Graduate Apprenticeship Cyber Security

Develop industry-standard, government accredited cyber security expertise

Our fully funded MSc Cyber Security Graduate Apprenticeship is fully accredited by GCHQ's National Cyber Security Centre which provides businesses with confidence that both the course content and teaching meet the rigorous industry standards for cyber security in the UK.  Our programme was the first Masters Apprenticeship degree in Scotland to achieve this status.  Graduates of this course will be equipped with the skills needed to ensure that your business is secure by design.

This is a master's-level qualification designed to equip successful candidates with the skills and knowledge required to thrive in the increasingly complex field of cyber security. The course content is developed in line with the shifting demands of the cyber security sector and evolving government standards to strengthen your business's cyber defence. GCU provides high-quality tuition and support that will prepare apprentices to effectively tackle the cyber security challenges your business will inevitably face.

Our innovative graduate apprenticeship helps employers recruit new talent and upskill existing staff wishing to study towards a Masters degree qualification. Our MSc Cyber Security apprentices are drawn from a variety of cyber and technical roles such as IT/Infrastructure support, software development, network engineer, security analyst, cyber security consultant and information security specialist.

Applicants must be living and working in Scotland in the same field as the graduate apprenticeship course they are applying to, if you are not employed yet, visit Skills Development Scotland to explore relevant vacancies.

Build a business that is secure by design

With the rapid evolution of the digital landscape, cyber threats have emerged as a growing concern of utmost importance, presenting substantial risks to organisations worldwide. It is therefore essential that businesses prioritise robust cyber security measures in order to mitigate these risks and safeguard their operations. Unlike more traditional academic routes, this course prioritises practical expertise with a primary focus on safeguarding computer equipment, information, and services against unauthorized access, alterations, or destruction. The MSc Graduate Apprenticeship is specifically designed to equip apprentices with the practical skills required to identify weaknesses, respond to cyber-security breaches, secure infrastructure and protect your business from potential threats.
Apprentices will gain a deep understanding of the theoretical foundations behind computer attacks and acquire the specialised skills necessary to effectively prevent and counteract them. This includes the ability to plan and carry out a variety of security testing strategies on IT infrastructures; research, analyse and evaluate technical threat intelligence to reduce cyber security threats and vulnerabilities; troubleshoot issues arising from vulnerability scanning and design cost-effective mitigations comprising careful combinations of technical, procedural and administrative controls.
Through engagement with sector bodies, industry partners and our Industry Advisory Panel, our programme evolves to ensure apprentices will be equipped with the most up-to-date knowledge as well as the ability to apply their learning to protect your business both during and after the completion of the course.

The power of a cyber security graduate apprenticeship

A master's-level graduate apprenticeship in cyber security offers benefits for both employees and apprentices. Employers can utilise the MSc Cyber Security course to nurture talent within their organisations and create a safe environment for their businesses to thrive. Our apprenticeships bridge the gap between academia and practical application, equipping apprentices with hands-on experience and real-world context to support their learning.

By choosing to upskill your workforce, you'll create a dynamic team that can embrace emerging technologies securely and foster an environment for your business that is secure by design. By supporting apprentices through the programme, employers can tailor their development to tackle challenges unique to their business. For apprentices, the apprenticeship provides invaluable practical experience, allowing them to enhance their existing IT skills, stand out in their professional journey and obtain a specialised master's-level qualification in the booming cyber security field.

To take a deeper dive into the benefits of a Graduate Apprenticeship at GCU please visit our FAQs below and our Guide to Graduate Apprenticeships. Additionally, our portfolio of Case Studies offers a compelling first-hand account of the experiences of our apprentices and their respective employers.

Determining the right cybersecurity solution for your business

In addition to our specialised MSc Cyber Security Apprenticeship, we also offer a BSc (Hons) course. While both the BSc and MSc courses cover some overlapping content, the slower pace of the BSc course is suited to junior staff or new starts within a team.

The MSc Cyber Security Graduate Apprenticeship is suited to:

• Existing technical staff who have taken on Cyber Security responsibilities and would benefit from a deeper understanding of the area through a recognised qualification.
• Cyber Security staff who would benefit from a broader knowledge of the area beyond their current role and technical niche.
• Those in Cyber Security management roles who need a technical knowledge of the roles within their team and can commit the study time needed to master the technologies involved.
• Professionals who would like to enhance their eligibility for senior roles through a relevant Masters Degree.

The best approach to cyber security will be unique to your business operations and your team's unique skill set - if you wish to discuss this in more detail please do not hesitate to get in touch with our team.

All Apprenticeships are fully funded by the Scottish Funding Council. Applicants will also need to complete a SAAS Graduate Apprenticeship application form. The course team will review the skills, knowledge, academic qualifications and experience of all applicants, which will all be used to inform the level of the apprenticeship candidates will begin their education.