MComp Computing Science with Cyber Security
Course options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Master of Computing
- UCAS Course Code
- GG49
- Typical Offer
- AAB (specific subjects required)
- Contextual Offer
- BBB (specific subjects required)
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2024
Course Overview
Cyber-crime is on the rise, and every person and organisation with a computer should be concerned about cyber security.
On our MComp Computing Science with Cyber Security degree, you’ll become a skilled practitioner in the principles and practices of cyber security. Our graduates are highly employable and in demand, and many go on to enjoy rewarding and well-renumerated careers in the industry.
Our course is delivered by computing experts in combination with members of our cyber security research group. You’ll also be taught by industry experts who are working across a range of areas including blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT) security, wireless security, intrusion detection, privacy and trust.
Our course will teach you the theory behind computing science and cyber security, which you’ll then put into practice in lab classes. We have a dedicated cyber security lab where you’ll look at topics such as packet tracing, packet analysis and malware analysis. You’ll also undertake project work, where you’ll be able to put into practice the cutting-edge cyber security knowledge that you’ll have gained during your studies.
Upon graduation, you’ll be in an ideal position for a rewarding career in computing and cyber security. We work closely with the police, insurance and finance companies, as well as retail and consultancies, who not only advise us on the latest developments, but also deliver teaching and offer projects.
Study and Modules
Structure
Starting your first year of a computing science degree with cyber security is an exciting trip into the world of technology and problem solving. Our programme is designed to supplement your existing knowledge, including modules on computing principles and systems development that will help you improve your analytical skills, as well as introduce cyber security and ethical issues. You’ll learn how to analyse complicated issues and create elegant solutions. Furthermore, you’ll learn programming and database systems modules to improve your software development skills and provide you with the knowledge you’ll need to create advanced web applications.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Teaching
You’ll learn through a mixture of lectures, seminars and lab classes. Lab and seminar classes are designed to reinforce and expand your understanding of the lecture material.
We use a variety of programming languages depending on the devices and application areas we’re focusing on. Importantly, you’ll be working with the software development tools and secure practices that are being used in the industry right now. You’ll build your experience across your four years of study so that upon graduation you’ll have the technical ability to develop high quality secure software for a range of platforms.
Independent study
Alongside your formal learning, you’ll need to study independently to gain a deeper appreciation of specialist topics.
Assessment
In your first year, you’ll be assessed by a mixture of individual and group assessments. These include written work, presentations or demonstrations, and exams (closed and/or time-limited assessment). Assessments will combine theoretical understanding with practical application and are designed to test the range of skills and competencies required for the learning outcomes of each module. Additionally, there is a synoptic project, covering material from all modules.
You’ll be assessed by a combination of:
- Examination (approximately 30%)
- Demonstrations and Presentations (approximately 40%)
- Written assignments (approximately 30%)
Structure
As you enter your second year of study, the adventure continues with a comprehensive curriculum geared to improve your programming skills, software engineering abilities, and algorithmic knowledge. You'll discover the complicated tapestry of computer architectures, learn to explain how operating systems work, and study computer networks whilst looking at security aspects. This journey will not only help you improve your technical skills but will also broaden your understanding of the intricate mechanisms that support modern computing and connectivity.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Teaching
In your second year, you’ll continue to be taught through a mixture of lectures, seminars and lab classes.
You'll gain proficiency in a variety of programming languages, and you’ll also be trained with the latest software development tools and secure practices that are currently used in industry. By the time you graduate, you'll have the skills and knowledge to create high-quality, secure software across multiple platforms, making you well-prepared for industry demands.
Independent study
Alongside your formal learning, you’ll study independently to deepen your understanding of specialist topics.
Assessment
In your second year, the focus on assessment will continue as before. Our assessment methods include a mix of individual and group assignments, such as written work, presentations or demonstrations, and exams (both closed-book and time-limited assessments). These assessments blend theoretical knowledge with practical application, ensuring you’ll be able to develop and demonstrate the diverse skills and competencies outlined in each module's learning outcomes. Additionally, there is a synoptic project that integrates material from all modules.
You’ll be assessed by a combination of:
- Examination (approximately 30%)
- Demonstrations and Presentations (approximately 40%)
- Written assignments (approximately 30%)
Structure
In your third year, you’ll study cybersecurity and secure software. This course is developed to provide you with the skills required to build strong, secure systems. Your third year Computing Project in Cybersecurity will allow you to amalgamate all the knowledge you've gathered during your studies and apply it to designing a secure solution that tackles real-world difficulties, thereby significantly contributing to the safety and integrity of the digital landscape.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Teaching
In your third year, our teaching blend of lectures, seminars and lab classes will continue.
You'll learn multiple programming languages and gain hands-on experience with modern software development tools and industry-standard security practices. As you advance through each year, your skills will progressively improve, and by graduation, you'll be equipped to create high-quality, secure software for various platforms.
Independent study
In your final two years, you’ll work on two large projects on cybersecurity, which will involve developing high quality solutions (including working software) for real problems – a skill that is highly valued by employers.
Your first will be an individual project, where you’ll explore a topic or work on a cybersecurity problem in depth, under the supervision of a member of the faculty.
Then in your final year, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in a group or partner project on cybersecurity, typically based in one of the School's research groups or with an industrial partner.
Assessment
In your third year, our assessments continue to encompass a variety of individual and group tasks, including written assignments, presentations or demonstrations, and exams (both closed-book and time-limited). These assessments integrate theoretical knowledge with practical application, aiming to evaluate the diverse skills and competencies required for each module's learning outcomes. The balance of assessment types varies based on the selected options. Additionally, there is an individual project which is assessed through a combination of written work and demonstration or presentation.
