Applied Cyber Security

Attacks on computer systems and technology are increasing, making cyber security a growing discipline. With a shortage of experts to deal with the threat, graduates with the right skills are likely to be in high demand.

This is a practical Cyber Security course where you will work with industry to become a highly skilled graduate. Through projects and study, you will learn how to keep computer systems free of interference and find solutions to real-life problems. You will work directly on 'live briefs' from industry, so your training will stay relevant and address current issues and topics. This hands-on approach will also enable you to gain industry contacts and understand what will be expected of you in the workplace when you graduate.

This Cyber Security degree is part of the National Cyber Security Academy, which brings theUniversity, Welsh Government and industry experts together to tackle the skills gap and create experts who can fight against cybercrime. USW's Cyber Security degree has three main themes: penetration testing, digital forensics, and governance. During the first year, you will study all three topics, then you can specialise in one of these fields as you progress through your studies.

You will study in our Secure Operations Centre, based in Newport, which is equipped with specialist cyber security software and facilities. You will also have mentors from the industry and the University who will support and guide you. This workplace environment emulates what it's like to work in cyber security, so it differs from traditional classroom-based teaching. Given this nature of the degree, assessments are entirely project-based.

This Cyber Security course is based at our Newport Campus. Right at the heart of the city, overlooking the River Usk, is one of the University’s most iconic buildings and it couldn’t be in a better location to embrace city life in Newport. Plus, the Halls of Residence are just a few minutes’ walk away, so you won’t have to get up too early for your early morning lectures!

Around half your assignments are ‘live briefs’ set by cyber security experts based on current problems within the sector. This means much of your 12-16 hours of weekly study time is hands-on ‘at the keyboard’, and you get a real taste of life working as a cyber security professional. Given the dynamic nature of cyber security, formal exams are minimal. You’ll be assessed through a mixture of academic evidence-based research and practical project-based evaluations.

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• BCS - The Chartered Institute for IT