Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) is working with Cardiff University to provide fully funded places on their MSc Cyber Security and Technology for female students to attract more women into cyber.
As well as practical training and hands-on masterclasses led by Cardiff University and PwC, students have access to mentoring and networking opportunities through Wales Women in Cyber, a network founded in 2018 to increase the visibility of women in cybersecurity.
According to recent research by Department of Science, Innovation, and Technology, the share of women in cybersecurity roles has decreased to 17% in 2024 – down from 24% in 2021. With UK businesses facing growing cybersecurity skills shortages, breaking down barriers into the industry is crucial to closing the skills gap. By providing fully funded programme placements, CCR is widening access to the industry for underrepresented groups and delivering a diverse talent pool to our region’s cyber businesses.
Dr Yulia Cherdantseva, Director of Cardiff University’s Centre for Cyber Security Education and Digital Transformation Innovation Institute, explains:
“Since 2021, Cardiff Capital Region has been actively supporting the growth and diversification of a highly skilled cybersecurity workforce by offering funding to 50 talented students from Cardiff Capital Region, from low-income families and from groups underrepresented in cyber security. In 2025, via the Shared Prosperity Fund – jointly offered by the UK Government and Cardiff Capital Region – we were able to offer funded places to five female students on Master’s programmes in Cyber Security and Cyber Security & Technology at the School of Computer Science & Informatics at Cardiff University.
“This funding is invested in nurturing all-rounded future leaders for the cyber security and tech sectors in Wales. With multiple success stories from our graduates from the previous three cohorts, I am confident that we will see more of CCR-funded graduates in leadership roles in cyber security in the future and that a fair proportion of these future leaders will be women.”
Jay Woolcock, MSc Cyber Security and Technology student, said:
“I am incredibly grateful to be a recipient of this funding, which has not only enabled me to further my education but has also provided me the opportunity to connect with incredible women in the industry at various events, which has been an inspiring and invaluable experience.
“It’s great to see there’s such a strong and welcoming community of women in cyber! I’m very excited to play a role in making this field more inclusive and accessible for future generations.”
MSc Cyber Security student Aisha Abdirizaq added:
“It’s inspiring to be part of an initiative that bridges the gender gap while providing a supportive learning environment. With CCR’s support, this program has empowered me to break barriers, grow professionally and shape my journey in the field.”
