Cyber apprenticeships recognised by UK experts

Cyber-savvy students at two leading UK universities can now take on degree apprenticeship courses recognised by the country’s leading cyber experts for the first time.

Edinburgh Napier University and the University of the West of England, working in partnership with Gloucestershire College, are the first institutions in the UK to have their degree apprenticeships in cyber security recognised by the National Cyber Security Centre’s certified degree programme.

A number of universities already offer degrees recognised by the NCSC but this announcement marks the first time that degree apprenticeship courses have been certified, opening up a new officially recognised pathway for students to pursue a career in cyber security.

Chris Ensor, NCSC Deputy Director for Cyber Growth, said: “For the UK to prosper in the digital age, it’s vital for the next generation of cyber security professionals to have the skills and experience needed to keep people safe online. That’s why I’m delighted to see more university courses certified for providing first-rate education in cyber security – including degree apprenticeships for the first time.

“Our certified degree initiative now recognises a range of pathways into cyber careers, helping students make informed choices about their futures and supporting the UK’s growing cyber sector.”

Three more universities were also successful in having Bachelor’s degrees recognised in the most recent round of certifications: the University of Greenwich, Leeds Beckett University and the University of South Wales, bringing the total number of recognised undergraduate and postgraduate degrees to nearly 50.