK colleges that offer an MSc in cyber security provide their students the choice of a placement year or a professional internship for one year. This allows students to start their professions as soon as they graduate and are familiar with the field.

Lack of Skill: According to businesses and industries in the UK, 48% of cyber security professionals lack the specialized knowledge needed to carry out their job duties.

Job Roles: According to a study on the global information security workforce, there may be 100,000 open positions in the UK by 2022.

Minimum requirements for entry: International applicants just need to submit their bachelor’s grade and IELTS/TOEFL results to be admitted to the UK’s master of cyber security program. The GRE is not necessary.

Masters course highlights

DurationFT- 1 year, PT- 2 years Course with placement or internships- 18-24 months
Degree typePostgraduate taught 
Eligibility2:1 UG in relevant courses +ELP Scores
Exams requiredEnglish language proficiency- IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/CAE  
Fees14,100 to 31,000 pounds a year
Top recruitersAccenture, PwC, IBM, BT and Declam
Fresher salaries65,000-80,000 pounds per year
Masters course highlights

Required documents

There is specific documentation needed to support an international applicant’s application when they opt to submit it to universities overseas. The following documents must be submitted in order to pursue a master’s degree in cyber security in the UK:

  • Transcripts from your past coursework, diplomas, and all of your educational credentials.
  • The agency must submit scores on English language proficiency for applicants who are not native English speakers.
  • Recommendation letters may or may not be necessary. Each university has a different set of letters of recommendation (LOR) requirements.
  • To be eligible to apply for a master’s degree in cyber security in the UK, several universities require that applicants have a specific amount of work experience. You will also need to send your resume or CV to these universities.
  • A student visa for the UK.

Student visa for UK

Students who are at least 16 years old and wish to pursue higher education in the UK are granted a Tier 4 Student Visa. The majority of international students go through a 3–4 week process to obtain their UK student visa. Although eligibility is determined using a point system, you must meet the following documentation requirements to obtain a student visa for the UK:

  • Passport information
  • results of the TB test
  • Criminal History Report
  • Proof that you have enough money saved up to cover the duration of your stay in the UK
  • Letters from your parents or legal guardians if you are under 18.
  • a recent photo for a passport

After going over the specifics of how to enroll in MSc cyber security programs in the UK, we can move on to the next crucial consideration, which is the associated tuition costs. The cost of a master’s degree in cyber security for an international student in the UK is covered in the parts that follow.

Further Information:–

So, if you have an interest in this demanding subject and want to apply abroad, then you must go for it. The UK is one of the dream countries for higher education that you can choose from. Students from different backgrounds of the bachelor can still choose a career in cyber security courses. Pursuing a career in this rewarding industry is certainly worth a shot. Start your planning for study in the UK with our experts’ assistance. Get in touch with us and let us make your decision a whole lot easier.

FAQs

Where can I study cyber security in the UK?

Some of the best Universities in the UK for Cyber Security:
1.  University of York
2.  University Of Surrey
3.  University of Oxford
4.  Abertay University
5. De Montfort University
6.  University of London

Is the UK good for cyber security?

Cyber Security is one of the most demanded courses in the UK. In particular, it is essential for businesses, professionals, and almost every sector.

How much does it cost to study cyber security in the UK?

Tuition fees for cyber security in the UK – £14,500 to £31,200

How do I get into Cyber Security UK?

In order to pursue a cyber security undergraduate degree in the UK, one often has to have completed an A-Level in mathematics, computer science, or another science or technology-based topic. Graduates with at least a second-class honors degree in computer science or business computing are qualified for a master’s degree in cyber security.

Is a Masters in Cyber Security worth it?

A master’s degree in cybersecurity teaches students how to protect computer systems, servers, networks, data, and more, which naturally draws students who want to become ethical hackers, cryptographers, security engineers, and more.

Is cyber security a good career?

Almost 43,000 full-time employees are available in the UK with an impressive salary. Moreover, students get post-study work opportunities after graduating from UK Universities.

How many years’ course is cyber security?

Generally, it takes 3 or 4 years for Bachelor’s degrees in Cyber Security. Almost 1-2 years for Master’s courses, it takes 3-5 years for Ph.D. programs in Cyber Security. In some cases, only takes 1 or 2 years.