The North East of England offers a range of cyber security study options ranging from government-certified university degrees to practical apprenticeships and skills bootcamps.
University Degree Programs (NCSC Certified)
Two North East universities are recognised as Academic Centres of Excellence in Cyber Security Research (ACE-CSR) by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) – Newcastle & Northumbria.
Newcastle University
Offers a BSc in Computer Science (Cyber Security) and an MSc in Cyber Security. The MSc program is provisionally certified by the NCSC and accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS).
Northumbria University (Newcastle)
Provides a BSc (Hons) in Networks and Cyber Security. They also offer an MSc in Cyber Security available both on-campus and online; the online version is NCSC-certified.
University of Sunderland
Offers a BSc (Hons) in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics (with optional foundation year) and an MSc in Applied Cybersecurity.
Teesside University (Middlesbrough)
Features a BSc (Hons) in Cyber Security (foundation year option)and an MSc in Cyber Security.
codeCollege & Apprenticeship Options
For those seeking more practical or vocational routes, regional colleges offer specialised technical qualifications.
Newcastle College University Centre
Offers an FdSc in Networking and Cyber Security, which is an approved Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ).
New College Durham
Provides a BSc (Hons) Cyber Security (Top-Up) for students with prior Level 5 qualifications, as well as an FdSc in Cyber Security with flexible learning options.
Gateshead College
Offers HNC Digital Technologies (Cyber Security & Cloud Networking). Features the PlanBEE Cyber program, a two-year higher apprenticeship for Cyber Security Technologists where students earn a salary from day one.
Middlesbrough College
Offers Cyber Security Technician (level 3).
City of Sunderland College
Offers Cyber Security Technician (level 3).
cast_for_educationShort Courses and Skills Bootcamps
For rapid upskilling or small business support
Skills Bootcamps
New College Durham runs intensive bootcamps at Level 3 and Level 5 focused on cyber security and networking for business.
Free Online Training
Newcastle College offers free online computing courses through Cisco’s Skills for All initiative.
Business Workshops
CyberNorth, the region’s cyber cluster, and local venues host events such as the “Cyber Confidence for Small Businesses” workshops in Chester-le-Street and Middlesbrough.