The Student Room Group

Advice on choosing unis for cybersecurity

Hello,

I’m currently in year 12 at a non-selective state school, and I’m deciding which unis to apply to. I’d really appreciate some advice!

I’m very interested about cybersecurity and have recently fascinated by the intersection of quantum computing and cybersecurity (e.g., how quantum computers could potentially break current encryption algorithms).

GCSE Grades:
9: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Computer Science
8: Spanish, Geography, History, English Literature, English Language

A-levels:
Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths +
EPQ about cryptographic algorithms in communication systems
(Currently scoring 90%+ in chapter tests for all subjects)

Extracurriculars:
- Overall winner of an engineering competition in my county (a raspberry pi project)
- Arkwright Scholarship
- COMPOS (since Year 11): An online school by Oxford where we do challenging maths and physics problems with weekly tutorials
- Intermediate Maths Challenge Gold Award (but missed next round because I was ill)
- Currently doing Edx CS50 Introduction to Programming with Python
- Planning to take IBM’s Practical Introduction to Quantum-Safe Cryptography after finishing CS50

I’m thinking of applying to Oxbridge since they do quantum computing modules, but I’m unsure about the other four choices.

Thank you so much for your help!
Original post by sophieeeeeeee__
Hello,
I’m currently in year 12 at a non-selective state school, and I’m deciding which unis to apply to. I’d really appreciate some advice!
I’m very interested about cybersecurity and have recently fascinated by the intersection of quantum computing and cybersecurity (e.g., how quantum computers could potentially break current encryption algorithms).
GCSE Grades:
9: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Computer Science
8: Spanish, Geography, History, English Literature, English Language
A-levels:
Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths +
EPQ about cryptographic algorithms in communication systems
(Currently scoring 90%+ in chapter tests for all subjects)
Extracurriculars:
- Overall winner of an engineering competition in my county (a raspberry pi project)
- Arkwright Scholarship
- COMPOS (since Year 11): An online school by Oxford where we do challenging maths and physics problems with weekly tutorials
- Intermediate Maths Challenge Gold Award (but missed next round because I was ill)
- Currently doing Edx CS50 Introduction to Programming with Python
- Planning to take IBM’s Practical Introduction to Quantum-Safe Cryptography after finishing CS50
I’m thinking of applying to Oxbridge since they do quantum computing modules, but I’m unsure about the other four choices.
Thank you so much for your help!

I'd recommend you do a computer science degree then pick cyber or quantum modules. Most Unis don't teach to much quantum stuff in their BSC courses, so you might have to do a masters with that specifically in mind. Warwick and Imperial are well known for their strong cyber credentials, but all the other high ranking Russel groups would teach you a bit of cyber as well (think UCL, KCL, Durham, Bristol, Edinburgh etc).
Original post by Rob Bellic
I'd recommend you do a computer science degree then pick cyber or quantum modules. Most Unis don't teach to much quantum stuff in their BSC courses, so you might have to do a masters with that specifically in mind. Warwick and Imperial are well known for their strong cyber credentials, but all the other high ranking Russel groups would teach you a bit of cyber as well (think UCL, KCL, Durham, Bristol, Edinburgh etc).

Thank you !! Is there anything you would recommend me to do to make my application stand out more in the future ? (Cuz computer science is so competitive everywhere)
(edited 1 month ago)
Original post by sophieeeeeeee__
Thank you !! Is there anything you would recommend me to do to make my application stand out more in the future ? (Cuz computer science is so competitive everywhere)


Get some work experience under your belt. Any firm will do (even small/local ones) but the bigger companies are even better. For instance I know that the semiconductor firm ARM takes on students in Y12 for a 2 day work experience. It may seem insignificant but it will really help your application.

Maybe some extra-reading would help. Reading a book specifically on quantum technology would show enthusiasm for the subject.
Original post by Rob Bellic
Get some work experience under your belt. Any firm will do (even small/local ones) but the bigger companies are even better. For instance I know that the semiconductor firm ARM takes on students in Y12 for a 2 day work experience. It may seem insignificant but it will really help your application.
Maybe some extra-reading would help. Reading a book specifically on quantum technology would show enthusiasm for the subject.


In addition you should try out the Senior Maths Challenge (considering you did so well in the intermediate one). And also try and apply for some widening participation programs like summer schools (if you meet the contextual requirements).

Quick Reply