Aston Business School has become the latest member of the UK Government’s prestigious CyberFirst programme, supported by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ). The partnership is aimed at improving education and innovation in cyber security, offering Aston University students unique opportunities in one of the fastest-growing fields.

The CyberFirst program would inspire and train the next wave of cyber security professionals as it provides access to most important resources, including a scholarship, internship, career development support, so enabling participants to build the skills in a way that will empower them to meet the developing challenges of cyber threats. CyberFirst scholarships would be provided for the students attending Aston Business School to pursue higher degrees in cyber security and other related areas. Financial barriers would thus be lessened, so that more focus could be placed on academic and professional excellence.

The program also includes unique career opportunities such as internships with GCHQ and other governmental agencies. Moreover, CyberFirst participants are assured job opportunities from GCHQ which gives the students an almost direct gateway to employment in the highly competitive sector. Collaboration also makes Aston University strengthen its initiatives in research and cyber security giving students the real experience with cutting-edge solutions in national security.

Aston University Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Professor Aleks Subic welcomed the partnership, saying, “This collaboration not only strengthens our reputation in cyber security education but also underlines our commitment to preparing students to face the challenges of tomorrow’s digital world.” According to Professor Subic, through CyberFirst, Aston University will arm students with the resources and career pathways needed to succeed in the growing cyber security industry.

As highlighted by Professor Vladlena Benson, Director of the Aston Centre for Cyber Security, “CyberFirst offers value to the university’s research capabilities by opening new opportunities for our students and by strengthening our research collaborations with contributions to the development of real-world cyber security solutions.”

Aston Business School welcomed the partnership as Dean Professor Marian Garcia said it will be extremely beneficial to the students through scholarships, placements, and assured job opportunities in GCHQ. The collaboration would add strength to the curriculum by imparting both theoretical knowledge and practical skills required in industry sectors.

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