Kickstart your career with expert cyber security education working on real-world cyber security projects while gaining hugely valuable skills and experience, with the added opportunity to undertake specialist certification.

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Start Date

September 2027

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International students: £17,600*

In this section

* Overview

* Course Content

* Teaching and Assessment

* Career Prospects

* Entry and Fees

How to apply Book an Open Day

## Course Overview

With increasing disruption to our critical systems and personal data, we need highly skilled cyber security graduates now more than ever.

This course is designed for those with a keen interest in cyber security, penetration testing, digital crime investigation, cyber governance, risk and compliance, and incident response.

### Accreditations

Image: BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT

We’re accredited by the BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT

## Why study this course?

### Real-world experience

Gain real-world experience working with South Wales Police Digital Forensics Unit, Bridewell, Airbus, The Royal Mint, Thales and more.

### Unparalleled facilities

Train in specialised labs with industry-leading tools like Kali Linux and VMWare. Investigate cyber crime in our ‘crime scene house’.

### Award winning

We’ve been Cyber Security University of the Year for four years running at the UK’s National Cyber Security Awards.

### Centre of Excellence

USW is a Gold Standard Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security, awarded by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) – a part of GCHQ.

## What you'll study

[Button: Year One][Button: Year Two][Button: Year Three]

Learn the fundamentals of the latest cyber security tools, systems, practices and legislation.

Engage with industry partners in workshops and begin to apply your knowledge and skills to real-world problems.

## Professionalism and Employability

Develop knowledge of legal, social, ethical and professional aspects of computing. Enhance employability skills and critical academic skills around self-reflection and research.

Part of this module can be studied through the medium of Welsh

## Cyber Security Tools and Practices

Become familiar with different aspects of cybersecurity and the tools and practices used within the industry, within the context of legal, social, ethical and professional issues.

## Computer Systems and Security

Get to grips with the fundamental architecture and computer systems that underpin the practical aspects of cyber security and digital forensics.

## Network Configuration

Practice the design, installation and configuration of a network, including networking protocols and services, in both existing and emerging network technologies and standards.

## Programming

Learn the fundamentals of procedural programming and understand the factors associated with application development. Also, customise and build simple applications.

## Information Security and Governance

Develop your knowledge of the key underlying principles of IT Governance and Information Security.

Undertake live briefs in dedicated labs, including our state-of-the-art Secure Operations Centre.

As you deepen your knowledge of more specialised areas of cyber security and develop evaluative and strategic management skills, you’ll start to consider the roles you want to pursue.

## Web Applications and Cloud Security

As you learn how to develop secure software, you’ll understand security vulnerabilities in programming practices of web-based applications and defend and account for possible exploitations.

## Post Incident Analysis

As a digital detective, you’ll evaluate, investigate, and create the processes to assist in post-incident analysis.

## Secure Systems

Develop your theoretical and practical knowledge of computer security methods and practice. Increase your understanding of cybersecurity threats and their prevention, detection, and mitigation.

## Compliance and Risk Management

Understand the tools, techniques, frameworks and legislation of cyber governance and compliance. Evaluate risk management, governance and compliance strategies to manage security infrastructure.

## Cyber Crime Research Project

Explore the role of research and evaluation within cyber security and gain a grounding in formal research methods in preparation for your final year research project.

## Critical Systems and Infrastructure

Study emerging systems in a range of non-standard domains, and associated threats. Learn about microcontrollers and embedded systems architecture, and data collection, storage and transfer protocols.

Specialise in either System Security, where you’ll study the EC Council certification in ethical hacking and penetration testing, or Digital Forensics, where you’ll prepare for court cross-examination and expert witness reports with training and certification from Bond Solon.

## Security Operations and Penetration Testing

Equip yourself with the theory and detailed technical knowledge of red-team and blue-team penetration testing, and master the advanced tools and techniques involved.

## Cyber Dissertation Project

Research, design, develop and evaluate a solution to a critical problem pertinent to your specialised programme of study.

## Secure Operations and Incident Management

Acquire technical knowledge of the concepts associated with cyber security monitoring, and incident detection, analysis, and recovery.

## The Cyber Professional in Practice

Consolidate your employability, professional practices, and graduate attributes in line with the 2030 strategy. Show critical awareness of workplace conduct, equality and diversity, and legislation.

We regularly review our courses to keep pace with changing skills and employer needs. If a review leads to significant changes, we’ll contact you to explain what’s changing for the coming year.

