Cyber Security, MSc

CSCM08: Information Security Management | Sept-Jan, Year 1, 15 Credits

This module will address the theory and practice of information security. In particular, it will consider where data comes from, who collects it and what they can do with it. It will further look into theories of monitoring and surveillance, digital identity, legal and regulatory frameworks, data protection, cybercrime, business resilience, disaster recovery, and security audits.

CSCM10: Computer Science Project Research Methods | Jan-June, Year 1, 15 Credits

This module will introduce students to some fundamental research methodologies and good practice in research. They will undertake background research including a literature review and specify the aims of their MSc project.

CSCM13: Critical Systems | Sept-Jan, Year 1 15 Credits

This module introduces techniques for developing critical systems, especially safety critical systems. Students will gain experience in applying modern tools in the development of critical software.

CSCM18: IT Security: Cryptography and Network Security | Sept-Jan, Year 1, 15 Credits

The aim of this course is to examine theoretical and practical aspects of computer and network security.

CSCM28: Security Vulnerabilities and Penetration Testing | Jan-June, Year 1, 15 Credits

The aim of this course is to examine methodological and practical aspects of cyber security threats and analysis techniques.

CSCM88: Network and Wireless Security | Jan-June, Year 1, 15 Credits

Low cost networked computers add eyes and ears (or sensors) and arms, legs and voices (or actuators) to the Internet – called the Internet of Things (IoT) connected smart objects. Networking technologies play a critical role in almost all modern software-based systems, whether the fixed networks of computers, or the growing pervasive devices which have increasingly diverse profiles of network connectivity. As a result, they provide a potential vector for many forms of attack and are an ideal location for many threat mitigations and isolation technologies.

CS-M20: MSc Project | Year 2, 60 Credits

Students starting in September or January will study the same core modules as part of the programme. Dates for January intake to be confirmed.

You will first complete 120 credits from a compulsory set and an optional set of 15-credit modules. Subjects include information security management, critical systems, cryptography, embedded system design, cryptocurrencies and smart contracts. In the second stage of the course you take a 60-credit project module.

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

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

On the course you will be assessed by a combination of written examinations, coursework and a Dissertation.

Some provision

There are opportunities for Welsh speakers to study some elements of this postgraduate course through the medium of Welsh but there is not yet enough provision to reach 40 credits in each year. The Programme Director can outline to you what is available in Welsh.

Academi Hywel Teifi is here to support you throughout your time at Swansea University. We can offer you:

• Access to generous Welsh-language study scholarships or bursaries.
• Access to the Arwain mobile app for the latest information about Welsh-medium courses and modules available to download free on the App Store and Google Play.
• An interview through the medium of Welsh when applying for a place.
• Personal correspondence in Welsh, English or bilingually.
• The option to create and submit your coursework or sit exams through the medium of Welsh (even if you have chosen to study in English), and your work will be assessed in Welsh.
• A Welsh-speaking Academic Mentor.
• One-to-one support to improve your academic Welsh language skills.
• An opportunity to gain an additional free qualification that serves as evidence of your Welsh language ability for future employers.
• Membership of the Swansea University Branch of the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.

Visit the Welsh Language Rights webpage for further information about Students' Welsh Language Rights.

Continuing to study through the medium of Welsh will be:

• a natural step for you if you have studied through the medium of Welsh at undergraduate level.
• a way of maximizing your chances of getting the best education.
• a way of receiving a high level of support as the study groups are smaller.
• a valuable addition to your CV and career development.

You will join our Computer Science community, bring taught by world-leading lecturers who are all passionate about their research working towards the United Nations Sustainable Goals to shape the world for the better. Our research areas include Crypto currencies, data security, cyberterrorism and Future interaction technologies.

• Professor Arnold Beckmann Head of Department
• Dr Xiuyi Fan PGT Admissions Tutor
• Dr Arno Pauly PGR Admissions Tutor

See all our Computer Science staff

Tuition fees for years of study after your first year are subject to an increase of 3%.

You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

International students and part-time study: It may be possible for some students to study part-time under the Student Visa route. However, this is dependent on factors relating to the course and your individual situation. It may also be possible to study with us if you are already in the UK under a different visa category (e.g. Tier 1 or 2, PBS Dependant, ILR etc.). Please visit the University information on Visas and Immigration for further guidance and support.

Current students: You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study.

If you're a UK or EU student starting a master’s degree at Swansea University, you may be eligible to apply for Government funding to help towards the cost of your studies. To find out more, please visit our postgraduate loans page.

To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

Academi Hywel Teifi at Swansea University and the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol offer a number of generous scholarships and bursaries for students who wish to study through the medium of Welsh or bilingually. For further information about the opportunities available to you, visit the Academi Hywel Teifi Scholarships and Bursaries page.

To find out about scholarships, loans and other funding opportunities, please visit our Postgraduate Scholarships page

Access to your own digital device/the appropriate IT kit will be essential during your time studying at Swansea University. Access to wifi in your accommodation will also be essential to allow you to fully engage with your programme. See our dedicated webpages for further guidance on suitable devices to purchase, and for a full guide on getting your device set up.

You may face additional costs while at university, including (but not limited to):

• Travel to and from campus
• Printing, photocopying, binding, stationery and equipment costs (e.g. USB sticks)
• Purchase of books or texts
• Gowns for graduation ceremonies

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

As well as subject specific support by college teaching staff and your personal academic mentor, the Centre for Academic Success provides courses, workshops and one-to-one support in areas such as:

• Academic writing
• Maths and statistics
• Critical thinking
• Time management
• Digital skills
• Presentation skills
• Note taking
• Revision, memory and exam techniques
• English language skills (if English is not your first language).

In addition, if you have a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD), disability, mental health or medical condition, the Centre for Academic Success have Specialist Tutors to support your learning, working alongside the Disability Office and Wellbeing Service to support all your needs and requirements whilst studying at Swansea University.

Our lecturers operate an ‘open door’ policy so you can chat with them about any concerns you may be having. These do not have to be just course related; our academic staff are there to help you with anything at all during your time in Swansea.

Each course has a student rep. They are there to make sure that every student voice is heard. Their role is to listen and feedback on your opinions, attend regular meetings and make sure that the people who can make changes listen to the people who really matter - you!

We offer both academic mentoring and peer mentoring. Our Peer mentoring scheme is in place to help new students settle into university life here at Swansea. You will get a chance to talk to your mentor who can tell you about their experiences as a student and also chat about student life. The peer mentoring scheme is a great way to meet students and widen your friendship circle while at Swansea.

You can also get help with personal issues from our wide range of student support such as CampusLife, Inclusive Student Support Services and The Centre for Academic Success.

Apply now – UK, EU and international students.

For further guidance please visit our how to apply pages.

EU students - visa and immigration information is available and will be regularly updated on our information for EU students page.