MSc Applied Cyber Security
With the increasing sophistication of threats to the cyber landscape coupled with the rapid increase in attempts to disrupt our critical systems and gain commercial and personal data, there is an ever-increasing demand for high skilled cyber security graduates to defend individuals and organisations from a diverse range of cybercrimes.
If you are a graduate looking to further strengthen their skill set and knowledge or employed and looking to improve your career prospects or upskill. The MSc Applied Cyber Security course will equip you with the latest knowledge and understanding of the cyber threats associated with the use of technology in business and how best to deal with them.
Through a range of learning experiences, you will gain the knowledge of how to keep computer systems free of interference by testing and evaluating them for vulnerabilities and forensically examining the evidential data they provide, to find solutions to real-life problems.
The course is part of the National Cyber Security Academy, which brings the University, Welsh Government and industry experts together to tackle the skills gap and create experts who can fight against cybercrime. USW has been named Cyber University of the Year for three consecutive years at the National Cyber Awards, and we are one of only 8 Universities in the UK to be awarded Gold by the National Cyber Security Centre as an Academic Centre of Excellence.
You will cover both the technical and management/governance areas required to operate in the cyber security profession, allowing you to enhance your existing skills and develop a range of key transferable skills valued by employers in both the public and private sectors. You will also benefit from being taught by staff who are at the forefront of their subject area.
You will study the following modules:
- Advanced Security Techniques and Concepts - 20 credits
- Applied Artificial Intelligence in Cyber Security- 20 credits
- Advanced Digital Forensic Techniques - 20 credits
- Security Management and Incident Response - 20 credits
- Legislation, Risk and Governance in Cyber Security - 20 credits
- Mobile Device Forensics - 20 credits
- MSc Dissertation - 60 credits
Assessment
You will need to spend a significant amount of time working independently, reading and preparing for assessments. While the style of coursework may vary, research-style papers or essays of around 4,000 words in length are typical. You will also work on a significant research project and a major project of your choice, where strong independent thinking, critical analysis and project management skills will be important.
Facilities
We offer cutting edge facilities which means you will be learning in specialist Cyber Security labs. Practical learning will also be undertaken in our Digital Forensics lab, which is a computer forensic facility, typical of those used by law enforcement agencies to analyse digital files and media for use as evidence in legal proceedings. You'll also study in our Secure Operations Centre (SOC). which has been designed to emulate the workplace and we are one of only a few Universities to offer this industry standard facility.
This ‘workplace learning environment’ emulates what it's like to work in cyber security. As such it differs from traditional lecture driven learning. Given this nature of the degree, there are no formal time restricted exams and assessments are a mix of academic evidence-based research and practical project-based assessments
Career opportunities for those with a cyber security qualification continue to grow with many roles offering an interesting, challenging and rewarding environment to work in. From implementing security policies and managing protective measures in network systems, to advising organisations on how to reduce risks and their vulnerability, there are a variety of opportunities throughout the computer industry.
Typical roles commonly associated with cyber security include information security and risk analysts, IT security managers and network security consultants. Graduates could also consider a computing research degree or computing PhD.
Entry EquipmentThis course is designed for graduates with a minimum 2:2 Honours degree or equivalent. Entrants should normally be graduates in a computing or related area and have very good IT skills.
The course welcomes international applicants and requires an English level of IELTS 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component or equivalent.
Find out more about what entry requirements we ask for from your country or region by visiting our international.
*Scholarship Available for 2023 January Intake students up to 2500 pounds*
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