Curriculum Information

Document Version

QAA Benchmarks

Educational Aim

Learning Outcomes

Course Structure

Level 7 Modules

Teaching and Assessment

Learning and Teaching Methods

Employer Engagement

Employer Engagement will be achieved by:

Visiting Speakers

Visits by employers may be organised at module or course level. These have in the past included for example; visiting talks from NCSC, Metropolitan Police, SANs, South Wales Police, Tarian – Regional Organised Crime Unit, Gwent Hi-Tech Crime Unit, Immersive Labs, Thales.

Volunteering

South Wales Police Cyber Volunteering Programme (via application)

Fieldtrips

Visits to local employers or external bodies may be organised as appropriate. (e.g., Cardiff Crown Court)

Employer Forums

The University’s career service delivers several events throughout the academic year; fairs and forums, that bring together potential employers, current students, and recent graduates to meet, either online or in-person, to discuss opportunities and seek guidance on their future careers.

In 2021, the career service partnered with top employers across the country to create an exclusive All Wales Virtual Careers fair for students to access online.

The forum was open to both students and graduates, was a brilliant chance to network with leading graduate employers, associations, and universities from across Wales.

Other

Most modules use case studies, scenarios, and examples from the cyber security industry to illustrate concepts and their importance. Opportunities for work-related learning activities continue as students engage in and contribute in a positive manner to the solution of world of work tasks and problems.

Means of Assessment

Learning Support

Induction

During the first week of attendance the course team will plan and execute a range of induction activities. The University’s ICIS system provides access to course information and module definitions.

Learner Analytics

Learner Analytics such as engagement and progression data can be obtained using a variety of tools such as Course Evaluation within UniLearn (Blackboard) and JISC.

Office hours

Staff are generally available when they are not teaching both in person and remotely using other methods such as Microsoft Teams. The department (under normal operation) maintain a staff open-door policy. Availability can be checked by students via the online timetable system.

Tutorials

Every module has at least one hour of tutorial or lab practical where students are able to practice what they are learning and receive individual support. These tutors supported tutorials help to clarify and reflect on lecture content and frequently use problem solving scenarios and case studies.

Seminars

Guest seminars may be arranged throughout the academic year focussed on specialist areas related to Cyber Security.

Formative Assessment

Lectures and tutorials contain formative exercises to encourage students to experiment and gain practical experience.

Progress meetings

Students undertaking their MSc project are assigned a project supervisor. Regular meetings are arranged throughout the duration of the project.

Research Supervision

Students undertaking their MSc project are assigned a project supervisor. Regular meetings are arranged throughout the duration of the project.

Online Resources

Teaching and coursework assessment materials are made available on-line through the University’s virtual learning environment (UniLearn). Modern computing laboratories provide access to specialist resources and students can gain remote access to software if working from home. Each student has an academic e-mail account that is particularly useful when requesting support from teaching and tutorial staff.

Advice Zone

USW students have access to the Advice Zone. Typically, this falls under the purview of Student Services. Students can use the USW Advice Zone for any problems they may have and will deal with the USW Advice Zone for guidance on applying for Extenuating Circumstances, Appeals etc.

Disability

Students with any disabilities can request support from Student Services or USW advice zone.

IT/Library

USW has a modern up-to date library which provides access to textbooks, journals, on-line materials, and IT equipment.

Course Exit Points

Progression Route

Typically, MSc graduates continue their careers in industry or commence doctoral research.

Entry Requirements

Admission to the course is typically through the following qualifications:

The MSc Digital Forensics is designed for graduates with a minimum 2:2 Honours degree or equivalent in a connected subject.

Typically, entrants will have graduated in a technical degree – such as Computer Forensics, Computer Security, Computer Science, Information Technology – and need to further develop their skills within Cyber Security.

Candidates applying to the course with non-standard qualifications will be judged on an individual basis using Recognition of Prior Learning procedures as defined in the University’s Regulations. For example, the University may admit students based on their prior experiential learning, provided that it is identifiable, relevant to the programme of study for which they are applying and provides sufficient evidence of their ability.

The School of Computing and Mathematics seeks actively to promote University policies on equal opportunities and widening access and will seek to recruit as wide a range of students as the current mode of attendance and admission requirements permit.

The procedures, criteria, and regulations for admission, including promotion of wider access and equal opportunities will follow those established for the existing post-graduate provision offered by the School of Computing and Mathematics. Normally, evidence will be sought of successful completion of an under-graduate Honours degree and, where appropriate, a minimum average IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 6.5.

Inclusive Curriculum Statement

The University of South Wales operates a policy of inclusive learning, teaching and assessment to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to fulfil their educational potential. Course teams will have considered ways of designing out any potentially disadvantageous element of courses during the course design process. However some specific needs may remain, details about how to apply to have your needs assessed can be found at: http://unilife.southwales.ac.uk/pages/3040-disability-and-dyslexia-service/

Addendum for Delivery at a Partner Institution

N/A