USW Careers in Computing and Cyber Security

THE HOME FOR DIGITAL THINKERS Preparing graduates for careers in computing and cyber security

SAVVA PISTOLAS BSc (Hons) Applied Cyber Security graduate

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WHY USW?

WHY CHOOSE COMPUTING AT USW? Renowned for our commitment to excellence, innovation, and industry relevance, USW’s Computing and Cyber Security courses offer a unique blend of rigorous academic training and practical exposure. Whether you’re an aspiring tech pioneer or a cyber enthusiast, our courses are designed with your future employability in mind.

INDUSTRY-READY DEGREES

All our courses are developed in partnership with industry, so you’ll graduate with the skills employers are looking for. What’s more, many qualifications are accredited by professional bodies, such as BCS and The Chartered Institute for IT, so you can be sure that you’ll learn the skills to be real-world ready.

FACILITIES BUILT FOR THE FUTURE

You’ll find the very latest hardware and software keeping our courses up to speed, along with dedicated spaces where digital thinkers thrive, including our extra high-powered gaming centre and Digital Investigation Lab, just like those used for computer forensics by law enforcement.

AWARD-WINNING EXPERTISE

We’ve been named Cyber University of the Year at the National Cyber Awards four years in a row (2019-22) and were finalists again in 2023. As well as recognition from the industry, our own students have named Computer Science at USW top in Wales and top five in the UK for academic support and student voice.*

*National Student Survey 2023

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UNDERGRADUATE COURSES

POSTGRADUATE COURSES

Pontypridd BSc (Hons) Computing

Pontypridd MSc Advanced Computer Science

BSc (Hons) Computing (including Foundation Year)

MSc Artificial Intelligence

BSc (Hons) Computer Science

MSc Data Science

BSc (Hons) Computer Science (including Foundation Year)

Newport BSc (Hons) Applied Cyber Security BSc (Hons) Applied Cyber Security (including Foundation Year)

MSc Computing and Information Systems

Newport MSc Applied Cyber Security MSc Cyber Security, Risk and Resilience MSc Digital Forensics

BSc (Hons) Digital Forensics BSc (Hons) Digital Forensics (including Foundation Year)

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT COMPUTING AT USW AT: WWW.SOUTHWALES.AC.UK/ COMPUTING

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EMPLOYABILITY BUILT-IN

EMPLOYABILITY BUILT-IN

THE NETWORK YOU NEED FOR A CAREER IN COMPUTING AND CYBER SECURITY EMPLOYABILITY BUILT-IN

Employability is so important that we’ve made it part of all our courses. From projects based on working practices to time in the workplace, we’ll help you to build job-ready skills and gain relevant experience for your career.

Many of our Computing courses have been accredited by professional bodies. This means they are of the highest standard and can grant you exemptions from professional exams as an added extra.

USW works with employers across all sectors to link students with placement and graduate opportunities. Thousands of jobs and placements are posted on our vacancy boards each year, and over 500 employers visit USW to meet students at our events.

USW has a dedicated team to support you in finding careerrelated work experience in the UK and overseas. There are many different types of work experience, so you’re sure to find one that suits you. Some of our courses have a year of work experience, called a ‘sandwich year’, built-in – just check the study options next to each course.

CAREERS & EMPLOYABILITY SERVICES

USW Careers can help you find opportunities and be ready to take them. Through one-to-one appointments and regular support, our Careers team can help you explore career options, identify the skills and knowledge you’ll need to succeed, find jobs that suit your skill set and life goals and so much more. They also offer practical help with finding work placements, completing job applications, writing CVs, and practising interview techniques.

Here are just some of the professional bodies and leading industry employers we work with: • BCS – The Chartered Institute for IT • National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) • E-Finity • Engineering Council • Alert Logic • Cisco • Airbus • Bridewell • Fujitsu • General Dynamics • GCHQ • IBM • Information Assurance • Qinetiq • Silcox Information Security • The Royal Mint • Welsh Government • Westgate Cyber Security

WORK EXPERIENCE

Work experience includes carrying out industry-based placements alongside your studies. Most employers want to recruit graduates who have some relevant and recent knowledge of the working world for the industry you intend to enter.

There are many different types of work placements, as each placement should be suited and tailored to your intended career path. The work placement will have learning outcomes attached to your module requirements as well as gaining relevant industry knowledge and insight.

For more info visit: www.southwales.ac.uk/ careers

The Work Placement team is able to support you with your placement at every stage. Get in touch if you have any questions: uswplacements@southwales.ac.uk

COMPUTING, ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE TRAVEL BURSARY We even offer a bursary to support with your placement travel costs during your sandwich year. For more information, visit www.southwales.ac.uk/ money.

