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Enrol today from £9.99 deposit & spread the cost over 24 months

Learn At Your Own Pace

Study wherever and whenever you want. You’ll have access to your course for two years so you can fit your learning around your other commitments.

Tutor Support Included

Learning remotely doesn’t mean you’re on your own! You’ll be able to message your tutor through our industry-leading learning platform.

Flexible Payment Options

Enrol today from £9.99 deposit & spread the cost over 24 months

Learn At Your Own Pace

Study wherever and whenever you want. You’ll have access to your course for one year so you can fit your learning around your other commitments.

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Cyber Security Online Degree Pathway

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  • SALE Savings End Midnight Tuesday 10th June
  • SALE Savings End Midnight Tuesday 10th June

Cyber Security Online Degree Pathway

This Course at a Glance 

  • Internationally recognised online alternative to Year 1 and Year 2 of university 
  • Get on the pathway to obtaining a degree in cyber security 
  • In partnership with Qualifi, making degree learning accessible to all 
  • Complete Year 3 with our preferred university
  • Flexible online study in Years 1 and 2 rather than on-campus lectures 
  • Save on expensive living costs associated with on-campus study 
  • Get on the fast track to your university qualification 
  • Avoid rising loan repayment fees 

Achieving a degree in cyber security can lead you towards a range of senior IT and digital, data, and security roles in the workplace. With our online degree pathway, which consists of the first and second years of an Honours degree, removing in-person lectures and restrictive timetables, you have the option to complete Year 1 and Year 2 faster than at university. 

About Your Online Degree Pathway

This undergraduate online degree pathway in cyber security is made up of 240 credits and is designed as an online alternative to completing Year 1 and Year 2 at university. Studying with us will fast-track you to the final year of an associated Honours degree, which can be completed at our preferred university. 

This has been made possible through our partnership with Qualifi, a leading 21st-century Awarding Organisation, which is recognised by Ofqual. Qualifi is driven by providing a more flexible and cost-effective route for learners to achieve degree-level qualifications by offering progression routes with universities. 

The course is delivered online, through an engaging array of online learning materials. So, you will find your education both interesting and rewarding. As a self-paced online course, you can also work towards your qualification without pressure, around your existing commitments. 

What Will You Learn? 

This online degree pathway has been designed to provide a career path for learners who wish to develop their core capabilities within the cyber security and risk management sector. For this reason, the course focuses on ‘cyber security’ as a workplace management discipline and is therefore a semi-technical qualification that examines technical cyber security measures as well as the management, project management, and leadership skills required to organise internal and external business responses to major incidents or the threat of them.  

Due to the huge economic risks to businesses, sectors, as well as global regions, from specific and dynamic forms of threat vectors, this online degree pathway will provide solid business management and leadership education (including disaster management, project management and business continuity management) within the context of the digital tech and cyber security threat environment.

By studying this course, you’ll develop the cyber security skills required by organisations globally and be able to support a range of senior IT and digital, data and security roles in the workplace. 

University Progression 

Upon successful completion of Year 1 and Year 2 with us, you will be supported to apply for Year 3 of your undergraduate degree with one of our preferred universities.

Study for a Degree Without Expensive Fees 

If you want to get a head-start on your degree without having to commit to loan fees, then our Cyber Security Online Degree Pathway is for you, as it covers Year 1 and Year 2. This programme is ideal for those of you who can’t commit to full-time study on a university campus, and you’d rather not pay nearly £30,000 in tuition fees! This programme offers a convenient home-based alternative to the initial two years of university study. 

With the flexibility of online learning, you can bypass the constraints of fixed classes and timetables, enabling you to progress rapidly through the course materials. This newfound freedom empowers learners to reach their final year of university faster compared to traditional campus-based study. 

A More Affordable Alternative 

The latest change in student finance rules will see university graduates doubling their student loan repayments. This is in addition to repaying their student loans when they earn an annual salary of £25,000, instead of the £27,660 it was before. 

With inflation and interest rates rising in the UK due to the ongoing cost of living crisis, university graduates are affected. For the 2022/23 academic year, there was a risk of student loan interest rates reaching 12%, further hitting the pockets of students. 

