The go-to guide to cyber security courses (and how to choose the right one)

Is cyber security a good career choice in the UK?

The short answer: yes.

Cyber security is one of the UK’s fastest-growing tech sectors. According to the UK Government’s Cyber Security Sectoral Analysis 2025, the industry generated over £13.2 billion in revenue, a huge 12% increase from the previous year. Additionally, employment in the sector rose by 11%, with 6,600 new jobs created.

What’s driving this growth? Global digitalisation across industries, stricter data protection regulations like GDPR and a growing awareness of cyber threats all contribute.

For professionals, this means job security, diverse career options and increased earning potential. Whether you’re just starting out or transitioning from another field, there’s never been a better time to pursue a career in cyber security.

 

Types of cyber security courses available

With growing demand comes an expanding range of course options. Here's a breakdown of what’s available, so you can choose what best fits your learning goals and career path.

Beginner vs advanced courses

• Beginner courses: Perfect for newcomers, these typically cover core topics such as IT fundamentals, network security, malware types, firewalls and cyber hygiene. They’re ideal for anyone looking to enter the field with no prior experience.
• Advanced courses: Designed for those already working in IT or a related field. These courses explore deeper topics like ethical hacking, incident response, threat intelligence and advanced security architecture. They’re essential for progression to senior roles.

Accredited vs non-accredited courses

• Accredited courses: These meet industry standards and are often backed by professional bodies such as CompTIA. They typically lead to globally recognised certifications that employers value highly.
• Non-accredited courses: While they can still offer valuable skills and insights, they don’t carry official recognition. They may be suitable for personal learning or as an affordable starting point before committing to accredited training.

 

Popular certifications explained

Certifications are your passport to professional credibility in cyber security. Here are some of the most in-demand options in the UK job market:

• CompTIA Security+: Ideal for beginners, this foundational certification proves your understanding of network security, threat management and risk mitigation.
• CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional): A gold-standard credential for experienced professionals. CISSP covers eight domains of cyber security and is often a prerequisite for leadership and consultancy roles.
• CISM (Certified Information Security Manager): Best for those focusing on information security governance and strategy. It’s a strong choice for aspiring IT managers.
• CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker): Learn how to think like a hacker in order to better defend against them. This hands-on qualification is great for those pursuing careers in penetration testing and vulnerability assessment.
• CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+): Aimed at those wanting to specialise in threat detection and security analytics. A solid step for SOC analysts and risk analysts.

 

How to choose the right course for your career goals

Cyber security isn't one-size-fits-all. Your ideal course depends on where you're starting from and where you want to go.

If you're a career changer

It can feel daunting to switch fields, but cyber security is a welcoming space for people from all walks of life. Start with a well-structured foundation course like CompTIA Security+. Look for providers, like Learning People, that offer career coaching, CV assistance and mentorship to ease your transition.

If you're looking to upskill

If you’re already working in IT, software or networking, you probably already have transferable skills. Specialise with advanced certifications such as CISSP or CEH. These not only deepen your expertise but also make you more competitive for higher-paying roles.

If you hold a degree in a related field

Graduates in computer science, engineering or business information systems can benefit from postgraduate diplomas or certifications that align with industry needs. Employers appreciate candidates who continuously update their knowledge to stay ahead of evolving cyber threats.

 

How long does it take to become qualified?

There’s no universal timeline, it depends on your goals and the time you can dedicate.

• Certifications: These can be completed in 2–6 months on average, depending on the course intensity and your availability.
• Diplomas or postgraduate study: Expect to invest 12–24 months. These in-depth programmes often include hands-on labs and assessments.

Learning People’s flexible online model allows you to progress at your own pace, whether you're studying part-time around a job or going full-time.

 

What support should a good course provider offer?

Choosing a reputable provider is just as important as choosing the right course. Here’s what to look for:

• Practical labs: These give you a safe, hands-on environment to practice what you’ve learned.
• Career support: From CV and LinkedIn reviews to mock interviews, a good provider helps you position yourself confidently in the job market.
• Flexible learning: Online, on-demand access helps you fit studying around your lifestyle. If you’re a career changer, flexible learning is particularly important. Read The importance of self-paced learning for career changers for more information.
• Industry recognition: Accreditation ensures your certification will be valued by employers.

At Learning People, we’re proud to offer all of the above, plus a personalised support system to help you achieve your career ambitions.

 

Cyber security salary expectations in the UK

Cyber security roles offer some of the best salaries in the tech industry. Here’s what you can typically expect:

• Entry-level: Between £30,000 and £35,000 annually for roles like IT Support or Junior Analyst.
• Mid-level: Salaries range from £40,000 to £60,000 for positions such as Security Analyst, Security Engineer or Penetration Tester.
• Senior-level: £80,000+ is common for roles such as Cyber Security Consultant, SOC Manager, or CISO (Chief Information Security Officer). In larger organisations or financial sectors, six-figure salaries aren’t unusual.

Pay also varies by location. London tends to offer the highest wages, but remote roles are becoming more common, offering flexibility and access to top-tier jobs from anywhere.

 

Common career paths in cyber security

Cyber security is incredibly diverse. Here are some popular roles and what they involve:

• Security Analyst: Monitors network traffic, analyses threats and implements security measures.
• Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker): Simulates attacks to find and fix security flaws.
• Security Consultant: Provides strategic advice and helps organisations align security with business goals.
• Incident Responder: Deals with breaches, limits damage, and helps organisations recover.
• Security Architect: Designs secure systems and develops infrastructure strategies.

Each role offers distinct responsibilities and learning curves. Over time, many professionals specialise in niches like cloud security, forensics, or governance, risk and compliance (GRC).

 

 

Cyber security is more than just a buzzword; it’s a booming, resilient career path full of purpose and possibilities. Whether you're looking for a fresh start or building on existing IT skills, there’s a course and a career path for you.

At Learning People, we’re committed to empowering individuals through education. With expert-led courses, industry-aligned content and dedicated career support, you’ll gain the tools to thrive in this exciting field.

Ready to explore your future in cyber security? Get in touch with our team to find the right course for your goals.