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 Theory Lab, a Cyber Security/Networking Lab, a User Lab and a Visualisation Suite.

The cybersecurity 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 cybersecurity.

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]
14^th 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 is 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

Discover your University

Take a Virtual Tour

Welsh Medium Study

Modules

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.

MSc 1 Year Full-time

Year 1 (Level 7 PGT)

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters / PGDip / PGCert

Students choose 120 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules

Module Code	Semester	Credits	Module Name
CSCM13	Period September-January	15	Critical Systems
CSCM18	Period September-January	15	IT-Security: Cryptography and Network Security
CSCM08	Period January-June	15	Information Security Management
CSCM10	Period January-June	15	Computer Science Project Research Methods
CSCM28	Period January-June	15	Security Vulnerabilities and Penetration Testing

Optional Modules

Cyber Security Optionals

Choose Exactly 45 credits from the following Modules:

Module Code	Semester	Credits	Module Name
CSCM38	TB1	15	Advanced Topics: Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security
CSCM48	TB1	15	Web Application Development
CSC409	TB1+2	15	Invention and Innovation in Computing
CSCM23	TB2	15	Designing-in Trust, Understanding and Negotiation
CSCM29	TB2	15	Blockchain, Cryptocurrencies and Smart Contracts
CSCM68	TB2	15	Embedded System Design
CSCM85	TB2	15	Modelling and Verification Techniques
CSCM88	TB2	15	Network and Wireless Security

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters Dissertation

Compulsory Modules

Module Code	Semester	Credits	Module Name
CS-M20	Period September-June	60	MSc Project

MSc 1 Year Full-time - January

Year 1 (Level 7 PGT)

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters / PGDip / PGCert

Students choose 180 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules

Module Code	Semester	Credits	Module Name
CSCM13	Period September-January	15	Critical Systems
CSCM18	Period September-January	15	IT-Security: Cryptography and Network Security
CS-M20	Period September-June	60	MSc Project
CSCM08	Period January-June	15	Information Security Management
CSCM28	Period January-June	15	Security Vulnerabilities and Penetration Testing
CSCM10J	Academic Year	15	Computer Science Project Research Methods

Optional Modules

Cyber Security Optionals

Choose Exactly 45 credits from the following Modules:

Module Code	Semester	Credits	Module Name
CSCM38	TB1	15	Advanced Topics: Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security
CSCM48	TB1	15	Web Application Development
CSC409	TB1+2	15	Invention and Innovation in Computing
CSCM23	TB2	15	Designing-in Trust, Understanding and Negotiation
CSCM29	TB2	15	Blockchain, Cryptocurrencies and Smart Contracts
CSCM68	TB2	15	Embedded System Design
CSCM85	TB2	15	Modelling and Verification Techniques
CSCM88	TB2	15	Network and Wireless Security

Entry Requirements

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.

How You're Taught

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

Welsh Provision

If you are a Welsh speaker our dedicated academy, Academi Hywel Teifi, is here to support you throughout your time at Swansea University. We offer you:

An interview through the medium of Welsh when applying for a place.
The option to receive your personal correspondence in Welsh - we will then communicate with you in your language of choice.
The option to write and submit your coursework or exams through the medium of Welsh (even if you have chosen to study in English), and every effort will be made to mark your work in its original language.
A Welsh-speaking personal tutor.
One-to-one support to improve your academic Welsh language skills.

Since 2011, there has been a 40% increase in the number of students studying through the medium of Welsh at Swansea University and our TEF* data over the last two years shows that Welsh-medium students are high achievers in regards to employability (*Swansea University TEF return 2017 and 2018).

Meet Your Lecturers

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

Annual tuition fees for entry in the academic year 2020/21 are as follows:

		UK/EU	International
MSc	Full Time	£ 8,700	£ 18,000
MSc	Part Time	£ 4,350	£ 9,000
MSc	Part Time	£ 2,900	£ 6,000

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 is now possible for some students to study part-time under the Tier 4 visa route. 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. 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.

Funding and Scholarships

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

Additional Costs

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

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

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

Academic Support

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.

How to Apply

Apply now – UK, EU and international students.

For further guidance please visit our how to apply pages.

Cyber Security, MSc

We teach you to think in the future – not just what’s relevant right now.

Key Course Details

Course Overview

Why Cyber Security at Swansea?

Your Cyber Security Experience

Cyber Security Employment Opportunities

Discover your University

Take a Virtual Tour

Welsh Medium Study

MSc 1 Year Full-time

Year 1 (Level 7 PGT)

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters / PGDip / PGCert

Compulsory Modules

Optional Modules

Cyber Security Optionals

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters Dissertation

Compulsory Modules

MSc 1 Year Full-time - January

Year 1 (Level 7 PGT)

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters / PGDip / PGCert

Compulsory Modules

Optional Modules

Cyber Security Optionals

Cyber Security at Swansea

Pre-sessional Courses