Due to the current economic uncertainty, a university graduate could end up with an average of £42,900 of student loan debt, with tuition fees costing an average of £9,250 per year. 

According to YouGov, 37% of people feel that current tuition fees are unfair, so it’s no surprise that many are looking for alternative options. Here at learndirect, we can offer you an affordable alternative that covers the first and second year of a degree for a fraction of the cost of the traditional route. 

Please note, once you complete our online degree pathway, you will need to pay your select university to study the third year of your course. 

Your Living Costs Won’t Be Affected

By studying our Cyber Security Online Degree Pathway, you can complete the first and second years of your degree comfortably from home, without the additional expenses associated with full-term university study. This eliminates the need for student housing costs and travel expenses, allowing you to study at your own pace and integrate it seamlessly into your lifestyle. So, if you’re currently working, you won’t have to give that up for university life.

Securing Final-Year University Admission

In addition to fast-tracking your progression to the final year of a cyber security or related degree, on completion of the qualification you will be provided with the relevant documentation needed for your application process.

Modules

Year 1 covers the following units: 

Unit 1: Cyber Security Threat and Risk 

Upon completion of this unit, you will: 

  • Understand complex business cyber security threats and risks 
  • Understand recent mega breaches and explain malware and ransomware attacks 
  • Understand how threats and malicious hackers are advancing and developing customised intrusion tools 

Unit 2: Network Security and Data Communications 

Upon completion of this unit, you will: 

  • Understand how computers and digital devices communicate with one another over a network 
  • Understand, at a strategic level, how computer networking, web applications and software can be exploited 
  • Understand methods of security prevention and systems hardening 
  • Understand key network security and systems resilience tools, terminology and models 

Unit 3: Database Security and Computer Programming 

Upon completion of this unit, you will: 

  • Understand the broad range of information security controls to protect databases 
  • Understand types of database categories of control 
  • Understand the underpinning concepts and models of cloud-based storage solutions 
  • Understand the relationship between computer programming and computer hacking 
  • Understand the ‘interpreted’ general-purpose programming language, Python 

Unit 4: Incident Response, Investigations and Forensics 

Upon completion of this unit, you will: 

  • Understand the role and composite parts of Incident Response as a business function and how CERTS operate 
  • Understand aligned task/task forces for Business Continuity, Disaster Recovery and Crisis Management 
  • Understand how major computer incidents are formally investigated 
  • Understand laws and guidance in relation to the conduct of planned and structured major incident investigations 

Unit 5: Security Strategy: Laws, Policies, and Implementation 

Upon completion of this unit, you will: 

  • Understand the concept of strategy, strategic management, planning and buy-in in relation to cyber security 
  • Understand how legislation, formal industry standards, training and accreditations support cyber security 
  • Understand how to implement Plan, Do, Check and Act security and risk management policies 
  • Understand the future legal and technical environment and the impact on cyber security planning and digital risk management 
  • Understand how to plan and design a security audit for a cyber network 

Unit 6: Cyber Wars 

Upon completion of this unit, you will: 

  • Understand how nation states are potentially engaged in cyber defence and offensive capability strategy 
  • Understand the motivations and causes behind nation-state-linked cyber-attacks and breaches 
  • Understand how private sector industry has been targeted by potentially state-sanctioned cyber-crime groups and/or armies 
  • Understand how CNI has been targeted by state-backed cyber-crime groups and/or armies 

Year 2 covers the following units:

Unit 1: Cryptography 

Upon completion of this unit, you will: 

  • Understand key cryptographic principles and modes 
  • Understand the standards, regulations and laws that apply to business and government organisations in relation to encryption 
  • Design an encryption plan and courses of action for a given organisation 

Unit 2: Digital Investigations and Forensics 

Upon completion of this unit, you will: 

  • Understand the core principles of digital investigations 
  • Apply the types of tools that support professional digital investigations at a strategic level 
  • Plan for an investigations and forensics teams 
  • Understand the importance of safeguarding evidential integrity in digital investigations 

Unit 3: Communications and Incident Management 

Upon completion of this unit, you will: 

