Information and Cyber Security

Information and Cyber Security is one of the most rapidly growing and consequential specialisms in the technology sector, concerned with protecting the data, systems, and networks that organisations depend on from attack, theft, misuse, and disruption. As digital infrastructure has become central to every aspect of economic and social life, the threats to that infrastructure from cybercriminals, hostile states, and insider risks have grown in scale and sophistication, and the need for skilled security professionals who can defend against those threats has never been greater.

At Teesside University, this three-year full-time programme develops the technical and analytical skills needed to work in information and cyber security. You will study algorithmic techniques, data structures, network security, cryptography, threat analysis, vulnerability assessment, digital forensics, and the legal and ethical frameworks that govern security work. The programme builds from foundational mathematical and algorithmic principles to the application of those principles in real security contexts, developing your ability to analyse systems, identify weaknesses, and design and implement appropriate defences.

A sandwich year gives you the opportunity to work in a security-related organisation before your final year, and work placement is also integrated throughout the programme.

Graduates of Information and Cyber Security programmes are in strong demand across the technology sector and beyond. Roles include security analyst, penetration tester, security consultant, incident responder, digital forensics analyst, and security architect, in organisations ranging from government agencies and financial institutions to technology firms and healthcare providers. The growing regulatory requirements around data protection and security across all sectors mean that security expertise is needed widely, not just in specialist security firms.

Many graduates also pursue professional certifications and postgraduate study to deepen their technical specialism.