Part-Time Study Routes That Lead to Cyber Security Jobs: Evening Courses, Bootcamps & Online Masters
The frequency and sophistication of cyber-attacks have exploded in recent years, making cyber security one of the UK’s most in-demand skill sets. From safeguarding NHS patient data to defending FTSE 100 financial systems, organisations across sectors require qualified professionals—penetration testers, security analysts, incident responders and security architects—to protect critical infrastructure. Yet many professionals cannot pause their careers to upskill full time. Fortunately, an ecosystem of part-time learning pathways—evening courses, intensive bootcamps and flexible online master’s programmes—enables you to learn cyber security while working. This comprehensive guide explores every route: foundational CPD, immersive bootcamps, accredited online MScs, plus funding options, planning strategies and a real-world case study. Whether you’re an IT support technician, a software developer or a compliance manager aiming to pivot into security, you’ll discover how to build expertise at your own pace.
Why Choose Part-Time Cyber Security Study?
Flexible Learning: Evening lectures, weekend labs and self-paced modules fit around your existing job, family and social commitments.
Immediate Application: Implement logging, vulnerability scans and access controls in your organisation as you learn.
Cost Spreading: Distribute fees across months or years; leverage Skills Bootcamps, employer sponsorship or learner loans.
Industry Recognition: Earn recognised certifications (CompTIA Security+, CISSP, CEH) alongside academic credits to stand out.
Network & Mentorship: Join cohorts of security-minded professionals, engage with expert instructors and tap into cyber security communities.
From short taster modules to research-led master’s, here’s your roadmap to a part-time cyber security career.
Evening Courses: Foundational CPD Modules
The Open University & OpenLearn Cyber Modules
Introduction to Cyber Security (TT284)
Duration: 8 weeks
Commitment: 4–6 hours per week
Content: Cyber threat landscape, basic network security, encryption fundamentals.
Outcome: OU digital badge and CPD certificate.
OpenLearn Free Module: Understanding Information Security
Duration: Approx. 10 hours (self-paced)
Topics: Confidentiality, integrity, availability (CIA triad), basic authentication and access control.
Outcome: Free digital badge and transcript.
CPD Unit: Ethical Hacking Techniques (MUWE01)
Duration: 6 weeks
Commitment: 4 hours per week
Content: Reconnaissance, scanning, exploitation basics using Kali Linux.
Requirement: Basic IT skills.
Modules include recorded webinars, interactive labs via virtual sandboxes and moderated discussion forums. Start dates roll monthly, and asynchronous elements ensure you can catch up after work.
University CPD & Short Courses
University of Greenwich Short Course: Cyber Security Essentials
Duration: 6 weeks (two 2-hour online evenings per week)
Focus: Threat modelling, secure coding, incident response fundamentals.
City, University of London CPD: Network Security & Forensics
Duration: 8 weeks (evening lectures + weekend lab)
Topics: Packet analysis, intrusion detection systems (IDS), digital forensics process.
Royal Holloway, University of London: Weekend Workshop in Cloud Security
Duration: Weekend intensive (16 hours total)
Content: AWS and Azure security best practices, identity management, compliance frameworks.
University of Warwick Online CPD: Managing Information Risk
Duration: 6 weeks, self-paced + fortnightly live webinars
Themes: Risk assessment methodologies (ISO27005), third-party risk management and governance.
Fees range from £500 to £1,600 per unit. Many providers offer alumni discounts or employer partnership rates.
Immersive Bootcamps: Rapid Cyber Security Upskilling
Bootcamps deliver intensive, hands-on training in weeks, equipping you with practical skills and a portfolio of projects.
Leading UK Cyber Security Bootcamps
QA Ltd: Cyber Security Bootcamp
Duration: 12 weeks (evenings + weekend labs)
Fees: £4,500
Curriculum: Security fundamentals, penetration testing, SIEM configuration, incident response drills.
Cybrichef Ethical Hacking Academy
Duration: 10 weeks (evenings)
Fees: £3,800
Focus: Kali Linux, Metasploit, Wireshark, web application hacking.
We Are All Human Security Bootcamp
Duration: 14 weeks (evenings + occasional Saturdays)
Fees: £5,000
Emphasis: Social engineering, phishing simulations, human factors in security.
GoThinkBig Cyber Skills Bootcamp (Government-Funded)
Duration: 12 weeks
Fees: Free for eligible learners (19+, resident in England)
Tracks: SOC Analyst, Ethical Hacker, Cloud Security; delivered with local FE colleges.
Flatiron School Security Engineering
Duration: 15 weeks (online, evenings)
Fees: £7,000
USP: Deep dive into secure software development, container security and DevSecOps practices.
Cohorts are typically capped at 25 participants, ensuring personalised mentoring and career support. Graduates leave with a lab portfolio, CV-ready projects and certification prep.