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USW ENTERPRISE

ENTERPRISE​– BUSINESS STARTUP & FREELANCE SUPPORT

USW Enterprise, part of USW Careers, supports students and graduates who are interested in developing their enterprise skills, starting their own business, social enterprise or freelancing.

No matter where you are in your start-up journey, USW Enterprise can help every step of the way, from a scribbleddown idea to the launch of your business! They offer oneto-one support and mentoring throughout the year, as well as a range of interactive events and workshops, giving you the knowledge, confidence, and networks to start working for yourself.​

BRIGHT IDEAS DEN AND FUNDING​

USW ENTERPRISE

BID (Bright Ideas Den) is your chance to pitch for up to £1,000 to kick-start your bright idea. If you have a business or freelance idea you would like to try out whilst you study or have decided to set up a business, go freelance or start a ‘side hustle’, then the funding and advice available at the Bright Ideas Den could be just what you need.

​USW FREELANCE & FOUNDERS ACADEMY​

If you have an idea and are ready to take it forward, the Freelance & Founders Academy focuses on giving you the skills, knowledge, and network to make your idea happen.

During the intensive three days, you will learn the practical aspects of starting a business (including marketing and finance) as well as developing skills such as pitching and networking.​

STARTUP STIWDIO​

Startup Stiwdio is the University’s dedicated incubator space.

Whether you live near Cardiff, Newport or Pontypridd, you can base your business at one of our coworking spaces. Members get a dedicated desk space, free tea, coffee and superfast wi-fi, and a professional place to meet clients. Stiwdio offers weekly Entrepreneurship Bootcamps to develop your business idea, work on marketing strategy and set yourself up for success at our expert lab training sessions.

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MAKE COMPUTING YOUR CALLING AT USW WWW.SOUTHWALES.AC.UK/COMPUTING

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CASE STUDY: SAM WHATLEY, DELOITTE

SAM WHATLEY Senior Cybersecurity Technology Hardening Analyst, Deloitte BSc (Hons) Applied Cyber Security graduate Watch Sam’s story and more:

SAM WHATLEY, DELOITTE CASE STUDY

Growing up, I was always curious about computers, but cyber security remained an uncharted territory for me.

When it was time to choose a university course, I was looking for something that was both familiar and challenging.

That’s when I discovered Applied Cyber Security at USW. USW is really in tune with the industries around them.

The curriculum is tailored with hands-on experiences that bridge the gap between theory and real-world application.

One memorable experience was a digital forensics exercise where we simulated a search warrant at a residence. I am already seeing the benefit of this in my employment, where many of the tasks I carry out day to day are similar to practical simulated assignments I did at university.

I was amazed by the scope of Cyber Security at USW. The array of opportunities, certifications, and qualifications available was beyond my expectations. If you’re looking to explore a dynamic field with great career possibilities, this course is perfect for you.

THE CURRICULUM IS TAILORED WITH HANDS-ON EXPERIENCES THAT BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN THEORY AND REAL-WORLD APPLICATION. WWW.SOUTHWALES.AC.UK/COMPUTING

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CASE STUDY: SAVVA PISTOLAS, NATIONAL CYBER RESILIENCE GROUP

SAVVA PISTOLAS Cyber Path Supervisor, National Cyber Resilience Group BSc (Hons) Applied Cyber Security graduate Watch Savva’s story and more:

SAVVA PISTOLAS, NATIONAL CYBER RESILIENCE GROUP CASE STUDY

I didn’t really see the point of university after my A-levels.

The hobby that remained with me was offensive security, technology, and information security. The USW Applied Cyber Security course struck me as particularly useful because they suggested that all our projects mapped onto real work that had happened in the industry.

The emphasis wasn’t just on academic growth, but on ensuring we were job-ready from day one. The course design was methodical: certifications were integrated into our first year, and we also had the opportunity to gain further qualifications in years two and three, which drove home the importance of continuous professional development.

A huge part of what keeps me driven and ambitious is other people. The feeling of listening to someone who is in love with their field is unrivalled – it can be inspiring, and it is a reason this course with USW was so appealing from the get-go. The lecturers are incredibly passionate about the subject and there is plenty of industry engagement with talks from professionals in the field.

The guidance we received, especially in the early phases, felt like a supportive hand guiding us through the workings of the industry. Along the way, we really began to understand the importance of teamwork in combating the challenges of cyber security.

THE LECTURERS ARE INCREDIBLY PASSIONATE ABOUT THE SUBJECT. WWW.SOUTHWALES.AC.UK/COMPUTING

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CASE STUDY: NIAMH MCCONVILLE, DIGITAL HEALTH AND CARE WALES

NIAMH MCCONVILLE Support and Business Analyst, Digital Health and Care Wales BSc (Hons) Computer Science graduate Watch Niamh’s story and more:

Joining the University of South Wales marked a significant transition for me – a challenging move filled with intense learning and commitment. Being a female in Computing, or any STEM field for that matter, often comes with the weight of imposter syndrome. But I realised it’s about trusting your ability to learn and grow. We’re all in this journey together.

