Prodigy Learning and Minecraft Education introduce new cyber security credential for students

Prodigy Learning, an Ireland-based education technology company, has announced the launch of its new ‘Cyber in Minecraft’ credential programme in partnership with Minecraft Education.  

The programme is designed to teach cybersecurity skills to students through the Minecraft platform. This product marks the first release under the partnership announced earlier this year between the two organisations, which aims to integrate game-based learning with industry-recognised credentials.

A recent survey by Cyber.org found that 75% of educators say their students show a medium to high interest in cybersecurity careers. To address this interest and provide an entry point for learning, ‘Cyber in Minecraft’ engages students in cybersecurity education using the Minecraft platform. 

The curriculum consists of three units covering digital citizenship, networking, and security. At the end of the course, students take a capstone exam, and those who pass receive a Cyber in Minecraft certificate and a digital badge.

Andrew Flood, Chief Executive Officer of Prodigy Learning, commented: 

"Building on our partnership announcement earlier this year, we are delighted to introduce Cyber in Minecraft, in collaboration with Minecraft Education. Cybersecurity is a critical area for skills development worldwide. To thrive in this age of AI, every student needs the opportunity to learn cybersecurity concepts. What better way to empower students to develop and prove their cybersecurity skills than through game-based fun in Minecraft Education?”

Alongside helping students build cybersecurity knowledge, the ‘Cyber in Minecraft’ credential programme aims to open career pathways in the growing cybersecurity sector. The programme comes at a time when demand for professionals in cybersecurity, AI, and machine learning continues to increase.

Allison Matthews, Head of Minecraft Education at Microsoft, added:

"The new Cyber in Minecraft course combines Minecraft Education’s powerful game-based learning platform with Prodigy Learning’s credentialling expertise, and will equip students with essential skills like computational thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving. Cyber in Minecraft engages learners in an immersive cybersecurity curriculum and rewards their learning with credentials, preparing them for future careers in this critical field."

Prodigy Learning and Minecraft Education are planning future product developments to expand the range of subjects covered by game-based credentials.