Cyber security degree apprenticeship UK
Join GCHQ, BAE Systems, or the Ministry of Defence with a funded degree and sponsored security clearance — no tuition fees, no student debt.
Security cleared
Unique benefit
SC or DV clearance sponsored by your employer — not possible to obtain independently
£20k–£30k
Typical starting salary
Clearance-required roles often pay at the higher end of the range
NCSC certified
Programme standard
National Cyber Security Centre-certified degrees preferred by top employers
What is a cyber security degree apprenticeship?
A cyber security degree apprenticeship is a Level 6 programme combining full-time employment in a security role with a funded degree — typically a BSc in Cyber Security, Computer Science (Security), or a related discipline accredited by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). You work four days a week and study one day at a partner university, covering network security, threat intelligence, ethical hacking, digital forensics, and security operations.
A key advantage of this route is security clearance. Employers such as GCHQ, BAE Systems, and the Ministry of Defence sponsor SC (Security Cleared) or DV (Developed Vetting) clearance for apprentices — something individuals cannot obtain on their own. This opens doors to defence, intelligence, and government cyber roles that are inaccessible to most graduates.
Top employers offering cyber security degree apprenticeships
| Employer | Programme | Salary | Clearance |
|---|---|---|---|
| GCHQ | Cyber Security DA | £22k–£30k | SC / DV (sponsored) |
| BAE Systems | Cyber Security DA | £21k–£28k | SC (sponsored) |
| BT Security | Cyber Security DA | £20k–£27k | BPSS / SC |
| Capgemini | Cyber Security DA | £21k–£28k | SC (where required) |
| Ministry of Defence | Cyber & Defence DA | £21k–£27k | SC / DV (sponsored) |
Estimated salary ranges for 2026. Verify with each employer's careers page before applying.
Entry requirements
3 A-levels at ABB or above including Maths
A-level Computing or Physics also valued; some employers require both Maths and Computing
GCSE Maths at grade 6 (B) or above
Numerical reasoning is assessed at most selection centres
British nationality (for clearance-required roles)
GCHQ, MoD, and defence roles require British nationality for security vetting
Right to work in the UK
Required for all apprenticeship positions in England
Clean criminal record (for security-cleared roles)
Disclosed convictions reviewed on a case-by-case basis during vetting
Live cyber security degree apprenticeship roles
Updated daily from UK employers.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
What is a cyber security degree apprenticeship?▾
A cyber security degree apprenticeship is a Level 6 programme combining paid employment in a security role with a funded degree (typically BSc Cyber Security). You learn network defence, threat analysis, ethical hacking, and digital forensics on the job and through university study — graduating debt-free after 3–4 years.
Will my employer sponsor my security clearance?▾
Yes — for roles at GCHQ, BAE Systems, the Ministry of Defence, and similar employers, security clearance (SC or DV) is sponsored as part of the apprenticeship. You cannot obtain clearance independently. You must be a British national for most intelligence and defence positions.
Do I need Maths A-level for a cyber security degree apprenticeship?▾
Yes — Maths A-level at grade B or above is required by most programmes. Some employers (GCHQ, BAE Systems) also ask for A-level Computing or Physics. A BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Computing at DDM is widely accepted as equivalent to 3 A-levels.
What does NCSC certification mean for my degree?▾
NCSC (National Cyber Security Centre) certification means a degree programme meets government standards for cyber security education. Studying at an NCSC-certified institution is preferred or required by many employers, particularly in defence and financial services, and improves graduate career prospects.
Can international students apply for cyber security degree apprenticeships?▾
Eligibility depends on the employer. Roles requiring SC or DV clearance (GCHQ, MoD, defence contractors) require British nationality. Commercial employers may accept candidates with the right to work in the UK, but some clearance restrictions still apply. Always check individual listing requirements.