## Teaching and Assessment

This is a practical, industry-focused course designed to develop the skills employers are looking for in today’s cyber security professionals. You’ll learn through a combination of lectures, workshops, specialist lab sessions and independent study, applying your knowledge to real-world challenges from the start of your degree. Our focus is on preparing you for a successful career in cyber security, giving you hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and technologies in dedicated facilities.

Through live briefs, practical projects and collaboration with industry partners, you’ll graduate with the confidence and experience needed to tackle modern cyber security threats.

## [Button: How you’ll learn ]

You’ll learn by doing, through real-world activities that help you understand how learning works at university. You’ll be encouraged to ask questions, explore new ideas and work with others, as well as independently. Teaching builds confidence, critical thinking and reflection, supported by digital tools. Regular feedback helps you track progress, plan next steps and build resilience and a strong sense of belonging as you prepare for higher-level study.

## [Button: How you'll be assessed ]

You’ll be assessed in different ways, including short tasks, coursework, presentations, and group work. Early assessments are designed to support your learning and help you understand what is expected at university. Most assessments are coursework-based and help you develop key skills such as research, academic writing, teamwork, and communication. You’ll also reflect on your progress and use university systems and digital tools.

Clear, timely feedback will help you understand how to improve and support your next steps.

## [Button: Placements ]

The University has excellent relationships with industry, with students undertaking placements with the Financial Services Authority (FSA), Home Office Scientific Development Research Branch (London), GCHQ, Qinetiq, Cy4or, financial services, international banks, the Office for National Statistics, digital forensics companies and various government departments. We also have strong links with security agencies, incident response organisations handling cyber-attacks and local police forces.

## [Button: Facilities ]

Most of your studies take place at the Newport campus, home of the National Cyber Security Academy in the heart of Wales’s vibrant tech capital. You’re perfectly situated close to major industry players, such as Airbus. With two entire floors dedicated to cyber security, this hive of activity is the perfect place to develop your digital skills. Our Secure Operations Centre (SOC) reflects current industry centres and contains all the high-spec infrastructure and technology you’ll need to fight cyber crime.

Our Digital Investigation Lab mirrors those used by law enforcement and corporate analysts during investigations.

### Course Leader

### Dr Richard Ward

Dr Richard Ward is the course leader for the BSc Applied Cyber Security course at our Newport City campus. Richard's academic interests include applying cyber security to field such as cryptography and SCAs. Richard enjoys sharing his enthusiasm for cyber whether lecturing on one of our award winning cyber courses, supervising his PhD students or at outreach events.

Feel free to email Richard to find out more about the course.

Email Richard

## Career Prospects

Applied Cyber Security primes you for many in-demand roles within managed security operations centres, law enforcement agencies, corporate organisations, incident response organisations, military and government intelligence agencies, and private security and consulting firms.

### Your future career

You have opportunities to gain advanced accreditations, build real-world experience, and engage with industry professionals to showcase your skills and forge relationships. This gives you an exceptional chance of securing a role in your chosen field. Potential career paths include:

Security analysis and auditing

Ethical hacking

Information Security governance, risk and compliance

Penetration testing

Intelligence officers

Digital forensics

Incident response

Image: A smiling man with tattoos and a trimmed beard stands confidently with arms crossed in front of large digital screens displaying cybersecurity data and graphs. He is wearing a black

> "Attending industry lectures has allowed me to form invaluable professional connections."

Ross Wills, Applied Cyber Security student

Learn more

### Salary expectations

An Applied Cyber Security degree can open opportunities across cyber security and the wider computing sector. Computing and Cyber Security careers offer strong earning potential:

Median wage

UK: £53.7k per annum

Wales: £43.4k per annum

Total jobs in 2025

UK: 1.76m

Wales: 44,279

### Build your own career

Your career doesn’t have to mean working for someone else. If you want to freelance, start a business or develop an idea, USW Enterprise can help with one-to-one mentoring, practical workshops and funding opportunities through the USW Enterprise Startup Fund.

You’ll also have access to Startup Stiwdio spaces in our Cardiff, Newport and Treforest campuses. After graduating, you can get free membership for up to three years, giving you workspace and a network of other founders.

Whether you choose employment, freelancing or starting a business, we’ll help you build the skills, confidence and connections to move forward.

