Naming a programme matters more than you think

The chart clearly shows that programme naming has a measurable impact on student interest, even when the subject area is essentially the same.

Master’s programmes on Studyportals labelled “Computer Science with Cyber Security” attract significantly more pageviews per programme (511) than those titled “Cyber Security” (337) or “Cybersecurity” (188).

This insight, from our Portfolio Development Dashboard, highlights why programme names should reflect what prospective students are actively searching for and how similar programmes already perform in the market.

Small differences in wording can lead to very different levels of visibility and demand, making keyword choice a demand-driving decision rather than a purely academic one.