Confidence is something that builds over time, shaped by experiences and stepping out of our comfort zones. Uni allowed me to really be creative and express myself and learn about people. You’re not just sitting down and coding all day; you’re learning how people work and getting used to working with others before you enter employment where teamwork is essential.

There are many jobs that you can go into with a degree in Computer Science and with the qualifications you can gain at USW, many doors are open to you. I achieved the NCSC qualification, which shows employers that I have a certain level of expertise and professional capability.

THERE ARE MANY JOBS THAT YOU CAN GO INTO WITH A DEGREE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE. WWW.SOUTHWALES.AC.UK/COMPUTING

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BE PART OF YOUR INDUSTRY BEFORE YOU GRADUATE

BE PART OF YOUR INDUSTRY BEFORE YOU GRADUATE WWW.SOUTHWALES.AC.UK/COMPUTING

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DEGREE APPRENTICESHIPS

NETWORK75

DEGREE APPRENTICESHIPS

NETWORK75

Degree Apprenticeships are a great way for students to find real work experience and for employers to fill skill gaps.

Network75 at USW is a five-year sponsored degree scheme allowing students to Work, Earn and Learn! Network75 students are able to apply their academic knowledge to real-life work within a host company gaining the necessary skills, experience and qualifications that are highly sought after by industry.

IS A DEGREE APPRENTICESHIP FOR ME?

Degree Apprenticeships are an alternative to traditional university study and are becoming increasingly popular amongst students. You will be placed into a working environment, gaining real-world workplace experience and earning a salary, whilst simultaneously working towards a degree qualification upon successful completion of the apprenticeship.

This combination is a fantastic way to gain the experience and knowledge you’ll need to find future work and succeed in a working environment as it provides you with two very important things – a higher education qualification and real experience.

At USW, we offer the following Computing Degree Apprenticeships: BSc (Hons) Digital and Technology Solutions BSc (Hons) Digital and Technology Solutions (Cyber Security) BSc (Hons) Digital and Technology Solutions (Data Science)

100% EMPLOYABILITY

Network75 Graduates are an attractive prospect to employers as they possess the skills, experience, and qualifications in demand by industry.

Network75 boasts a 100% employability statistic whereby all graduates since the scheme was established in 2000 have been offered employment at graduate level or above.

Scan the QR code or visit: www.southwales.ac.uk/ network75

WORK, EARN, LEARN!

Students are given the opportunity to put their knowledge into practice alongside their degree, gaining practical as well as theoretical knowledge. Students have a trainee agreement with the University and undertake a work-based placement at a local host company.

Scan the QR code or visit: www.southwales.ac.uk/ apprenticeships

During term time, students attend their placement three days per week and attend the University to study two days per week. During holiday periods students attend their placement five days per week.

Students receive a minimum tax-free bursary of £6,500 which increases by £1,000 each academic year. In conjunction with the University of South Wales, all students benefit from some of the very best degrees on offer, state-of-the-art learning facilities, and excellent teaching.

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CASE STUDY: RICHARD FOWLER, THE ROYAL MINT

RICHARD FOWLER Chief Information Security Officer, The Royal Mint Watch Richard’s video and more:

RICHARD FOWLER, THE ROYAL MINT CASE STUDY

Our association with the National Cyber Security Academy at USW was motivated by two primary goals. Firstly, we aimed to strengthen our cyber security department. Secondly, we were eager to draw the eyes of the finest talent towards our organisation.

Our relationship began with learning sessions in 2020. Fast forward to today, and, as well as having employed many graduates, we have had the privilege to lecture first and second-year courses and even support academic research by sponsoring dissertations at both bachelor’s and master’s levels.

I’ve always believed in the synergy between academia and business. It’s our shared responsibility to bridge the cyber skills gap. Universities lay the foundational technical skills, but it falls upon businesses like ours to give these bright minds a taste of the real world. It’s an enriching experience seeing students tackle live project briefs, where they get to grapple with real-world scenarios and merge them with their academic learnings.

Cyber security is paramount to The Royal Mint. As we chart our future, we’re always on the lookout for ways to entice the best graduates. My advice to anyone contemplating a cyber security career is to dive right in. It’s an exhilarating field, diverse and ever evolving. And the technical aspect shouldn’t daunt you; there’s room for everyone, with roles far beyond just tech.

We hope to continue this collaboration with USW moving forward, giving fantastic opportunities to the brightest minds in cyber security.