  • Understand the physical and human resources required to manage a major suspected cyber security incident 
  • Apply Business Continuity Management to major incident planning and response 
  • Understand how Disaster Recovery and Crisis Management are integrated into a suspected major cyber-enabled incident 
  • Evaluate the potential impact of NOT planning crisis communications and incident response 

Unit 4: Digital Leadership 

Upon completion of this unit, you will: 

  • Understand the role of senior leaders and digital leadership 
  • Evaluate the management streams and performance monitoring mechanisms that relate to information security 
  • Understand how threat and risk identification and management is integrated into C-Suite considerations and governance 
  • Understand how data protection legislation impacts considerations of strategy-setting and digital leadership 

Entry Requirements

You’ll need to possess an appropriate level of English.

For individuals whose first language is not English, we recommend the following English language proficiency standards or an approved equivalent for this qualification:

IELTS: A score of 6 or higher

  • Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR): Achieving at least B2 level
  • Cambridge English Advanced (CAE): Scoring 162 or above
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: Achieving a score between 42-49

Minimum Age Restriction

18

Average Completion Timeframe

This qualification typically takes learners an average of 18 months to complete.

Assessment Requirements

There are no exams included in this study programme, instead, you will complete several written assignments.

Course Fees

All course fees, inclusive of all payment plans including our Premium Credit Limited option, must be settled before certification can be ordered.

*You will have access to the course for 24 months.

There are no exams included in this online degree pathway, instead, you will complete several assignments that we have designed and built with Qualifi and our preferred university.

These assignments consist of a range of different tasks that can be completed from home and then submitted online through your learning platform. These include:

  • Written essays
  • Academic reports
  • Presentations
  • Case studies
  • Extended essays on a related subject of your choosing

You will have support from a tutor throughout and will also receive additional guidance in terms of researching, planning, and drafting your work.

Qualifi

Qualifi logo

Upon successful completion of this online course, you will have achieved a globally recognised Qualifi qualification:

  • QUALIFI Level 5 Extended Diploma in Cyber Security (610/3296/7) 

Qualifi is a leading 21st-century Awarding Organisation founded to meet the developing education and training needs of learners and employers from the UK and around the globe. They identified a growing demand for consistent and credible academic qualifications and awards as the economy became more competitive and global in nature – especially in many fast-paced industry sectors.

Qualifi works with a growing number of sector skills councils, professional associations and employers to identify mission-critical learning requirements and assess outcomes of programmes to achieve consistent and recognised professional and academic standards.

Once you have successfully achieved this online Cyber Security Online Degree Pathway, you can progress to the final year of an undergraduate degree in cyber security or a related subject, at an array of UK universities.  

After finishing a degree programme at an accredited UK university, you will be qualified to pursue a career in cyber security within the public or private sector.

The primary areas of employment include:

  • Network security engineer
  • Security analyst
  • Security consultant
  • Penetration tester
  • Information security manager
  • Forensic computer analyst

Frequently Asked Questions

It’s the start of your cyber security degree. Our Cyber Security Online Degree Pathway is a direct equivalent of Year 1 and Year 2 of a 3-year cyber security degree. Once you finish this section with us, you’ll move on to study the final year at our nominated university. After that, you will have a full bachelor’s degree in cyber security.
Cyber security is fascinating to study because it is a constantly evolving field that requires both technical and strategic skills to master. Cyber criminals are constantly developing new ways to attack systems and networks, and cyber security professionals must stay one step ahead in order to protect their organisations. This is why the skills and knowledge that you learn in a cyber security degree are important because they are essential for protecting our critical infrastructure, businesses, and personal data from cyberattacks. By studying cyber security, you can make a real difference in the world and help to keep people and organisations safe.
Yes, cyber security is a good career in the UK. There is a high demand for qualified cyber security professionals, and salaries are competitive. According to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), there are currently over 33,000 unfilled cyber security jobs in the UK. This is due to a number of factors, including the increasing sophistication of cyber threats, the growing reliance on digital technologies, and the shortage of qualified cyber security professionals. The NCSC also predicts that the UK cyber security workforce will need to grow by 60% by 2025 to meet the growing demand for cyber security skills. This means that there are many opportunities for qualified cyber security professionals.
Cyber security graduates are in high demand in a variety of industries. You could become a cyber security analyst, penetration tester, security architect, security consultant, information security officer (ISO), or a chief information security officer (CISO). Cyber security skills are also in high demand in other industries, such as finance, healthcare, and government. So, with a cyber security degree, you can also pursue a career in any one of these industries, with a focus on cyber security.
A traditional cyber security degree would take a minimum of three years to complete through on-campus study at university. However, when studying a cyber security degree online, your route to qualifying is much shorter. That’s because when you complete the first two years of your cyber security degree online with us through our learndirect online degree pathway, you can progress at your pace and qualify much faster. So, if getting qualified quickly is what you want, this may be the best online cyber security degree (UK) for you.

