MSc in Cyber Security

Course Overview

The MSc in Cyber Security covers critical modern technology issues from the security and privacy of personal data to cyberterrorism, cybercrime and mobile security.

In this branch of Computer Science at Swansea, a holistic and interdisciplinary approach brings together modules on penetration testing, formal modelling, information security management, cryptography and artificial intelligence.

Our brand new £32.5m Computational Foundry lies at the heart of this course. Sophisticated teaching and research equipment include a Vision and Biometric Lab, a Maker Lab, a TechHealth Lab, a Theory Lab, a Cyber Security/Networking Lab, a User Lab and a Visualisation Suite.

The cyber security lab enables you to explore the security landscape, undertake experiments in network security, mobile security, and investigate threats in the context of the Internet of Things.

You will complete this course with an informed and alert mindset suitable for a career in cyber security.

Why Cyber Security at Swansea?

Computer Science at Swansea University is widely acknowledged as a leading UK department, with a raft of impressive rankings reflecting teaching and research excellence. The College is ranked:

• 8th in the UK overall [Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019]
• In the UK Top 20 for Research Excellence [Research Excellence Framework 2014]
• 14th in the UK for research [Times and Sunday Times University Guide 2019]
• UK University of the Year Runner-up and Welsh University of the Year [Times and Sunday Times University Guide 2019]

Computer Science and Engineering at Swansea is world-ranked 401-500 in the 2017 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS).

Your Cyber Security Experience

You will first undertake a series of 15-credit modules, a number of which will be compulsory and others you will choose. The next stage of the MSc is shaped by a 60-credit project module.

Over the course of this degree, you will be taught by staff from internationally renowned research groups. Their knowledge of constant developments in computer science helps to keep your learning fresh and relevant to the wider industry.

After the taught stage of the MSc, a further four months are spent on a substantial cyber security research project. This involves cutting edge techniques for specifying, developing, verifying and accessing systems against security criteria. You will benefit from our range of industrial partners and world-leading research expertise.

Our commitment to keeping up with the technological curve is reflected in the hardware you will be working with every day. Laboratories at Swansea are continually upgraded to ensure equipment is never more than three years old, and rarely more than two.

The new Computational Foundry on our Bay Campus is the nucleus of a vibrant community for world-class research leaders in computer science.

Cyber Security Employment Opportunities

Completing this MSc will considerably enhance your cyber security career prospects. Your future pathway might include any of the following.

• Cyber threat analyst
• Penetration tester
• PhD researcher
• Data security analyst
• Secure web developer
• Verification engineer

Entry Requirements

A 2:2 honours degree (or above) in Computer Science or another relevant discipline.

IELTS 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each component) or equivalent English test.

Careers and Employability

Careers and Employability Swansea Employability Academy (SEA) will support you at each stage of your career journey helping you build a bright future.

Our career support services include:

• Employability workshops, employers’ talks, bespoke events and careers fairs
• Individual advice and guidance from professionally qualified Careers Advisers
• Help with finding jobs, internships, work placements and volunteering opportunities
• Access to information resources on a wide range of career management topics
• Funding to support student internship opportunities and Student Society/Club events.

We also provide help and advice for Swansea University Alumni up to two years after you graduate.

Completing this MSc will considerably enhance your computer science career prospects. Our graduates often progress to rewarding employment in the field of computer science with a well-respected employer. Below are a number of recent destinations.

• Software engineer, Motorola Solutions
• Change coordinator, Logica
• Software developer/engineer, NS Technology
• Workflow developer, Irwin Mitchell
• IT developer, Crimsan Consultants
• Programmer, Evil Twin Artworks
• Web developer & web support, VSI Thinking
• Software developer, Wireless Innovations
• Associate business application analyst, CDC Software
• Software developer, OpenBet Technologies
• Technical support consultant, Alterian
• Programming, Rock It
• Software developer, BMJ Group