About the course
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.
The BSc (Hons) Applied Cyber Security degree is a practical 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 course is part of the National Cyber Security Academy, which brings the University, Welsh Government and industry experts together to tackle the skills gap and create experts who can fight against cybercrime.
USW was named Cyber University of the Year at the National Cyber Awards 2019.
What you will study
USW's Applied Cyber Security degree has three main themes: secure systems, 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, 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.
Year One: Applied Cyber Security degree
- Essentials of Professional Skills in Cyber Security and Governance - 40 credits
- Cyber Security Tools and Practices - 40 credits
- Secure Server Configuration and Networks - 40 credits
Year Two: Applied Cyber Security degree
- Digital Crime Scene Management - 40 credits
- Secure Systems - 40 credits
- Strategic Corporate Governance, Compliance and Cyber Risks - 40 credits
Year Three: Applied Cyber Security degree
- Advanced Digital Forensic Techniques - 40 credits (optional)
- Advanced Systems Security - 40 credits (optional)
- Incident Management: Assessment and Response - 20 credits
- Final Individual Cyber Project - 60 credits
Teaching
Students on our Applied Cyber Security degree will study at the Newport City Campus and will have their own computer and dedicated workspace. You will also have mentors from the industry and the University who will support and guide you.
By working directly on ‘live briefs’ from industry in a sandbox environment, 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.
Assessment
Assessment is entirely project-based.
Course details
Placements
Companies currently involved in the cyber security course include Airbus, General Dynamics, Alert Logic, Information Assurance, QinetiQ, Silcox Information Security, Westgate Cyber Security, and Wolfberry Cyber Security.
Facilities
Students will have access to the extensive facilities at Newport City Campus. All students will study within a workplace environment that replicates working within cyber security.
Entry requirements
The entry criteria below shows the qualification range within which the University will make offers. Most offers we make are at the top of the range, but we take all aspects of an application into consideration and applicants receive a personalised offer. Combinations of qualifications are acceptable and other qualifications not listed here may also be acceptable.
Typical A-Level Offer
BCC - CDD (this is equivalent to 104-80 UCAS tariff points).
Typical Welsh BACC Offer
Pass the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Diploma with Grade C/D in the Skills Challenge Certificate and BC - CD at A Level (this is equivalent to 104-80 UCAS tariff points).
Typical BTEC Offer
BTEC Extended Diploma Distinction Merit Merit - Merit Merit Pass (this is equivalent to 112-80 UCAS tariff points).
Typical IB Offer
Pass the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 29 overall including 5 or above in English at standard level
Typical Access to HE Offer
Pass the Access to HE Diploma and obtain a minimum of 80 UCAS tariff points
Additional Requirements
The University normally requires a minimum 5 GCSEs including Mathematics/Numeracy and English at Grade C or Grade 4 or above, or their equivalent, but consideration is given to individual circumstances.
Careers
Graduate prospects in cyber security are very strong. Cyber security is one of the major challenges of the 21st century, but there is a shortage of experts. Researchers estimate that 4.5 million cyber experts will be needed by 2019 to meet the growing threat from security attacks. The skills and work ethos you will develop during this specialist cyber degree will make you highly employable and ready to begin a career as a cyber security professional.
Our Careers and Employability Service
As a USW student, you will have access to advice from the Careers and Employability Service throughout your studies and after you graduate.
This includes: one-to-one appointments from faculty based Career Advisers, in person, over the phone or even on Skype and through email via the "Ask a Question" service. We also have extensive online resources for help with considering your career options and presenting yourself well to employers. Resources include psychometric tests, career assessments, a CV builder, interview simulator and application help. Our employer database has over 2,000 registered employers targeting USW students, you can receive weekly email alerts for jobs.
Our Careers service has dedicated teams: A central work experience team to help you find relevant placements; an employability development team which includes an employability programme called Grad Edge; and an Enterprise team focused on new business ideas and entrepreneurship.