The Open University logo

 

 

 

Study with learndirect followed by the Open University (OU) to achieve a globally recognised Online degree qualification that can open doors and help to achieve your goals!
 
Once you have successfully completed your Online degree Pathway (Year 1 and 2) course with learndirect, you will now be able to apply for credit transfer against stage 1 and stage 2 (Year 1 and 2) of the BA/BSc (Honours) Open degree - a hugely popular and established multidisciplinary, individualised Online Undergraduate degree Programme.
 
On completion of your studies with learndirect, you will then begin your studies at stage 3 (Final level) with the OU to achieve your full BA/BSc (Honours) degree. If you would like more information about the Open degree with the OU please visit BA/BSc (Hons) Open degree | Open University | QD
 
With the OU, you get the flexibility to study in a way that suits you best through online material and tutorials. Courses are designed with your career in mind. 
 
The OU is proud to be rated as a top three university for Employability (University Compare 2025).
OU degrees are the same high standard as other universities. 
The OU is one of only 34 universities to achieve overall Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework 2023. 
The OU is proud to be a world leader in supported distance education and the Daily Mail University of the Year for Teaching Excellence 2025.
 
Funding your final year of study with the OU
Studying with the OU might be more affordable than you think.  The funding options available to you will depend on where you live.  Visit https://www.open.ac.uk/courses/fees-and-funding to find out more, or contact Student Recruitment on 0300 303 5303 to speak to one of the Open University’s helpful advisors. 
 
Progressing to The Open University
Once you have enrolled on your Online Degree Pathway course with learndirect, our progressions team will contact you to discuss your options further and support you with your application to the OU. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Please note: This progression route is currently face-to-face only)
 
London Metropolitan University offers a dynamic and accessible pathway for learndirect students ready to progress into degree-level study. Upon finishing your Online Degree Pathway, you can transfer credits into the final year of selected undergraduate programmes delivered with flexibility to accommodate your work and life commitments. Known for its diverse community and strong industry links, London Met focuses on real-world learning and employability. The university provides tailored support services and access to financial aid, helping you make the most of your academic journey.
 
Top Up Route: From Degree Pathway to Final Year (Top-Up)
Complete your Online Degree Pathway (Years 1 and 2) with learndirect
Progress directly into the final year of a relevant degree at London Metropolitan University
Graduate with a full UK undergraduate degree
 
Study Flexibility Designed for You
London Metropolitan University offers a learning experience that fits around your life:
Flexible Learning Options: Choose between full-time and part-time study formats, allowing you to study at your own pace and schedule.
Supportive Learning Environment: Benefit from dedicated academic support and a personalised learning experience tailored to your needs.
 
Commitment to Teaching Excellence
London Metropolitan University provides high-quality education:
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Silver Award: Recognised for high-quality teaching and student outcomes.
Outstanding Student Experience: Awarded Gold in the student experience category, highlighting exceptional support and engagement. 
 
Focus on Employability
London Metropolitan University prioritises your career success:
Career-Focused Curriculum: Programs are developed in collaboration with industry experts to ensure relevance in today's job market.
Professional Development: Access to career services and resources to support your employment goals post-graduation.
 
Affordable Education with Flexible Funding Options
London Metropolitan University offers various financial support options to make education accessible:
Student Loans: Eligible UK students can apply for student loans to cover tuition fees.
Flexible Payment Plans: Spread the cost of your studies with manageable instalment options.
 
Take the Next Step Today
Ready to advance your education and career prospects? Contact us to learn more about progressing to London Metropolitan University through learndirect.
 
