Advanced Cyber Security Master's Degree - MSc/PgD/PgC

The degree programme is comprised of 7 compulsory modules and a Dissertation project to develop your specific interests and expertise. All taught modules are 20 credits, unless specified.

Information Security - Risks, Threat and Attacks (20 Credits)
This module provides an insight into the implementation of data security in computer systems and aims to encourage students to appreciate the practical and theoretical management principles associated with information security.

Human Centred Security (20 credits)
This module provides an insight into usable security, social & behavioural factors impacting security, security culture and awareness, as well as the impact of security controls on user behaviours.

Forensics (20 credits)
This module explores computer forensics with specific focus on definitions, conceptual models, operating system and artifact analysis, main memory, application and cloud forensics.

Secure Systems and Software (20 credits)
This module provides detailed insights into privacy and security of systems & software, and approaches for designing secure systems & software using traditional and emerging secure SDLCs.

Network Security (20 credits)
This module explores Internet architecture, network protocols and vulnerabilities, network defence tools, wireless LAN, security, and Advanced network security topics including SDN, IoT.

Applied Cryptography (20 credits)
This module covers in-depth topics such applied cryptographic schemes, symmetric and asymmetric cryptography, cryptographic security models, and standard and advanced protocols.

Research & Professional Practice (20 credits)
The aim of this module is to equip the student with the skills, knowledge and techniques necessary to produce a dissertation with a research or technical focus. The module will be assessed through a written research proposal which can then be used as the basis for the dissertation.

Cyber Security Dissertation (40 credits)
The aim of the technology project is for the student to apply knowledge, skills and techniques developed during directed and independent study to solve a real-world computer security related project. The computer security project may take the form of an in-depth research project or the development of a computer security system. In either case, the module enables the student to advance their knowledge and understanding of real-world development projects and research through independent learning and critical evaluation.

To obtain an MSc degree, you must follow and successfully complete a total of 180 credits. PgC (60 credits) and PgD (120 credits) may be awarded as standalone or exit awards.

Our academic staff lead engaging lectures, workshops, and lab sessions, fostering a dynamic learning environment that encourages innovation and critical thinking. Your Programme Director provides further pastoral and academic support, guiding students through their studies and signposting to other services such as career development. Additionally, our wider student support teams – including wellbeing services and technical staff – are on hand to offer comprehensive assistance, ensuring students have the resources and support needed to thrive.

The assessment strategy for the programme varies to ensure the most appropriate method for each specific module and subject area. Assessments take the form of individual or group coursework, research-based assignments, practical assessments, presentations, reports, class tests and a dissertation/development project.

Detailed, specific and timely feedback will be given to each students work according to the Cardiff Met guidelines.

The specialist knowledge you will acquire through the course will place you in a strong position to pursue a wide range of careers involving the analysis of risk, including computer incident analyst, cyber security analyst, information security consultant and managerial roles in industry. The programme also gives you a range of computing skills that could be widely applied to any role within the fields of data science and computing.

You will be able to start careers in more technical roles such as ethical hacker or security incident handler, as well as management roles such as risk assessor, information security policy developer, data protection officer and compliance officer.

Students who are interested in further education can join research degrees such as MPhil/PhD/ProfDoc within the vibrant Cardiff Met research community.

Applicants should meet one of the following:

• Possess, or expect to obtain, an undergraduate degree or equivalent, in a relevant area with a minimum of a 2:2 classification;
• Hold a suitable professional qualification from an appropriate professional body.

Equivalence shall be determined by:

• International Admissions Team for applicants from outside the United Kingdom.
• The Programme Director for applicants who present professional qualifications such as from the BCS. Such an applicant would be interviewed by the Programme Director to establish suitability.

Prior work experience in the related field can possibly compensate the Honours degree 2:2 requirement.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should refer to English Language Requirements​ to confirm the level and evidence of fluency required for entry to the programme.

Students with extant level 7 qualifications wishing to enter the course may apply on the basis of RPL for admission with Credit. In such cases the regulations detailed in the Academic Handbook will apply and allows for a maximum RPL of 120 credits on a Master’s programme. In this case the remaining 60 credits would consist of the research methods module and the dissertation.

The admissions process is controlled by Cardiff Metropolitan University’s centralised admissions team in consultation with the Programme Director.

All applications from International students will be subject to an initial assessment of academic qualifications, English Language proficiency and overall suitability for the programme by the International Admissions Teams. However, the final decision remains the responsibility of the Programme Director.

Selection Procedure:

Selection for this course is through an application form and where necessary an interview.

How to Apply:

Applications for this course should be made direct to the University via our self-service facility. For further information please visit our How to Apply pages at www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/howtoapply.

Tuition Fees and Financial Support:

For up to date information on tuition fees and the financial support that may be available. Please refer to www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/fees.

Part-time fees:

Charges are per Single Module unless specified:
Undergraduate = 10 Credits; Postgraduate = 20 Credits

Generally we find most students will complete 60 credits per year for both Undergraduate and Postgraduate study; to obtain a true costing please clarify this by contacting the Programme Director directly.

For general enquiries please contact the Student Recruitment Team on 029 2041 6044 or email askadmissions@cardiffmet.ac.uk.

For course specific enquiries, please contact the Programme Director, Liqaa Nawaf: LLLNawaf@cardiffmet.ac.uk.