Cyber security businesses looking to innovate and grow in North East England can benefit from the wealth of talent and experience at the region’s five universities. As well as expert academic support on campus, the North East has a strong pipeline of future talent with thousands of students graduating each year with computer science, cyber, and IT-related degrees from regional universities and colleges.
In addition, upskilling bootcamps and initiatives such as CyberFirst, a National Cyber Security Centre-backed programme, are also active in the region, promoting cyber security careers in schools and colleges. The programme aims to inspire and nurture diverse talent for future-focused tech careers, with support from government and industry partners.
Funding from central government is also delivering training to boost cyber skills and new ways to protect businesses against cyber threats in the region. The Regional Skills Project will help protect the security of the UK’s digital economy and grow a pipeline of cyber talent.
In recognition of the region’s academic strengths in cyber security, two of North East England’s universities have been named Academic Centres of Excellence for Cyber Security in the North East.
- Northumbria University is recognised as an Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research by the National Cyber Security Centre and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.
- Newcastle University – is recognised as an Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research
Our universities have established research groups working in computing and data science, achieving world leading and internationally excellent work in the field. Specialisms include:
- Artificial Intelligence and cyber security
- Foundations of Data Science
- Digital Forensics
- Ethical Hacking
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning and Data Mining
Newcastle University is a leading centre for cyber security research, especially in privacy, trust, and resilience. Its School of Computing conducts leading research in areas such as secure systems, cryptography, and cyber resilience.
Durham University offers research in areas like cryptography, cyber risk, and privacy. It is also focused on AI and data security and collaborates on interdisciplinary cyber security research. It supports PhDs in the areas of cyber security and has a core focus on the topic through its internationally recognised Business School.
Northumbria University provides cyber security courses and engages in industry-focused research. The Northumbria Cyber Clinic offers businesses the opportunity to engage with students on a consultancy which is an effective way to find talented individuals for vacant roles.
Sunderland University also offers a range of courses on cyber security through its acclaimed Computer Science division in its Faculty of Technology.Regional universities are also all keen to work with companies and offer knowledge transfer partnerships as well as collaboration opportunities using UKRI funding.