 
The University of Derby logo
The University of Derby is a forward-thinking UK institution recognised for its practical, career-driven courses and strong links with industry. With hands-on learning opportunities across areas such as business, the arts, and health, Derby offers a supportive environment where learners gain the skills and experience needed to thrive in the workplace.
  • SALE Savings End Midnight Tuesday 10th June
  • SALE Savings End Midnight Tuesday 10th June

Cyber Security Online Degree Pathway

This Course at a Glance 

  • Internationally recognised online alternative to Year 1 and Year 2 of university 
  • Get on the pathway to obtaining a degree in cyber security 
  • In partnership with Qualifi, making degree learning accessible to all 
  • Complete Year 3 with our preferred university
  • Flexible online study in Years 1 and 2 rather than on-campus lectures 
  • Save on expensive living costs associated with on-campus study 
  • Get on the fast track to your university qualification 
  • Avoid rising loan repayment fees 

Achieving a degree in cyber security can lead you towards a range of senior IT and digital, data, and security roles in the workplace. With our online degree pathway, which consists of the first and second years of an Honours degree, removing in-person lectures and restrictive timetables, you have the option to complete Year 1 and Year 2 faster than at university. 

About Your Online Degree Pathway

This undergraduate online degree pathway in cyber security is made up of 240 credits and is designed as an online alternative to completing Year 1 and Year 2 at university. Studying with us will fast-track you to the final year of an associated Honours degree, which can be completed at our preferred university. 

This has been made possible through our partnership with Qualifi, a leading 21st-century Awarding Organisation, which is recognised by Ofqual. Qualifi is driven by providing a more flexible and cost-effective route for learners to achieve degree-level qualifications by offering progression routes with universities. 

The course is delivered online, through an engaging array of online learning materials. So, you will find your education both interesting and rewarding. As a self-paced online course, you can also work towards your qualification without pressure, around your existing commitments. 

What Will You Learn? 

This online degree pathway has been designed to provide a career path for learners who wish to develop their core capabilities within the cyber security and risk management sector. For this reason, the course focuses on ‘cyber security’ as a workplace management discipline and is therefore a semi-technical qualification that examines technical cyber security measures as well as the management, project management, and leadership skills required to organise internal and external business responses to major incidents or the threat of them.  

Due to the huge economic risks to businesses, sectors, as well as global regions, from specific and dynamic forms of threat vectors, this online degree pathway will provide solid business management and leadership education (including disaster management, project management and business continuity management) within the context of the digital tech and cyber security threat environment.

By studying this course, you’ll develop the cyber security skills required by organisations globally and be able to support a range of senior IT and digital, data and security roles in the workplace. 

University Progression 

Upon successful completion of Year 1 and Year 2 with us, you will be supported to apply for Year 3 of your undergraduate degree with one of our preferred universities.

Study for a Degree Without Expensive Fees 

If you want to get a head-start on your degree without having to commit to loan fees, then our Cyber Security Online Degree Pathway is for you, as it covers Year 1 and Year 2. This programme is ideal for those of you who can’t commit to full-time study on a university campus, and you’d rather not pay nearly £30,000 in tuition fees! This programme offers a convenient home-based alternative to the initial two years of university study. 

With the flexibility of online learning, you can bypass the constraints of fixed classes and timetables, enabling you to progress rapidly through the course materials. This newfound freedom empowers learners to reach their final year of university faster compared to traditional campus-based study. 

A More Affordable Alternative 

The latest change in student finance rules will see university graduates doubling their student loan repayments. This is in addition to repaying their student loans when they earn an annual salary of £25,000, instead of the £27,660 it was before. 

With inflation and interest rates rising in the UK due to the ongoing cost of living crisis, university graduates are affected. For the 2022/23 academic year, there was a risk of student loan interest rates reaching 12%, further hitting the pockets of students. 

Due to the current economic uncertainty, a university graduate could end up with an average of £42,900 of student loan debt, with tuition fees costing an average of £9,250 per year. 

According to YouGov, 37% of people feel that current tuition fees are unfair, so it’s no surprise that many are looking for alternative options. Here at learndirect, we can offer you an affordable alternative that covers the first and second year of a degree for a fraction of the cost of the traditional route. 

