Cyber Security, MSc

Accredited by National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC)

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100% world-leading and internationally excellent ratings for research impact

Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021

Key Course Details

MSc 1 Year Full Time

Mode of Study: Campus Based
Typical Offer (view equivalents): 2:2
Location: Bay Campus

Start Date	Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2024	£ 10,150

MSc 2 Year Part Time

Mode of Study: Campus Based
Typical Offer (view equivalents): 2:2
Location: Bay Campus

Start Date	Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2024	£ 5,100

MSc 3 Year Part Time

Mode of Study: Campus Based
Typical Offer (view equivalents): 2:2
Location: Bay Campus

Start Date	Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2024	£ 3,400

MSc 1 Year Full Time

Mode of Study: Campus Based
Typical Offer: 2:2 - More Information
Location: Bay Campus

Start Date	Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2024	£ 21,950

MSc 2 Year Part Time

Mode of Study: Campus Based
Typical Offer: 2:2 - More Information
Location: Bay Campus

Start Date	Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2024	£ 11,000

MSc 3 Year Part Time

Mode of Study: Campus Based
Typical Offer: 2:2 - More Information
Location: Bay Campus

Start Date	Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2024	£ 7,300

Accredited by National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC)

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.

Our course is the first in Wales to be fully and completely certified by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).

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 £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.

Did you know?

Computer Science at Swansea University is widely acknowledged as a leading UK department, with rankings reflecting teaching and research excellence.

Top 201-250 in the world (THE World University Rankings 2024)
Top 201-250 in the World for Computer Science and Information Systems (QS World University Rankings 2023)
100% world-leading and internationally excellent ratings for research impact - Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
90% of our research is world-leading and internationally excellent - Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021

Your learning will be shaped by inspirational and internationally-renowned academics including Professor Matt Jones, whose passion is empowering rural digital communities in the developing world and in the UK.

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 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

Modules

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 7T)

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters / PGDip / PGCert

Students choose 120 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Information Security Management	September-January	15	CSCM08
Critical Systems	September-January	15	CSCM13
IT-Security: Cryptography and Network Security	September-January	15	CSCM18
Computer Science Project Research Methods	January-June	15	CSCM10
Security Vulnerabilities and Penetration Testing	January-June	15	CSCM28
Blockchain, Cryptocurrencies and Smart Contracts	January-June	15	CSCM29
Network and Wireless Security	January-June	15	CSCM88

Optional Modules

Semester 1 Options

Choose Exactly 15 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Graduates from our BSc programmes in Computer Science at Swansea University are usually not allowed to take modules of which they have already taken the level 3 version. The department aims to offer sufficient modules to allow a balanced choice of optional modules. In case of queries regarding the required modules for your scheme, please contact the course coordinator for the respective scheme.

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Embedded Systems Security	September-January	15	CSCM68
Modelling and Verification Techniques	September-January	15	CSCM85

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters Dissertation

Compulsory Modules

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

MSc 2 Year Part-time

Year 1 (Level 7T)

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters / PGDip / PGCert

Students choose 60 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Information Security Management	September-January	15	CSCM08
IT-Security: Cryptography and Network Security	September-January	15	CSCM18
Security Vulnerabilities and Penetration Testing	January-June	15	CSCM28

Optional Modules

Optional Module

Choose Exactly 15 credits from the following Modules:

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Blockchain, Cryptocurrencies and Smart Contracts	January-June	15	CSCM29
Advanced Topics: Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security	January-June	15	CSCM38

Year 2 (Level 7T)

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters / PGDip / PGCert

Students choose 120 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
		60	CS-M20
Critical Systems	September-January	15	CSCM13
Computer Science Project Research Methods	January-June	15	CSCM10
Network and Wireless Security	January-June	15	CSCM88

Optional Modules

Optional Module

Choose Exactly 15 credits from the following Modules:

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Designing-in Trust, Understanding and Negotiation	September-January	15	CSCM23
Web Application Development	September-January	15	CSCM48
Modelling and Verification Techniques	September-January	15	CSCM85

MSc 3 Year Part-time

Year 1 (Level 7T)

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters / PGDip / PGCert

Students choose 60 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Information Security Management	September-January	15	CSCM08
IT-Security: Cryptography and Network Security	September-January	15	CSCM18
Security Vulnerabilities and Penetration Testing	January-June	15	CSCM28

Optional Modules

Optional Module

Choose Exactly 15 credits from the following Modules:

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code	Guidance
Blockchain, Cryptocurrencies and Smart Contracts	January-June	15	CSCM29
Advanced Topics: Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security	January-June	15	CSCM38

Year 2 (Level 7T)

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters / PGDip / PGCert

Students choose 60 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Critical Systems	September-January	15	CSCM13
Computer Science Project Research Methods	January-June	15	CSCM10
Network and Wireless Security	January-June	15	CSCM88

Optional Modules

Optional Module

Choose Exactly 15 credits from the following Modules:

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
Designing-in Trust, Understanding and Negotiation	September-January	15	CSCM23
Web Application Development	September-January	15	CSCM48
Modelling and Verification Techniques	September-January	15	CSCM85

Year 3 (Level 7D)

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters Dissertation

Compulsory Modules

Module Name	Module Duration	Credits	Module Code
		60	CS-M20

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

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 Personal Tutor.
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.

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.

Head of Department: Professor Xianghua Xie
Deputy Head of Department: Dr Monika Seisenberger
Coordinator: Dr Pardeep Kumar

See all our Computer Science staff

Tuition Fees

MSc 1 Year Full Time

Start Date	UK	International
September 2023	£ 9,650	£ 20,900
September 2024	£ 10,150	£ 21,950

MSc 2 Year Part Time

Start Date	UK	International
September 2023	£ 4,850	£ 10,450
September 2024	£ 5,100	£ 11,000

MSc 3 Year Part Time

Start Date	UK	International
September 2023	£ 3,250	£ 7,000
September 2024	£ 3,400	£ 7,300

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.

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

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

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 tutor, 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.

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

Application Deadlines

We recommend that you submit your application to our courses as early as you can in advance of our application deadlines. Courses will close earlier than the application deadlines listed if all available places are filled. You can find further information on our Application Deadlines webpage.