University of Gloucestershire master's degree in cyber security has been certified by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).

Cheltenham-based NCSC, part of GCHQ and the UK's technical authority on cyber security, runs its certified degree programme to help set a high standard of cyber security teaching across higher education, to enable students to make informed decisions about the range of courses on offer at UK universities.

The university's NCSC-certified MSc cyber security course is designed for people who would like to develop a career as a cyber security professional, or to take a leading technical or managerial role.

Delivered by the university's School of Computing and Engineering, the course is suitable for students from a computer science or information technology education background, or those with no formal studies in computer science, but with a significant interest in cyber security.

The announcement follows the news that Gloucestershire has been chosen by the Department of International Trade (DIT) to be showcased as a world-leading cyber cluster through the High Potential Opportunities (HPO) programme, which aims to help accelerate the growth of business and industry, boost local job creation and prosperity, and strengthen the UK's sectorial advantage.

Gloucestershire's strengths in cyber activity will be promoted to targeted DIT teams located in British Embassies and consulates across the world, highlighting why overseas cyber firms should choose Gloucestershire as they expand their international activities.

Professor Kamal Bechkoum, head of the School of Computing and Engineering at the university, said: "We're delighted that our Master's degree course in cyber security has been certified by the National Cyber Security Centre as part of its programme to recognise high-quality courses.

"We develop our cyber and computer degree programmes in partnership with industry leaders, to equip our students with the very latest skills that businesses need.

"This means that 100 per cent of students on our cyber and computer degree programmes secure graduate employment or further study at the end of their courses.

"Many of our cyber and computing students stay in the county following their graduation, further boosting Gloucestershire's claims to be the cyber capital of the UK."

Chris Ensor, NCSC deputy director for cyber growth, said: "I am delighted that the University of Gloucestershire's master's degree in cyber security is now certified by the NCSC.

"Offering a certified degree helps prospective students make more informed choices about their future career prospects in cyber security and employers can rest assured that graduates of these will be well-taught and have valued industry skills."

The university was the first in the UK to offer the BSc (Hons) cyber security technical professional apprenticeship and the first to be awarded Tech Industry Gold accreditation for the same course.