Security

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• applying directly

University

You could do a foundation degree, degree or postgraduate course in:

• computing
• information systems
• project management
• business management

Courses with industry placements or summer internships might help you develop your skills.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

College

You could do a T Level in Digital Support Services and then apply for a trainee IT security position.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
• guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
• search for courses|/find-a-course

Apprenticeship

You could do a:

• Cyber Security Technologist Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
• Digital Forensic Technician Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
• Cyber Security Technical Professional Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship

This will involve a mix of learning in the workplace and study.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

Work

You could start work as an IT support technician after your GCSEs or A levels.

You could then train on the job or get more qualifications to become an IT security co-ordinator.

Direct application

You could apply to work as an IT security co-ordinator if you have experience in IT management, network engineering or cyber intelligence.

Requirements and restrictions

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

More information

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the Chartered Institute of Information Security for professional development opportunities.

Further information

You can find out more about working in IT and digital security from The Chartered Institute for IT (BCS) and the UK Cyber Security Council.

View all vacancies in this region

With experience you could:become a network manager or IT project manager; move into security consultancy; work for the police, security services or specialist law firms who investigate computer crimes

You could join The Institute of Information Security Professionals for professional development opportunities.

You can find out more about working in IT and digital security from The Chartered Institute for IT and National Cyber Security Centre.