Please note, once you complete our online degree pathway, you will need to pay your select university to study the third year of your course. 

Your Living Costs Won’t Be Affected

By studying our Cyber Security Online Degree Pathway, you can complete the first and second years of your degree comfortably from home, without the additional expenses associated with full-term university study. This eliminates the need for student housing costs and travel expenses, allowing you to study at your own pace and integrate it seamlessly into your lifestyle. So, if you’re currently working, you won’t have to give that up for university life.

Securing Final-Year University Admission

In addition to fast-tracking your progression to the final year of a cyber security or related degree, on completion of the qualification you will be provided with the relevant documentation needed for your application process.

Modules

Year 1 covers the following units: 

Unit 1: Cyber Security Threat and Risk 

Upon completion of this unit, you will: 

  • Understand complex business cyber security threats and risks 
  • Understand recent mega breaches and explain malware and ransomware attacks 
  • Understand how threats and malicious hackers are advancing and developing customised intrusion tools 

Unit 2: Network Security and Data Communications 

Upon completion of this unit, you will: 

  • Understand how computers and digital devices communicate with one another over a network 
  • Understand, at a strategic level, how computer networking, web applications and software can be exploited 
  • Understand methods of security prevention and systems hardening 
  • Understand key network security and systems resilience tools, terminology and models 

Unit 3: Database Security and Computer Programming 

Upon completion of this unit, you will: 

  • Understand the broad range of information security controls to protect databases 
  • Understand types of database categories of control 
  • Understand the underpinning concepts and models of cloud-based storage solutions 
  • Understand the relationship between computer programming and computer hacking 
  • Understand the ‘interpreted’ general-purpose programming language, Python 

Unit 4: Incident Response, Investigations and Forensics 

Upon completion of this unit, you will: 

  • Understand the role and composite parts of Incident Response as a business function and how CERTS operate 
  • Understand aligned task/task forces for Business Continuity, Disaster Recovery and Crisis Management 
  • Understand how major computer incidents are formally investigated 
  • Understand laws and guidance in relation to the conduct of planned and structured major incident investigations 

Unit 5: Security Strategy: Laws, Policies, and Implementation 

Upon completion of this unit, you will: 

  • Understand the concept of strategy, strategic management, planning and buy-in in relation to cyber security 
  • Understand how legislation, formal industry standards, training and accreditations support cyber security 
  • Understand how to implement Plan, Do, Check and Act security and risk management policies 
  • Understand the future legal and technical environment and the impact on cyber security planning and digital risk management 
  • Understand how to plan and design a security audit for a cyber network 

Unit 6: Cyber Wars 

Upon completion of this unit, you will: 

  • Understand how nation states are potentially engaged in cyber defence and offensive capability strategy 
  • Understand the motivations and causes behind nation-state-linked cyber-attacks and breaches 
  • Understand how private sector industry has been targeted by potentially state-sanctioned cyber-crime groups and/or armies 
  • Understand how CNI has been targeted by state-backed cyber-crime groups and/or armies 

Year 2 covers the following units:

Unit 1: Cryptography 

Upon completion of this unit, you will: 

  • Understand key cryptographic principles and modes 
  • Understand the standards, regulations and laws that apply to business and government organisations in relation to encryption 
  • Design an encryption plan and courses of action for a given organisation 

Unit 2: Digital Investigations and Forensics 

Upon completion of this unit, you will: 

  • Understand the core principles of digital investigations 
  • Apply the types of tools that support professional digital investigations at a strategic level 
  • Plan for an investigations and forensics teams 
  • Understand the importance of safeguarding evidential integrity in digital investigations 

Unit 3: Communications and Incident Management 

Upon completion of this unit, you will: 

  • Understand the physical and human resources required to manage a major suspected cyber security incident 
  • Apply Business Continuity Management to major incident planning and response 
  • Understand how Disaster Recovery and Crisis Management are integrated into a suspected major cyber-enabled incident 
  • Evaluate the potential impact of NOT planning crisis communications and incident response 

Unit 4: Digital Leadership 

Upon completion of this unit, you will: 

  • Understand the role of senior leaders and digital leadership 
  • Evaluate the management streams and performance monitoring mechanisms that relate to information security 
  • Understand how threat and risk identification and management is integrated into C-Suite considerations and governance 
  • Understand how data protection legislation impacts considerations of strategy-setting and digital leadership 

Entry Requirements

You’ll need to possess an appropriate level of English.

