Cyber Security

Cyber security is the discipline concerned with protecting digital systems, networks and data from attack, unauthorised access and failure. As society has become more dependent on connected digital infrastructure, the consequences of security failures have grown correspondingly, from data breaches affecting millions of people to attacks on critical national infrastructure. Understanding how to defend against threats requires both a deep knowledge of how systems are built and how they can be exploited, making cyber security a discipline that combines computer science fundamentals with specialist security expertise.

At the University of Gloucestershire, this three-year full-time programme develops your knowledge and skills across the breadth of cyber security, covering topics including cryptography, network security, ethical hacking, digital forensics, secure software development, risk management and incident response. You will develop both the theoretical understanding and the practical technical skills that employers in this competitive field look for. The programme also offers you the option to undertake a twelve-month industry placement, giving you hands-on experience in a professional security environment.

Gloucestershire fully supports your placement journey through dedicated workshops and career development support, giving you the best possible chance of securing a high-quality placement that complements your academic work.

Graduates are in strong and growing demand across virtually every sector, as organisations of all kinds invest in their security capabilities. Career paths include penetration testing, security operations centre work, incident response, digital forensics, security consultancy, risk assessment, software security engineering and governance and compliance roles. Employers include technology companies, financial services firms, government and defence organisations, healthcare providers and specialist security consultancies.

Further study at master's level in cyber security, information security or computer science is available for those who want to specialise further or pursue research.