Why Bootcamps Work
Practical Portfolios: Build lab reports, penetration test write-ups and incident response playbooks.
Certification Focus: Prep for CompTIA Security+, CEH, CREST Practitioner exams.
Job Support: CV workshops, mock interviews and introductions to employers drive high placement rates (up to 90% within six months).
Online Masters: Advanced Specialisation & Research
An accredited MSc can propel you into senior roles—Security Architect, Security Consultant, Cyber Researcher—combining theoretical rigour with practical labs.
UK Online Part-Time MSc Programmes in Cyber Security
University of Derby Online
Award: MSc Cyber Security
Duration: 24 months part-time
Fees: £6,500 per year
Modules: Cyber threat intelligence, secure software engineering, forensic analysis, research dissertation.
University of Greenwich
Award: MSc in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics
Duration: 2 years part-time
Fees: £7,000 per year
Focus: Digital forensics, malware analysis, legal and ethical frameworks.
University of Hertfordshire Online
Award: MSc Cyber Security and Data Science
Duration: 24 months
Fees: £6,200 per year
Unique Blend: Machine learning for threat detection, big data analytics for network logs.
Royal Holloway Online (PGCert)
Award: PGCert Information Security Management
Duration: 1 year part-time
Fees: £5,500 total
Aim: Senior managers and directors focusing on governance, risk and compliance.
University of Salford Online
Award: MSc Digital Forensics and Cyber Crime Investigation
Duration: 24 months part-time
Fees: £6,800 per year
Emphasis: Lawful interception, mobile device forensics, cloud forensics.
Northumbria University Online
Award: MSc Cyber Security (with Hack Lab)
Duration: 27 months
Fees: £6,000 per year
Lab: Virtual hack environment for continuous threat simulations and red teaming.
Learning Experience & Support
Asynchronous Content: Recorded lectures, case studies and virtual labs available 24/7.
Live Workshops & Office Hours: Evening webinars and weekend Q&A sessions.
Capstone & Dissertation: Conduct an independent research project, often in collaboration with industry partners.
Alumni & Mentoring: Access to university networks, security conferences and job boards.
Funding & Financial Support
Government-Funded Bootcamps: Free cyber security bootcamps via GoThinkBig and Digital Skills Partnerships.
Advanced Learner Loans: Cover eligible modules up to £11,859.
Employer Training Budgets: Many organisations redirect apprenticeship levy funds or training budgets towards security certifications.
Scholarships & Bursaries: Diversity awards (e.g. Women in Cyber, LGBT+ in Tech), research grants from UKRI.
Installment Plans: Modular fees payable per semester or per module to ease cashflow.
Planning Your Part-Time Cyber Security Journey
Define Your Target Role
IT Support → SOC Analyst
Developer → Security Engineer
Manager → Security Architect
Time Audit
Map out weekly study slots (e.g. Tuesday & Thursday 7–9 pm; alternate Saturdays).
Reserve time for certification exam revision and lab practice.
Pilot Free Options
Complete OU’s free Understanding Information Security OpenLearn module or attend a university CPD taster session.
Assess Outcomes & Accreditation
Prioritise programmes offering exam vouchers or university-backed CPD credits.
Accountability & Community
Join Slack/Discord security channels, form study partnerships and schedule regular check-ins.
Case Study: From Network Admin to Security Architect
Background: Lisa, age 31, was a network administrator at a regional utility company. She aspired to become a Security Architect, leading design of secure OT and IT systems.
Path Taken:
Foundational CPD: Completed OU’s Introduction to Cyber Security CPD unit in 2 months, implementing basic firewall rules and IDS at work.
Bootcamp Immersion: Enrolled in QA Ltd’s 12-week Cyber Security Bootcamp, building a portfolio of vulnerability assessments and SIEM configurations.
Online MSc: Began MSc Cyber Security at the University of Derby, specialising her dissertation on securing SCADA networks.
Outcome: Within 16 months, Lisa was promoted to Security Architect, leading the design of a new segmented network architecture and incident response playbook.
Conclusion
The UK’s part-time cyber security education landscape offers an unparalleled range of pathways—from free OpenLearn modules and evening CPD to immersive bootcamps and accredited online master’s programmes. You can learn cyber security while working, immediately apply skills to protect your organisation and earn industry-recognised credentials without career breaks. Assess your goals, pilot introductory modules, and choose the structured route that aligns with your target role.
Next Steps:
Start Small: Sign up for OU’s free Understanding Information Security badge.
Get Hands-On: Apply for the next QA Ltd Cyber Security Bootcamp.
Aim High: Enrol in an online MSc to deepen specialisation and research emerging threats.
Embark on your part-time cyber security journey today and safeguard the UK’s digital future.
