Cyber Security Career Paths

Organisations are battling ever-evolving threats. And the demand for skilled cyber security professionals continues to grow. You only have to think of recent ransomware attacks on organisations like M&S and Jaguar Land Rover to realise the importance of trained experts who can respond.

According to the government’s 2025 report on Cyber Security in the UK Labour Market there are around 143,000 people in the UK cybersecurity workforce. But, with demand growing, there’s a shortfall of 3,800 people every year. 

This makes it an ideal time to learn the skills to kickstart your cybersecurity career. Could you be the solution to the cyber skills gap that is putting businesses at risk? 

How to get into cyber security

You probably have lots of questions about how to train as a cyber security professional:

• Can I start a cybersecurity career with no prior experience? 
• Is it hard to get into cybersecurity without a degree? 
• How can I pursue cybersecurity training while managing family or a full-time job? 
• What are the requirements to get a cybersecurity job? 

We hear your concerns, so let’s explore two options: studying for a Cyber Security degree and doing some on-the-job training with bootcamps and practical courses. 

What do you learn in a cyber security degree?

Looking to build cyber expertise that stands the test of time? The BSc Cyber Security at Southampton Solent University Centres covers topics like:     

• Cyber Security Analysis  
• Risk Management  
• Ethical Hacking  
• Data Analysis  
• Cloud Computing  
• Incident Response  
• Network Security  
• Databases  
• Penetration Testing  
• Operating Systems  
• Threat Knowledge and Analysis  

This broad range of technical knowledge and skills degree can help you progress to roles such as:         

• Ethical Hacker  
• Cyber Security Analyst  
• Cyber Defence Analyst  
• Digital Forensic Analyst  
• Cyber Security Auditor  
• Cyber Consultant  

Why get a cyber security degree?

Studying for a cyber security degree will provide you with a solid educational foundation. If you’re returning to study after a break, or looking for a career move, there’s a route into cyber security for you. 

A degree gives you: 

• An accessible route into the industry. You don’t need a background in computing – many Cyber Security students come to the subject later in life or after working in another industry. Optional foundation years can also help prepare you for degree-level study. 
• Guidance. Southampton Solent University Centres offers access one-to-one academic and careers support, whenever you need it. You’ll even get two years of careers guidance after graduation. 
• A structured curriculum. You’ll cover the theory and technical skills you need to succeed as a cyber and network security specialist.  
• Expert teaching. As well as experienced academics, many Cisco certified, you’re also likely to have access to specialised cyber security labs.  
• Added opportunities. Some courses offer internship opportunities, work experience, and networking opportunities.         
• Earning potential. A cyber security degree gives you potential to command a salary of up to £52,500 after one to three years’ experience. And it can help with promotion later in your career. 
• Credibility and recognition. Some employers, particularly in regulated industries or government roles, still prefer degree holders. You may have more flexibility to move into specialisms like research or management if you’ve had a deeper theoretical base.   

“81% of employers required applicants to have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent), for a core cyber role” 

Cyber Security in the UK Labour Market 

Is a cyber security degree worth it?

If you have work or family commitments, the time you need to commit to a degree might seem daunting. Most full-time degrees take three or four years to complete.  

But there’s good news. Flexible study options like the Cyber Security degree at Southampton Solent University Centres can now make this more manageable. Daytime, evening and weekend, or weekend-only classes mean you could study without changing your lifestyle. And blended (online and in-person) courses mean you spend less time travelling and more time learning. 

A degree can also seem expensive, especially compared to short online courses. But again, there’s good news here too. We have plenty of support and there may be funding opportunities available to you. These could include tuition fee and maintenance loans from Student Finance. 

Some degrees may potentially be less hands-on at the outset and emphasise theory over immediate job-ready skills. We see our students’ needs for practical career training, so that’s not a problem at Southampton Solent University Centres. 

As one of the UK’s fastest and largest growing providers in BSc Cyber Security, we absolutely think a cyber security degree is worth it! 

What is cyber security vocational training?

This career path includes shorter, targeted cyber security training, such as certifications, bootcamps, diplomas, in-house employer training, and ‘learn while working’ models.  

These are often focused on the practicalities of job roles such as Security Operations Analyst (SOC), Network Defender or Penetration Tester. They rarely include theory or added opportunities like work placements. 