For individuals whose first language is not English, we recommend the following English language proficiency standards or an approved equivalent for this qualification:

IELTS: A score of 6 or higher

  • Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR): Achieving at least B2 level
  • Cambridge English Advanced (CAE): Scoring 162 or above
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: Achieving a score between 42-49

Minimum Age Restriction

18

Average Completion Timeframe

This qualification typically takes learners an average of 18 months to complete.

Assessment Requirements

There are no exams included in this study programme, instead, you will complete several written assignments.

Course Fees

All course fees, inclusive of all payment plans including our Premium Credit Limited option, must be settled before certification can be ordered.

*You will have access to the course for 24 months.

Excellent Marking

Assessment

There are no exams included in this online degree pathway, instead, you will complete several assignments that we have designed and built with Qualifi and our preferred university.

These assignments consist of a range of different tasks that can be completed from home and then submitted online through your learning platform. These include:

  • Written essays
  • Academic reports
  • Presentations
  • Case studies
  • Extended essays on a related subject of your choosing

You will have support from a tutor throughout and will also receive additional guidance in terms of researching, planning, and drafting your work.

Qualifications

Qualifi

Qualifi logo

Upon successful completion of this online course, you will have achieved a globally recognised Qualifi qualification:

  • QUALIFI Level 5 Extended Diploma in Cyber Security (610/3296/7) 

Qualifi is a leading 21st-century Awarding Organisation founded to meet the developing education and training needs of learners and employers from the UK and around the globe. They identified a growing demand for consistent and credible academic qualifications and awards as the economy became more competitive and global in nature – especially in many fast-paced industry sectors.

Qualifi works with a growing number of sector skills councils, professional associations and employers to identify mission-critical learning requirements and assess outcomes of programmes to achieve consistent and recognised professional and academic standards.

Once you have successfully achieved this online Cyber Security Online Degree Pathway, you can progress to the final year of an undergraduate degree in cyber security or a related subject, at an array of UK universities.  

After finishing a degree programme at an accredited UK university, you will be qualified to pursue a career in cyber security within the public or private sector.

The primary areas of employment include:

  • Network security engineer
  • Security analyst
  • Security consultant
  • Penetration tester
  • Information security manager
  • Forensic computer analyst

Frequently Asked Questions

It’s the start of your cyber security degree. Our Cyber Security Online Degree Pathway is a direct equivalent of Year 1 and Year 2 of a 3-year cyber security degree. Once you finish this section with us, you’ll move on to study the final year at our nominated university. After that, you will have a full bachelor’s degree in cyber security.
Cyber security is fascinating to study because it is a constantly evolving field that requires both technical and strategic skills to master. Cyber criminals are constantly developing new ways to attack systems and networks, and cyber security professionals must stay one step ahead in order to protect their organisations. This is why the skills and knowledge that you learn in a cyber security degree are important because they are essential for protecting our critical infrastructure, businesses, and personal data from cyberattacks. By studying cyber security, you can make a real difference in the world and help to keep people and organisations safe.
Yes, cyber security is a good career in the UK. There is a high demand for qualified cyber security professionals, and salaries are competitive. According to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), there are currently over 33,000 unfilled cyber security jobs in the UK. This is due to a number of factors, including the increasing sophistication of cyber threats, the growing reliance on digital technologies, and the shortage of qualified cyber security professionals. The NCSC also predicts that the UK cyber security workforce will need to grow by 60% by 2025 to meet the growing demand for cyber security skills. This means that there are many opportunities for qualified cyber security professionals.
Cyber security graduates are in high demand in a variety of industries. You could become a cyber security analyst, penetration tester, security architect, security consultant, information security officer (ISO), or a chief information security officer (CISO). Cyber security skills are also in high demand in other industries, such as finance, healthcare, and government. So, with a cyber security degree, you can also pursue a career in any one of these industries, with a focus on cyber security.
A traditional cyber security degree would take a minimum of three years to complete through on-campus study at university. However, when studying a cyber security degree online, your route to qualifying is much shorter. That’s because when you complete the first two years of your cyber security degree online with us through our learndirect online degree pathway, you can progress at your pace and qualify much faster. So, if getting qualified quickly is what you want, this may be the best online cyber security degree (UK) for you.