You’ll be assessed by a combination of:
- Examination (typically 20%)
- Demonstrations and Presentations (typically 25%)
- Project (30%)
- Written assignments (typically 25%)
Structure
In your final year, you’ll undertake a large project with either a research group or industrial partner, supervised by a member of the faculty. Additionally, you’ll study cybercrime and digital investigation, cyber security in industrial setting, and network security and IoT and one advanced computing subject of your choice, to both deepen and broaden your knowledge in modern-day state of the art computing science.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Teaching
You’ll continue to learn through a mixture of lectures, seminars and lab classes – where the lab and seminar classes reinforce and expand on the lecture material.
We use a variety of programming languages depending on the devices and application areas that we’re focusing on. Importantly, you’ll be working with the software development tools and secure practices used in industry at this moment, building your experience so that upon graduation you’ll have the technical ability to develop high quality secure software for a range of platforms.
Independent study
Alongside your formal learning, you’ll study independently to gain a deeper appreciation of specialist topics. In your final two years, you’ll work on two significant projects on cybersecurity, which will involve developing high quality solutions (including working software) for real problems – a skill that is currently highly valued by employers.
Your first will be an individual project, where you’ll explore a topic or work on a cybersecurity problem in depth, under the supervision of a member of the faculty.
Then in your final year, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in a group or partner project on cybersecurity, typically based in one of the School's research groups or with an industrial partner.
Assessment
In your final year, you'll continue to be assessed by individual and group assessments, which will include written work, presentations or demonstrations, and exams (closed and/or time-limited assessment). Assessments will combine theoretical understanding with practical application and are designed to test the range of skills and competencies required for the learning outcomes of each module. The balance of assessment types varies according to the options you have chosen. Additionally, there is an individual project which is assessed through a combination of written work and demonstration or presentation.
You’ll be assessed by a combination of:
- Examination (typically 20%)
- Demonstrations and Presentations (typically 25%)
- Project (30%)
- Written assignments (typically 25%)
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language at a minimum of grade 4 or C and Mathematics at minimum grade 5 or B.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
AAB including Mathematics, Computing Science, Digital Technology, Chemistry, Physics, Electronics or Economics.
Contextual offer: BBB including Mathematics, Computing Science, Digital Technology, Chemistry, Physics, Electronics or Economics.
Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English exam board require a pass in the practical element. Not accepted: Critical Thinking and General Studies.
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDD in an IT, Engineering or Science based subject, or DDD plus A Level grade B in Mathematics, Computing Science, Digital Technology, Chemistry, Physics, Electronics or Economics.
Contextual offer: DDM in an IT, Engineering or Science based subject
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Extended Diploma: DDD in an IT, Engineering or Science based subject, or DDD plus A Level grade B in Mathematics, Compouting Science, Digital Technology, Chemistry, Physics, Electronics or Economics.
Diploma: DD in an IT, Engineering or Science based subject, plus B at A Level, or DD plus A Level grade B in Mathematics, Computing Science, Digital Technology, Chemistry, Physics, Electronics or Economics..
Extended Certificate: D in an IT, Engineering or Science based subject plus AB at A Level or D plus AB at A Level including Mathematics, Computing Science, Digital Technology, Chemistry, Physics, Electronics or Economics.
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers
Access to HE Diploma
Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 36 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 9 credits at Level 3, including 12 credits in Mathematics, Computing, Physics, Electronics or Economics.
T levels
Obtain an overall Pass including a A in the core of the T Level and a Distinction in the Occupational Specialism. We accept: Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction, Digital Production, Design and Development, Digital Business Services, Digital Support Services, Science, Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control, and Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing.
Foundation Year options:
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as - BSc Computing Science with a Foundation Year.
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
33 points overall including HL 5 in Mathematics (Applications and Interpretation or Analysis and Approaches), Computing Science, Chemistry, Physics or Economics.
Irish Leaving Certificate
4 subjects at H2, 2 subjects at H3, including Mathematics, Computing Science, Digital Technology, Chemistry, Physics, Electronics or Economics.
Scottish Highers
AAAAA including Mathematics, Computing Science, Digital Technology, Chemistry, Physics, Electronics or Economics
Scottish Advanced Highers
BBC including Mathematics, Computing Science, Digital Technology, Chemistry, Physics, Electronics or Economics. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language at a minimum of grade 4 or C and Mathematics at minimum grade 5 or B.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.
A levels
AAB including Mathematics, Computing Science, Digital Technology, Chemistry, Physics, Electronics or Economics.
Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English exam board require a pass in the practical element. Not accepted - Critical Thinking and General Studies.
International Baccalaureate
33 points overall including HL 5 in Mathematics (Applications and Interpretation or Analysis and Approaches), Computing Science, Chemistry, Physics or Economics.
- INTO UEA
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree.
- English Foreign Language
English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
-
IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study -
-
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of other course-related costs.
How to Apply
How to apply
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information:
Employability
After the Course
On graduation you’ll be perfectly placed for a range of roles related to computer science – particularly in the technology, finance and creative sectors, which require technical expertise along with adaptability and openness.
Your Master’s qualification will give you insight into the nature of research, and a distinct advantage over candidates with a BSc, for positions requiring a higher degree of technical competence. In fact, our Master’s course is ideal preparation for a career in either academic or industrial research.
Our programme also embeds transferable skills such as teamwork, project management and idea presentation.
Careers
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- IT Security Engineer
- Information Security Analyst
- Software engineer
- Web or app developer
- Programmer
- Systems analyst
- Data scientist
- Artificial intelligence developer
Discover more on our Careers webpages.