Certifications vs a cyber security degree

Vocational training offers a very different experience to studying for a degree. The possible advantages of this route include: 

• A short time commitment. Many bootcamps or certification courses can be completed in months rather than years.  
• Potentially lower costs. Because the time and breadth of the course are reduced, the cost is typically lower. You may even be paid while training if that’s something your employer offers. 
• Targeted content. Course content is often based on specific immediate tools, threats and job roles. So, you’ll gain real-world skills, such as experience with Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools.     
• Fast-track certifications, such as CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hackers (CEH), and Certified Information Systems Security Profession (CISSP) help you with entry into the field and enable you to progress more quickly.    

Cons of vocational training 

This type of training isn’t for everyone. You may end up specialising early and miss out on the broader foundation a degree gives. And, because of the specialist nature of some of these courses, many of them aren’t suitable if you don’t have a background knowledge of the subject.  

Some employers prefer degree-qualified candidates for higher or leadership roles. And you may not be able to apply for certain academic or government roles if you don’t have a theoretical background. 

Employers are also keen to see evidence of soft skills. Some on-the-job training skips over the communication skills, analytical thinking, teamwork, and adaptability that are essential in the workplace.

If you choose this route, you might need to supplement your learning with multiple certifications or on-the-job experience to match a degree’s bigger picture value.   

Can you earn a cyber security degree while you’re working?

Fortunately, there are options that combine the best of degree study and vocational training.  

Cyber security degrees today are flexible and are designed with employability in mind, whether you’re changing careers or upskilling. They offer a blend of academic learning and practical experience with certifications.  

Consider the BSc Cyber Security at Southampton Solent University Centres at London, Birmingham and Manchester. This is a three-year undergraduate degree but we also offer a Cyber Security degree with foundation year for those who do not meet the entry requirements for the three-year course or need additional support prior to starting their undergraduate degree. Both courses are a great way to learn key cyber strategies and skills that will set you up for the future, whatever your background.

The courses also offer a degree of flexibility in how you study – daytime, evening and weekend, or weekends only. This way, you can combine your studies with a job or any caring responsibilities.        

The blended style of learning means you’ll get a balance of face-to-face/on-campus and online teaching. These options have been designed for a new wave of students like you who need to balance study with work and life. 

While studying Cyber Security at Southampton Solent University Centres, you’ll also earn the CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) ‘Introduction to Networks’ certification. This is an industry-recognised professional qualification that employers value. 

Choosing between a cyber security degree and other certifications 

The right route will depend on your personal circumstances. Here are some considerations to help you make your decision:  

• Time and budget – Do you have the time (three to four years) to commit to studying for a degree? Do you have the funding for fees and living costs?   
• Learning style – Do you thrive in a supportive environment that offers broad depth, or do you prefer a narrower focus focusing purely on practical tasks?   
• Current experience level – Are you working in a related field or are you looking for a more accessible route into cyber security? 
• Career goals – Are you aiming to reach leadership, management or a specialised role (in research, threat intelligence or regulated sectors), where a degree may be required? Or do you want to begin working quickly in a technical role, such as a SOC analyst, or in network security, where experience may outweigh formal credentials?

You don’t have to pick one path. Some people start with a shorter training course/bootcamp, gain work experience, and complete a degree or additional certification later to progress further.

Here’s a summary of some of the differences between the two routes you might consider: 

Next steps for your cyber security career

Deciding between a cybersecurity degree and on-the-job training isn’t a one-size-fits-all matter. Both routes have strong value and potential. A degree offers depth, recognition and long-term flexibility, while shorter, job-oriented training offers speed, cost-efficiency and a tight focus.  

The path you choose will depend on your own personal circumstances: your career goals, budget, timescales and learning style. Whatever you choose, make sure you build real skills, gain experience and gather a portfolio of practical work. Stay up to date, aim for certifications and strategically position yourself for the roles you want.  

If you’re leaning toward on-the-job training, look for bootcamps, certification programmes and practical experience. If you’re going down the degree route, choose a course designed with employability in mind, with real-world labs and a high amount of flexibility in the way you can study.    

Ready for a future-proof career in cyber security?

According to PwC, 78% of UK businesses are investing in cyber security. Now is the time to equip yourself, to be at the forefront of the industry. And be ready to respond to the ever-increasing online security challenges.          

If you’re ready to build in-demand skills and begin a flexible, future-proof career in cyber, explore our BSc Cyber Security programme and discover a pathway designed around you. 

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Contact us to find out more about Southampton Solent University Centres.  

Learn more about the BSc in Cyber Security. 

Location – London, Birmingham or Manchester 

Start date – October and February