University College Birmingham celebrates CyberFirst Silver Award and Cisco Academy launch

September 2025

By Sean Madden

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Marking a double success for its digital provision, University College Birmingham has been officially recognised as a CyberFirst Silver College by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), and is proud to announce its launch as an official Cisco Networking Academy.

The Cisco programme gives students access to world-class training and globally recognised certifications in networking, cyber security, and programming, equipping them with the skills needed to thrive in one of the fastest-growing sectors in the UK, while recognition as a CyberFirst Silver College highlights our excellence in preparing students for the future of cyber and digital technology.

Both accolades are major milestones, demonstrating the University’s commitment to developing the next generation of digital and cyber security professionals and validating the strength of our cyber curriculum. They also open a wide range of opportunities for learners; from industry engagement and university partnerships to national competitions and bursary schemes.

Nandini Vijay, Senior Lecturer in FE Computing, said: “By collaborating closely with employers, we ensure our students are not only academically prepared, but also ready to make an immediate impact in the workforce.

“The CyberFirst Silver College award, combined with the launch of our Cisco Academy, reinforces this commitment, giving learners direct access to industry-standard tools, globally recognised certifications, and opportunities that employers truly value. Through these initiatives, we are equipping students with the skills that the UK’s digital and cyber sectors urgently need, helping to build a future-ready workforce”

The CyberFirst award was presented at the West Midlands CyberFirst celebration event, hosted at KPMG in Birmingham, and brought together leaders from industry, academia and government, to highlight the region’s growing role as the UK’s Cyber Corridor.

What does this mean for students joining the Digital Skills Centre?

Access to free CyberFirst courses, competitions and events nationwide
Participation in the CyberFirst Girls Competition, inspiring greater diversity in the cyber sector
Access to the CyberFirst university bursary scheme, offering financial support, paid placements and guaranteed job opportunities in cyber
Development of in-demand skills, hands-on experience and professional connections with leading industry experts
Studying at UCB as it becomes a hub for CyberFirst initiatives in the West Midlands, reinforcing its leadership role in shaping the UK’s digital future
The opportunity to complete globally recognised micro-credentials, via our status as a Cisco Networking Academy
The chance to explore and develop a network of professional connections needed to thrive in the UK’s fast-growing digital and cyber sectors.
Studying at UCB as it becomes a hub for CyberFirst initiatives in the West Midlands, reinforcing its leadership role in shaping the UK’s digital future
The opportunity to complete globally recognised micro-credentials, via our status as a Cisco Networking Academy
The chance to explore and develop a network of professional connections needed to thrive in the UK’s fast-growing digital and cyber sectors.

How we’re addressing the cyber skills gap and strengthening the region’s cyber ecosystem

Cyber roles are among the hardest to fill across the Midlands, with demand for talent consistently outstripping supply. UCB is tackling this challenge head-on by:

Collaborating with employers to identify the skills most needed in the region
Embedding these insights into FE and HE curricula to ensure learners graduate with both technical and soft skills
Hosting events such as the Employer Lunch Event, that brought together industry leaders, police cyber specialists, professional bodies and sector partners, to explore what skills matter most.

By combining the CyberFirst award with the global reach of Cisco’s programme, we strengthen our role within the Midlands Cyber Cluster, the official cyber innovation network for the West Midlands. This positions the University as a key academic partner in regional and national efforts to expand cyber resilience, secure a sustainable talent pipeline and reinforce the UK’s digital infrastructure.

"Being recognised as a CyberFirst Silver College and an official Cisco Networking Academy marks a pivotal moment for UCB. These achievements reflect the dedication of our staff and students in embedding cyber education across all levels of study.

“We are proud to contribute to the region’s digital growth and future workforce, playing a central role in shaping the UK’s digital future, empowering the next generation of cyber professionals, and supporting a safer, more resilient digital economy.”

Kanwal Rauf Head of Department for HE Computing

Strategic impact points:

Student employability: students graduate with industry-recognised skills, hands-on experience and professional networks that increase their career readiness.
Inclusive opportunities: initiatives such as the CyberFirst Girls Competition and bursary schemes facilitate diversity and inclusion in the cyber sector.
Future-ready curriculum: employer-informed programmes ensure students are equipped to meet the evolving needs of the UK’s digital economy.
Enhanced reputation: CyberFirst Silver College award and Cisco Academy status solidify University College Birmingham's position as a leader in cyber and digital education.

Find out more about our degrees in cyber security.

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