Free Cyber Security Courses in the UK (2025 Guide)

Introduction

With cyber threats increasing across the UK, cybersecurity skills are in high demand. Fortunately, there are several free online cybersecurity courses in the UK, ranging from introductory awareness to government-funded training and bootcamps. Many include certificates or digital badges, helping you move towards a career in security or boost your digital awareness.

Why Learn Cyber Security for Free in the UK?

• Zero cost: Many courses are 100% free, including government and corporate training.

• Career pathways: Courses can lead to Level 2/3 qualifications or entry-level cyber roles.

• Flexible learning: Self-paced, remote learning fits around work or study.

• Recognition: Certificates from trusted UK providers offer credibility with employers.

Government-Backed and National Cyber Training

National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) & GOV.UK

• Offers free online training modules for businesses and individuals, including cyber threat awareness, incident response planning, and governance training for management.

• Short modules often include simple assessments and completion certificates.

• Ideal for staff training and board-level digital security awareness. b2wcompletetraining.com+1Oxford Home Study College+1GOV.UK+1The Times+1

Government Cyber Security Academy

• A 10-week immersive programme launched in 2024 for learners entering the UK Government Security Profession.

• Combines classroom, online, and experiential learning.

• Offers mentorship, expert training, and support to build foundational cybersecurity capability. UK Government Security – Beta+1UK Government Security – Beta+1

Cyber Apprenticeships

• Level 4 (Cyber Security Technologist) and Level 6 (Degree apprenticeship) options available in government departments.

• Earn while you learn, covering modules like networking, cryptography, malware analysis, and incident response.

• Leads to nationally recognised qualifications and potential government roles. UK Government Security – Beta

Online Platforms Offering Free Cyber Security Courses

FutureLearn – Newcastle University Course

• “Cyber Security: Safety at Home, Online, in Life” is a free 3-week course that explores digital privacy, payment safety, and smart device security in everyday life.

• Delivered by computing experts from Newcastle University.

• Certificate available (likely paid; some trial promotions exist). Reddit+9FutureLearn+9Oxford Home Study College+9

IBM SkillsBuild

• Offers hundreds of free cyber-related learning modules, including cyber essentials, cloud security, and data protection.

• Participants can earn IBM-branded digital credentials widely recognized in tech industries. EC-Council+2Wikipedia+2The Times+2

Institute of Coding – Click Start Programmes

• Funded by Nominet and delivered by institutions like Abertay University.

• Provides free pathways for ex-military personnel and general learners into cyber roles.

• Includes career support and digital job platform access. Institute of CodingWikipedia+1IT Pro+1

Fully Funded Training & Bootcamps

Back2Work Complete Training (Digital Bytesize)

• Offers a free Level 2 Certificate in Principles of Cybersecurity for eligible UK learners.

• Covers industry terminology, legal frameworks, common threats, and entry-level cyber skills.

• Delivered over ~19 days via virtual classrooms, with three industry-accredited certificates. Reddit+7b2wcompletetraining.com+7b2wcompletetraining.com+7

Cyber Security Bootcamp for Unemployed Learners

• A 6-week fully funded government security bootcamp targeting unemployed individuals.

• Covers fundamentals, cloud, networking, incident response, and CV/interview coaching with guaranteed employer interview.

• Requirements: 19+, live in UK, right to work, no active study. Oxford Home Study College+5freetrainingcourses.co.uk+5b2wcompletetraining.com+5

Additional Free Learning Platforms & Resources

Community feedback highlights reliable free platforms for self-directed cybersecurity learning:

• Cybrary

• TryHackMe

• Hack The Box

• Open Security Training

• OWASP Projects
  These platforms offer interactive labs, practical scenarios, and community support. Reddit

Free entry-level credentials such as the ISC2 UK Entry-Level Cybersecurity Cert have been offered to UK citizens—providing free training and exam access for early-career entrants. Reddit+1Reddit+1

Course Comparison

Real Voices & Considerations

Some community members advise caution: a Reddit user reported their Level 3 cybersecurity course felt outdated and didn’t lead to higher-skilled roles, suggesting industry-standard certs like CompTIA Security+ or CYSA+ may be more valuable in the long run. b2wcompletetraining.com+5GOV.UK+5The Times+5Oxford Home Study College+1FutureLearn+1Wikipedia+3UK Government Security – Beta+3IT Pro+3Oxford Home Study College+6UK Government Security – Beta+6Wikipedia+6Wikipedia+1UK Government Security – Beta+1FutureLearnInstitute of Codingb2wcompletetraining.comfreetrainingcourses.co.uk+1wired.com+1UK Government Security – Beta+3Reddit+3Wikipedia+3Reddit

However, free foundational courses and government-backed training remain good entry points—especially for beginners or those testing the field.

How to Choose the Best Free Course

1. Define your goal – awareness, job entry, career switch.

2. Check eligibility especially for funded government programmes.

3. Look for recognised credentials (CPD, Level 2/3 cert, digital badge).

4. Consider time commitment and support—some offer live tutors, others are self-study.

5. Use complementary platforms (like TryHackMe) for hands-on skills.

6. Plan next steps—advance to CompTIA or higher-level apprenticeships for career growth.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re exploring cyber security for personal digital safety or aiming to break into the industry, the UK offers a variety of free cyber security courses to support you—from awareness modules to funded bootcamps and apprenticeship paths. Combine these with independent labs and recognized certification routes to build a successful, future-proof skill set.

Read more: Free IT Certifications for Beginners (USA-Based Guide)