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Study with learndirect followed by the Open University (OU) to achieve a globally recognised Online degree qualification that can open doors and help to achieve your goals!
 
Once you have successfully completed your Online degree Pathway (Year 1 and 2) course with learndirect, you will now be able to apply for credit transfer against stage 1 and stage 2 (Year 1 and 2) of the BA/BSc (Honours) Open degree - a hugely popular and established multidisciplinary, individualised Online Undergraduate degree Programme.
 
On completion of your studies with learndirect, you will then begin your studies at stage 3 (Final level) with the OU to achieve your full BA/BSc (Honours) degree. If you would like more information about the Open degree with the OU please visit BA/BSc (Hons) Open degree | Open University | QD
 
With the OU, you get the flexibility to study in a way that suits you best through online material and tutorials. Courses are designed with your career in mind. 
 
The OU is proud to be rated as a top three university for Employability (University Compare 2025).
OU degrees are the same high standard as other universities. 
The OU is one of only 34 universities to achieve overall Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework 2023. 
The OU is proud to be a world leader in supported distance education and the Daily Mail University of the Year for Teaching Excellence 2025.
 
Funding your final year of study with the OU
Studying with the OU might be more affordable than you think.  The funding options available to you will depend on where you live.  Visit https://www.open.ac.uk/courses/fees-and-funding to find out more, or contact Student Recruitment on 0300 303 5303 to speak to one of the Open University’s helpful advisors. 
 
Progressing to The Open University
Once you have enrolled on your Online Degree Pathway course with learndirect, our progressions team will contact you to discuss your options further and support you with your application to the OU. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Please note: This progression route is currently face-to-face only)
 
London Metropolitan University offers a dynamic and accessible pathway for learndirect students ready to progress into degree-level study. Upon finishing your Online Degree Pathway, you can transfer credits into the final year of selected undergraduate programmes delivered with flexibility to accommodate your work and life commitments. Known for its diverse community and strong industry links, London Met focuses on real-world learning and employability. The university provides tailored support services and access to financial aid, helping you make the most of your academic journey.
 
Top Up Route: From Degree Pathway to Final Year (Top-Up)
Complete your Online Degree Pathway (Years 1 and 2) with learndirect
Progress directly into the final year of a relevant degree at London Metropolitan University
Graduate with a full UK undergraduate degree
 
Study Flexibility Designed for You
London Metropolitan University offers a learning experience that fits around your life:
Flexible Learning Options: Choose between full-time and part-time study formats, allowing you to study at your own pace and schedule.
Supportive Learning Environment: Benefit from dedicated academic support and a personalised learning experience tailored to your needs.
 
Commitment to Teaching Excellence
London Metropolitan University provides high-quality education:
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Silver Award: Recognised for high-quality teaching and student outcomes.
Outstanding Student Experience: Awarded Gold in the student experience category, highlighting exceptional support and engagement. 
 
Focus on Employability
London Metropolitan University prioritises your career success:
Career-Focused Curriculum: Programs are developed in collaboration with industry experts to ensure relevance in today's job market.
Professional Development: Access to career services and resources to support your employment goals post-graduation.
 
Affordable Education with Flexible Funding Options
London Metropolitan University offers various financial support options to make education accessible:
Student Loans: Eligible UK students can apply for student loans to cover tuition fees.
Flexible Payment Plans: Spread the cost of your studies with manageable instalment options.
 
Take the Next Step Today
Ready to advance your education and career prospects? Contact us to learn more about progressing to London Metropolitan University through learndirect.
 
 
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The University of Derby is a forward-thinking UK institution recognised for its practical, career-driven courses and strong links with industry. With hands-on learning opportunities across areas such as business, the arts, and health, Derby offers a supportive environment where learners gain the skills and experience needed to thrive in the workplace.

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