OU qualification officially certified by the National Cyber Security Centre

Posted on 1 May 2026 • Computing, Science, maths, computing and technology

The Open University’s School of Computing and has announced that its BSc (Hons) Cyber Security (R60) qualification has been officially certified by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).

This significant milestone recognises the programme’s rigorous academic standards and its alignment with the highest professional benchmarks in the cyber security sector.

NCSC certification, awarded by the UK’s leading authority on cyber security, confirms that the programme delivers the knowledge, skills, and professional competencies required by industry and government. Our BSc (Hons) Cyber Security programme has also been aligned to a number of the competencies required to be awarded the UK Cyber Security Council’s new entry level Professional Title.

Students who successfully complete their qualification will be eligible to fast-track their application to join the UK’s Cyber Security Professional Register as an Associate Cyber Security Professional.

Professor Chitra Balakrishna, Cyber Security Qualification Leader and Deputy Head of School, School of Computing and Communications said:

“Receiving NCSC certification is a significant milestone for our School and a recognition of the academic rigour and quality of education we deliver. Our BSc (Hons) Cyber Security programme was designed to equip students with the theoretical foundations and practical skills required to navigate an increasingly complex cyber security landscape.

“With over 3,000 students currently registered on the R60 qualification, the Open University is the largest cyber security qualification provider in the country.

“This certification provides formal, national recognition of our commitment to addressing the cyber security skills gap and to developing a sustained pipeline of highly skilled graduates who are ready to contribute to the sector.”

NCSC Deputy Director for Cyber Growth, Chris Ensor said:

“The certification of the Open University’s BSc (Hons) Cyber Security degree by the NCSC demonstrates our shared commitment to responsibly developing the cyber security talent pipeline.

Offering a NCSC-certified degree helps prospective students make better informed choices about the quality of courses available, and employers can be assured that graduates will have studied relevant material, be well-taught and have valued industry skills.”

Graduates who wish to take advantage of their eligibility to register with the UK Cyber Security Council can find further information online.

This course is fully certified by the National Cyber Security Centre, a part of GCHQ.