• Question: what qualifications do you need?

    Asked by samantha on 9 Oct 2024. This question was also asked by seek519fuze.
    • Photo: Allyson Lister

      Allyson Lister answered on 9 Oct 2024:

      Depends on what job you want. I work as a researcher at a university, and it’s quite important for that kind of job to have a PhD. However, working in CS in a for-profit company doesn’t usually require this kind of postgraduate work. Generally, a university degree or other technical qualification would be very helpful.

    • Photo: Caroline Roche

      Caroline Roche answered on 30 Nov 2024:

      There are different pathways which require different qualifications, especially for different careers.
      For mine (control systems) you can go to university for a degree that supports it such as computing, science or engineering and then join as a graduate with either a bachelors or masters degree.
      You can also join as an apprentice, after your GCSEs or A-Levels. As an apprentice you would work and study at the same time, eventually gaining a qualification through your apprenticeship.

    • Photo: Kate Belson

      Kate Belson answered on 4 Mar 2025:

      There are lots of different ways you can become a computer scientist! I did A Levels and a degree so that I could start work on a graduate scheme, but I know lots of people who did a degree apprenticeship – so you work AND get a degree – or started an apprenticeship straight after A Levels or GCSEs. You can sometimes also start a full-time job straight after 6th form, and work your way up in the company.

    • Photo: Aurelia Brzezowska

      Aurelia Brzezowska answered on 20 May 2025:

      The wonderful thing about cyber is that there is no set answer for this. I have friends who are professionals in cybersecurity who did apprenticeships, some who stumbled by choice and many who followed the same route as me, University. Whatever you choose, you will go far as long as you continue to upskill yourself.

      At the very start of your career in cyber they will be looking for knowledge and your experience with projects. Focus on projects and study for certifications such as Sec+ from CompTIA as they are very useful.

      In order to get a graduate role or placement like myself you will be required to do a University degree related to technology. Even if you don’t, you can aim for Junior roles or apprenticeships, most cyber ones offer degree apprenticeships now! Figure out what it is you want, how you learn and what is the best route for you.

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