Career Pathways
In this guide we look at where to study (School, College, Studio School, University Technical College etc.) and what to study (GCSEs, A-levels, BTECs, T-levels, CyberEPQ, Apprenticeships and more. We’ve broken this down into age ranges to help you to find the information you need. Just click on the
The answer to where you want to study will depend on your age and what you are studying. Whilst most pupils will choose to study at their school or college, there are also options to attend a Studio School or University Technical College (UTC) from Y10 onwards. This site has some useful information for the West of England region.
- Studio Schools – these are schools that teach through enterprise projects and real work. They are small (typically 300 students) and are run on a 9-5 working day. They typically offer GCSE, A Level and BTEC courses in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. Examples of Studio Schools Digitech Studio School (Bristol), IKB Studio School (BANES) and Somerset Studio School.
- University Technical Colleges (UTC’s) – these are government-funded schools with a STEM focus and each UTC is partnered with a local university. They typically offer a mixture of GCSE, BTECs, A-levels and other qualifications with clear pathways into university, higher or degree apprenticeships, or direct employment. Examples include Abbeywood UTC Sleeve, SGS Berkeley Green UTC and UTC Swindon.
After you turn 16 you may stay on into a school sixth form, go to college, studio school or UTC, or you may wish to study at an Institute of Technology:
- Institutes of Technology – Institutes of Technology (IoTs) are collaborations between further education (FE) providers, universities (HE) and employers. They specialise in delivering higher technical education across England. Examples include Swindon and Wiltshire Institute of Technology, West of England Institute of Technology
And post-18 you may wish to consider doing a degree, or degree apprenticeship at university.
Most likely you will be studying for GCSE exams at the end of year 11 in your school. Recommended subjects to study include at least one of these: Computer Science, Maths, Design and Technology, any other STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) subjects.
Post 16 you have a choice of either studying A Levels, BTECs or T Levels. For A Level we recommend you consider at least one of either Computer Science, Maths, Design and Technology, any other STEM subjects.
There is a wide choice of A levels that can be taken to direct you towards a degree in cyber security including Computer Science, Technology, Computing, Mathematics. There are also STEM subjects that completement these and give you transferable skills including Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, General Sciences.
BTECs are specialist work-related qualifications. They combine practical learning with subject and theory content. There are over 2,000 BTEC qualifications across 16 sectors. BTEC stands for the Business and Technology Education Council.
T-Levels are a new two-year technical study programmes to study at Level 3 and are designed with employers to give young people the skills that industry needs. They offer students practical and knowledge-based learning at a school or college (80%) and on-the-job experience through an industry placement of at least 315 hours – approximately 45 days (20%).
The Cyber EPQ is available to all students aged 14 and over and registered with City and Guilds, the course requires you to complete the 10 mandatory online modules and at least one of the specialist modules as well as a journal, presentation, and production log. (EPQ stands for Extended Project Qualification).
It is worth up to 28 UCAS points depending on the final grade. The CyberEPQ can help to evidence self-study, planning, researching and analytical skills to universities when applying for degree courses. Visit the Cyber EPQ page for further details.
Apprenticeships enable you to earn whilst you learn – you are given the opportunity to gain real life work experience with an organisation whilst working alongside experienced staff, gain job specific skills and work towards gaining a qualification.
There are 3 key components to an Apprenticeship:
- Competence Qualification (NVQ): test and assess ability in the workplace
- Knowledge Qualification (Technical Certificate)
- Transferable Skills (English/Maths/ICT)
Further details about apprenticeships can be found under our apprenticeship section on this website.
Here are some examples of cyber related university degrees. Each course provider has different entry requirements. Not all courses require specific A level subjects however some require Maths or Computer Science:
- Cyber Security and Digital Forensics
- Computer Science
- Computer Science with Security and Forensics
- Business Computing
- Software Engineering
- Computing and Information
- Technology
- Data Science
- Computer System Engineering
Details on degree apprenticeships are provided on the UCAS site. Here are some examples and where to find them:
- Gloucestershire College Cyber Security Degree Apprenticeships
- The CyberFirst University Bursary and Degree Apprenticeship Scheme
- Degree apprenticeships
Here are some examples and where to find them:
Entry requirements will be set by the employers, but they are likely to include three A Levels including maths, or other relevant qualifications or experience.
Further details about apprenticeships can be found under our apprenticeship section on this website.
Whether you choose to take a gap year or look for a summer placement while at university you can look for internships or training courses to participate in. Cybersecurity internships can provide you with a good learning experience through effective collaboration, networking, and teamwork with seasoned, talented, and accomplished professionals. Alternatively, you could consider a degree which gives you the opportunity to work in industry in tour 3rd year (note this extends your degree to 4 years).
A graduate (‘grad’) scheme is an entry level training programme you can apply for if you have a degree. Some graduate schemes offer a rotational programme where you can experience different areas of the business, others offer the opportunity to work in a deep technical specialism.
Our partners offer several grad schemes with routes in cyber security roles. Please see employer opportunities.
IT Roles
IT roles are excellent entry level roles if you do not have the relevant technical skills for some IT and tech jobs. However, you most likely have some transferable soft skills that employers will value. If you have strong problem-solving skills and communication skills, you could consider starting in IT entry roles that can give you the foundation and exposure to the cyber security industry.
