Looking for an integrated masters course that will set you apart from other computer science undergraduates and set you on course for a high-level career? This five-year MSci course offers a thorough grounding in computer science and allows you to specialise in information security, as well as gaining hands-on skills and experience during a year in industry. You will have the chance to showcase your abilities in an extended final year project and it is particularly recommended if you want to progress to postgraduate study or a specialist career in information security or related fields.

The creation, transmission and storage of huge volumes of electronic data is one of the defining features of our age. It brings us untold benefits but it also exposes businesses, governments and individuals to repeated threats. You will learn to manage and improve the smooth running and security of systems, applications and organisations. Guided by experts in the field you will explore topics such as cryptography, computer security and fraud detection. This will all be underpinned by a solid grounding in the fundamentals of computing and application development. From the outset you will be experimenting with programming games, robots, Gadgeteer kits, Subversion, JUnit testing, Scrum-based Agile software and more, in our well-equipped laboratories. Our progressive curriculum has been developed in consultation with industry, with a modular structure that gives you the flexibility to tailor your degree to your own interests. We are located in the famous M4 corridor and enjoy close links with many of its leading technology companies. If you are unable to complete your year in industry you will have the option of transferring onto our four-year integrated masters course.

Information security specialists are in demand across a wide range of sectors, from private companies to banking, telecommunications, security consultancies, the civil service, public utilities, retail, the military and more. We have particularly strong links with the information security industry and you will be well prepared to take your career to the highest levels. You will know how to analyse and solve problems with creativity and suggest cost-effective, efficient solutions. You will have the foresight to translate technological innovations into new solutions, the ability to work with a wide range of systems and applications, and the ability to handle complex technical information. You will have showcased your abilities in an extended independent research project, studied modules at postgraduate level, and developed valuable transferrable skills such as: team working, advanced IT skills, critical thinking, data handling, communication, logic, time management and self-motivation.

Our partners in industry advise us on our curriculum, to make sure it responds to the latest market needs and trends. This means our graduates are up-to-speed with all the latest trends and developments. We run jobs fairs and a short-term work placement scheme, and your personal adviser and the campus Careers team will be on hand to offer advice on career opportunities. We also maintain strong links with our alumni, who can often provide advice, contacts and networking opportunities. In recent years, our computer science graduates have launched careers in everything from network systems design and web development, to business management and finance. They work in organisations such as: Amazon, American Express, Apple, Bupa, Capita, CGI-Logica, Goldman Sachs, Microsoft, Symantec, among many others.