Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics (Full-time) (MSc)
The MSc Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics at UWTSD is a highly specialised course designed to develop your skills and knowledge in the rapidly growing field of cybersecurity. This programme focuses on equipping you with the ability to protect an organisation’s IT systems from various cyber-attacks, while also preparing you to investigate and respond to incidents of cybercrime. You will learn essential techniques like penetration testing, helping you to assess vulnerabilities in systems and safeguard against potential threats.
As part of this course, you will gain practical experience in both cybersecurity and digital forensics by analysing and responding to cyber incidents in real time. The hands-on approach ensures that you not only understand theoretical concepts but also have the confidence and technical ability to apply them in real-world situations. The course will teach you how to collect and analyse digital evidence, providing a strong foundation for investigating security breaches or other digital crimes.
What sets UWTSD apart is its partnerships with top cybersecurity vendors. As a Cisco Academy since 1999, an EC Council Academy partner since 2018, and part of the Palo Alto Cybersecurity Academy and Checkpoint Secure Academy, we offer a unique blend of curriculums from these leading organisations. This means that alongside your degree, you’ll also be prepared for valuable industry certifications such as CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker), CHFI (Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator), CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate), and CCSA (Checkpoint Certified Security Administrator). These certifications can give you a competitive advantage in the job market.
Throughout the programme, you will have access to advanced network security tools and the best networking and cybersecurity lab in Wales. You will also develop skills in areas such as incident response, malware analysis, and digital forensics. Whether you are managing a security breach, collecting evidence for a forensic investigation, or conducting in-depth research for your dissertation, the course ensures you are well-prepared for the complex challenges of the digital world.
This programme is ideal for those looking to combine technical expertise with practical skills, providing a strong foundation for careers in cybersecurity and digital forensics.
Course details
- On-campus
- Full-time
- English
Why choose this course?
What you will learn
At the heart of the MSc Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics programme is an interactive, hands-
on approach to learning. Our philosophy emphasises practical experience and research, ensuring students engage deeply with both the academic and industrial elements of these fields.
This blend of theoretical knowledge and applied skills prepares graduates for the real-world
challenges they will face in cybersecurity and digital forensics.
Throughout the year, students will develop their expertise in core areas like network security, penetration testing, digital forensics, and incident response. The programme is structured around cutting-edge topics, including malware analysis, cyber-attacks, and digital evidence collection. The course also emphasises practical work, culminating in a research-based dissertation.
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(60 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
Course Disclaimer
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The modules outlined above provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this course based on recent academic teaching. We continuously review our courses to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course includes optional modules, these are to provide an element of choice within the course. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
You’ll typically complete 120 credits per year of study on a full-time course. For more information visit our Student Agreement.
Ratings and Rankings
UWTSD is proud to be a Cisco Premier+ Partner, recognising our expertise in networking and cybersecurity. This partnership provides our students with access to industry-leading technology, hands-on training, and globally recognised certifications, enhancing their career prospects in the IT sector. As a Premier+ Partner, UWTSD benefits from exclusive resources, expert support, and research collaborations, ensuring we remain at the forefront of digital innovation.
Staff
Our People
You will be taught and supported by a wide range of professional staff and teams here to help you get the university experience you are looking for. Our teaching staff were ranked 2nd in Wales for Teaching, Assessment and Feedback and Academic Support (NSS 2024) meaning that the support and feedback you get will help you learn and develop strong academic skills. Our students have placed us 1st in Wales for Learning Opportunities and Student Voice (NSS 2024) meaning that there are a wide range of opportunities available to enhance your studies and that students play an active role in shaping their learning experiences. Our commitment to your learning has seen our students place us as 1st in Wales and joint 3rd in the UK for student satisfaction (Times Higher Education, 2024, ‘Overall Positivity’ measure). Find out more about our academic staff who teach across our courses.
Further information
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2:2 honours degree 
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or UWTSD recognised equivalent.
Alternative entry routes 
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Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (PGCert). This is the first part of the full Master’s degree.
Once you have successfully completed your PGCert studies, you will be eligible to progress for the remainder of the Master’s degree. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
These are ideal routes if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied this subject, or if you did not achieve the grades you need for a place on this degree. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Admissions Advice and Support 
For specific advice and support you can contact our enquiries team for more information about entry requirements. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
English language requirements 
If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Visit the International Applications section of our website to find out more about our English Language Requirements and pre-sessional English Language Courses.
Visa and funding requirements 
If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For courses of more than six months’ duration you will require a Student visa. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For full information read our visa application and guides. â¶Ä¯â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study.
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Assessment for this course is reflective of practices within the sector ranging from the production of technical reports to the delivery of key ideas through presentation.
Assessment types have been carefully selected to support the abilities of all learners and provide practice of real-world tasks required within industrial roles.
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Some modules in this course are available to study through the medium of Welsh either fully or partially. In all cases students will be able to submit written assessments through the medium of Welsh.
If you choose to study your course either fully or partially through the medium of Welsh, you may be eligible to apply for scholarships and bursaries to support you with your studies.
We are continuously reviewing our Welsh medium provision, the precise availability of modules will vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course offers modules available through the medium of Welsh this may vary from year to year, and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific Welsh medium modules cannot be guaranteed.
Extracurricular Welsh Opportunities
There are many ways to engage with Welsh culture and life at UWTSD, including joining clubs and societies for Welsh speakers and becoming a member of our vibrant Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol branch. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Opportunities to Learn Welsh
We also provide a variety of opportunities to learn and develop your Welsh language skills. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
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It is possible to complete this programme of study without any additional costs.
Students may wish to purchase materials for modules such as Major Project but this is not a requirement and will have no bearing on the final grade achieved.
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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 our Bursaries and Scholarships section.
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Our students currently fulfil roles within Industry and are looking to undertake the necessary training and education to add to their skills to support career progression within their current roles whilst preparing for future sector demands.