USW Enterprise

### Industry partners

We have strong links with key people and organisations in cyber security, who develop live briefs with us and offer placement opportunities. These include government departments such as the Financial Conduct Authority, Home Office Scientific Development Research Branch, GCHQ, Office for National Statistics and The Royal Mint. Also, law enforcement agencies such as South Wales Police Digital Forensics Unit, Gwent Police Hi-Tech Crime Unit, Met Police and various digital forensics companies.

We also work with private firms such as Airbus, Thales, Bridewell, Cyber Wales and various international banks and financial service providers.

## Entry Requirements

### Additional

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.

### Contextual offers

We may make you a lower offer based on a range of factors, including your background (where you live and the school or college that you attended, for example), your experiences and individual circumstances (as a care leaver, for example). This is referred to as a contextual offer, and we receive data from UCAS to support us in making these decisions.

USW prides itself on its student experience and we support our students to achieve their goals and become a successful graduate. This approach helps us to support students who have the potential to succeed and who may have faced barriers that make it more difficult to access university.

How to apply Contextual admissions policy Ask us a question

104 UCAS points or above

#### Typical qualification requirements

A Level:

Welsh BACC:

Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales Grade C/B and BC - CC at A Level

BTEC Extended Diploma Distinction Merit Merit

Access to HE:

Pass the Access to HE Diploma and obtain a minimum of 104 UCAS tariff points

Pass (C and above)

If you don’t reach the entry requirements at Year 1, this course also offers a Foundation Year alternative.

### International applications welcomed:

We welcome international applications with equivalent qualifications of our entry requirements. For more details related to your country of residence, please view our dedicated country pages .

International students Pre-Sessional English

### English language requirements

International applicants will need to have achieved an overall of IELTS 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component/TOEFL 4 overall and a minimum of 4 in each component or equivalent.

Equivalents can be located on our English Language pages .

If you have previously studied through the medium of English, IELTS might not be required, please visit our country specific page for further details. If your country is not featured, please contact us.

If you do not meet the English entry criteria, please visit our Pre-Sessional course pages .

## What sets us apart?

Cyber University of the Year at the National Cyber Awards, four years running (2019-22), and finalists again in 2025.

Top university in Wales and 24th out of 123 universities in the UK.

Guardian University Guide 2027

Image: Three USW students walking outside of Cardiff Campus - Atrium

10 subjects ranked in the Guardian University Guide 2027 Top 10, including two at #1.

Image: Three students studying in a pod in the library at Cardiff campus

Top in Wales for new business startups and 7th in the UK (HEBCIS)

## Explore our facilities

Image Step into the future of digital security with a range of hands-on experiences. Play video

## National Cyber Security Academy

With two entire floors dedicated to cyber security, this hive of activity is the perfect place to develop your digital skills. Our Secure Operations Centre (SOC) reflects current industry centres and contains all the high-spec infrastructure and technology you’ll need to fight cyber-crime.

## How to apply

All applications for full-time undergraduate courses or foundation degrees should be made via UCAS. Take the next step: Apply through UCAS

You can apply to us directly for all part-time undergraduate courses, if you’re seeking advanced entry or you’re an international student. To apply directly, please choose the application form below for your preferred start date and mode of study (full-time or part-time).

* ### Applied Cyber Security

* Full-time, 3 years

* September

* Newport

Apply direct

## Advanced entry

If you already have a relevant qualification or experience related to the course you're applying for, you may be eligible to start at a later stage of the course. For example, students from partner colleges can ‘top up’ their qualifications to a degree by joining us in Year Two or Year Three of a course. This process is known as ‘advanced entry’, you can apply directly to the University for 'advanced entry' using the application forms provided above.

Applicants accepted through advanced entry may study a different combination of modules to those advertised, as they will be joining a course already in progress. You will be contacted and advised about these modules once your application has been processed and an offer made.

## International admissions

International applicants can apply to us directly. If the University has an in-country team in your region, your application will be assigned to them for assistance.

* Learn more

* Application toolkit

## Student Stories

> "Preparing for success in Cyber Security."

Savva Cyber Security Graduate

View student profile

> "Turning a passion for cyber security into a career."

Ross Wills Cyber Security Student

## Related stories and highlights

Image News Article

### Wales-first for USW as country’s only University to get second Gold award for cyber security expertise

### USW supports cyber security outreach programme

### National Cyber Security Academy: A decade of bridging the gap between classroom and career

### Honour for USW cyber leader in STEM equality awards

### USW cyber researcher visits Norway with Livery Company support

## Ready to apply?

* Apply via UCAS

* How to apply

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