The Role of Further and Higher Education in Cyber Security Skills
Results of independent external research exploring the role of further and higher education in cyber security skills development in England.
Applies to England
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As part of the National Cyber Security Strategy, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is working to ensure all organisations have access to the cyber security skills they need. This research supports that aim and informs the Government’s Cyber Security Skills Strategy.
The aim of this research was to identify the role of further and higher education in cyber security skills development in England. The research looks at the educational building blocks available to students wishing to study cyber security and the different career pathways to entry level jobs available to them. The research also sought to establish the degree of involvement of industry in the development of cyber security courses, as well as the gender diversity/balance at further and higher education levels.
This was a mixed method research project using both qualitative and quantitative research approaches. It was conducted by the Centre for Strategy and Evaluation Services, supported by members of Cyber Security Oxford on behalf of DCMS.
Fieldwork was conducted between April 2018 and September 2018. The research included a literature review, online survey and in-depth interviews with FE and HE representatives, Government departments, employers and those involved in the cyber security industry. Focus groups were held with students. Data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency and the Association of Colleges was also analysed to inform the research findings.
Further information on cyber security skills is set out in the Government’s Cyber Security Skills Strategy.