BSc (Hons) Graduate Apprenticeship Cyber Security

Overview

Fostering drive, innovation and security

Our fully-funded BSc (Hons) Cyber Security Graduate Apprenticeship is a degree-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 communication networks, security engineering and digital forensics sector 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.

This course is accredited by BCS which provides businesses with confidence that the course meets the profession's rigorous standards and prepares graduates for the realities of the cyber security industry. Through continuous testing, stringent authentication safeguards, and adherence to best cyber practices, graduates of this course will be equipped with the skills needed to ensure that your business is secure by design.

Our innovative, Graduate Apprenticeship helps employers recruit new talent and upskill existing staff wishing to study towards a degree qualification. Our BSc Cyber Security apprentices work in roles such as Network Engineer, IT Support Analyst, Information Security Trainee, SOC Analyst and Cyber Security Analyst. 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.

Invest in cyber resilience

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. The Graduate Apprenticeship is specifically designed to equip apprentices with the practical skills required to tackle these issues head-on. Unlike more traditional academic routes, this course prioritises practical expertise with a primary focus on safeguarding computer equipment, information, and services against unauthorised access, alterations, or destruction.

Throughout the Graduate Apprenticeship, apprentices will gain a deep understanding of the theoretical foundations behind computer attacks and acquire the practical skills necessary to effectively counteract them. Through our course, your team can gain proficiency in️ cloud and networking technologies, forensics, ethical hacking and cyber physical systems. 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 completion of the course.

The course also incorporates the latest technologies, including CISCO, AWS and Encase. By harnessing these groundbreaking technologies, our course ensures that graduates are prepared to effectively utilise their resources to develop innovative solutions for a wide range of real-world problems.

The power of a cyber security graduate apprenticeship

A graduate apprenticeship in cyber security offers benefits for both employees and apprentices. Employers can utilise the BSc 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 fosters an environment for your business that is secure by design. By supporting apprentices through the program, employers can tailor their development to tackle challenges unique to their business. For apprentices, the apprenticeship provides invaluable practical experience, allowing them to stand out in their professional journey.

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.

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.

Accreditations

The Chartered Institute for IT

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What you
will study

Course
Information

Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
BSc (Hons)	Blended Learning	4 Years	Sep 25	Glasgow	Enquire Apply

All entry requirements listed here should be used as a guide. Applicants who are made a conditional offer of a place may be asked to achieve more than is stated.

Standard entry requirements

For new employees applying directly from school:

All applicants must be working in full-time employment in a role commensurate to the programme of study. Applicants should also have the support of their employer.

UCAS Tariff: 96

Scottish Higher: BBCC or equivalent incl Higher in Maths or Computing or a Science

Foundation Apprenticeships

We accept selected Foundation Apprenticeships, in combination with SQA Highers, for entry to our degree programmes. Your Foundation Apprenticeship will take the place of one SQA Higher qualification for our standard entry requirements and will be treated as equivalent to a B grade at Higher.

Modern Apprenticeships

If you have completed a Modern Apprenticeship at SCQF level 6 in a relevant discipline this would be equivalent to two Highers at B.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

For applicants with prior work experience and professional qualifications, there is a possibility to be considered through the university’s flexible entry system through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

This process allows prospective graduate apprentices to claim credit(s) against previously assessed and certificated learning, including informal learning, to be considered and recognised for academic purposes and credit within their course.

Advanced entry may also be granted through RPL. Skills, knowledge, academic qualifications and experience will all be used to inform which year of the degree you will enter into.

Additional requirements

Candidates must be employed in the same field as the course of study and must supply a supporting letter from their employer as part of the admissions process.

You must be living and working in Scotland in the same field as the Graduate Apprenticeship course you are applying to.

Assessment methods

A Graduate Apprenticeship is a work based degree course, where learning is applied and assessed in the workplace. You will be responsible for your own learning and assessment but supported by workplace mentors.

The course is delivered via blended learning, (online and face to face). All reading material, tutor discussions, assignment setting, marking and feedback, timelines and key dates are located online in the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), GCU Learn. You will also have access to the University’s award-winning library.

In the final year of the course, you will work with your mentor and employer to identify a suitable work based project which will form part of the assessment for honours level study.

Professional accreditation

The School of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment is an accredited Cisco Academy. The curriculum material from the professionally recognised Cisco Certified Network Associate qualification and Cisco Certified Network Professional is integrated into this course. With additional work and assessments, you can work to complete these Cisco Certified qualifications.

Why GCU?

This Graduate Apprenticeship provides a career-orientated learning experience from a school that is an approved provider of professional certification for, amongst others Cisco, Microsoft, Oracle and 7Safe.

You will have access to the best suite of network and security engineering labs in Scotland, and possibly the UK, providing an unmatched hands-on learning experience.

Work based learning

Graduate Apprenticeships are co-designed by GCU and industry partners. GCU invites a diverse range of guest lecturers - dependent on relevant subject areas, current industry news and course needs - to share their expertise in every subject area.

Graduate success

As a graduate of this Cyber Security Apprenticeship, you may embark on a range of career pathways including government agencies, law enforcement or associated private sector agencies, business, supporting specialist roles such as forensic practitioners, penetration testers (ethical hackers) and security and forensic consultants.

Find out more

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