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CASE STUDY: EMMA MONTGOMERY GRIMES, THE ROYAL MINT

EMMA Governance, Risk and Compliance Lead, The Royal Mint BSc (Hons) Applied Cyber Security graduate Watch Emma’s story and more:

The Applied Cyber Security course at USW provided more than just theoretical knowledge; it offered genuine industry interactions. We were privileged to work on assignments alongside industry partners, gaining a practical understanding of real-world scenarios. This approach was evident when, for my final dissertation, I collaborated with The Royal Mint. This partnership not only honed my skills but led to an interview and subsequent employment.

Today, I oversee cyber governance, risk, compliance, and technology risk management for the entire organisation.

The course armed me with the foundational concepts essential for my cyber security role. The blend of theory with hands-on practice ensured a deeper comprehension of concepts.

For anyone interested in a career in the cyber sector: don’t hesitate. With its quality content, dedicated instructors, and invaluable industry connections, it paves the way for a successful and varied career.

GARETH GEORGE, BRIDEWELL CASE STUDY

GARETH GEORGE Security Analyst, Bridewell BSc (Hons) Applied Cyber Security graduate

Watch Gareth’s story and more:

During my three years at USW, I acquired fundamental skills that proved crucial in shaping my career as a security analyst at Bridewell. Learning about networking, secure network design, SOC skills, and malware analysis formed the bedrock of my expertise.

USW’s Applied Cyber Security course was nothing short of exceptional. Not only did it offer state-of-the-art facilities like a security operations centre and a digital forensics lab, but the quality of education and hands-on approach truly stood out. The supportive and knowledgeable staff ensured that we delved deep into every topic, helping me grasp intricate details.

As someone who prefers learning through practical application, the course structure was a perfect fit. I sought a hands-on placement during my first two years, which led me to Bridewell, where I secured a year’s internship. Following the completion of my degree, my journey with Bridewell evolved, positioning me as a fully-fledged security analyst.

USW and their industry links have been vital to my career, with a clear pathway into employment set out for me during my studies.

FOR ANYONE INTERESTED IN A CAREER IN THE CYBER SECTOR – DON’T HESITATE. WWW.SOUTHWALES.AC.UK/COMPUTING

USW AND ITS INDUSTRY LINKS HAVE BEEN VITAL TO MY CAREER. WWW.SOUTHWALES.AC.UK/COMPUTING

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CASE STUDY: JAMES JOHN, BRIDEWELL

JAMES JOHN Cyber Defence Team Leader, Bridewell BSc (Hons) Applied Cyber Security graduate Watch James’s story and more:

JAMES JOHN, BRIDEWELL CASE STUDY

At Bridewell, an NCC-accredited cybersecurity consultancy, we offer expertise from data privacy penetration testing to cyberscape consultancy, serving the UK’s critical national infrastructure. Many of our team members, myself included, proudly hail from USW. Being strategically located along the M4 corridor, particularly in South Wales (Cardiff), strengthens this bond.

We have consistently engaged with USW, providing guest lectures, and sharing industry insights. From topics like digital forensics and cloud security to soft skills like CV workshops and mock interviews, we ensure students are industry-ready.

This partnership is mutually beneficial: Bridewell gains fresh perspectives from students on live projects, while they receive hands-on experience and industry insights. As a result, many USW students seamlessly transition into roles at Bridewell post-graduation.

USW is known for its hands-on approach to cyber security, showcased by its state-of-the-art facilities, which I made use of as a student. The Bridewell-USW partnership is a perfect complement to the excellent foundations laid by the course, preparing the next generation of cybersecurity experts.

USW IS KNOWN FOR ITS HANDS-ON APPROACH TO CYBER SECURITY, SHOWCASED BY ITS STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITIES. WWW.SOUTHWALES.AC.UK/COMPUTING

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FIND OUT MORE ABOUT COMPUTING AT USW

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT COMPUTING AT USW We have a range of undergraduate and postgraduate Computing open events that take place regularly throughout the year.

Open Days are the ideal way to discover the opportunities awaiting you at the University of South Wales, both professionally and personally.

At a USW Open Day, you’ll have the chance to explore our campuses and accommodation, meet academic staff and current students, take part in interactive activities related to your course, and get lots of advice about support and study options.

BOOK A PLACE AT OUR NEXT OPEN EVENT: WWW.SOUTHWALES.AC.UK/ OPEN-DAYS

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For information about the University in Welsh / Am wybodaeth am y Brifysgol yn y Gymraeg: www.decymru.ac.uk.

The content of this booklet is correct at the time of print, November 2023.

For the most up-to-date information, please visit: www.southwales.ac.uk.

Produced by the University of South Wales’s Future Students Department.

Design: True North The University of South Wales is a registered charity. Registration No. 1140312