Cyber Crime and Terrorism

Entry requirements

If you are passionate about countering cyber crime and terrorism, we want to hear from you!

This programme will be of interest to those who are interested in both cyber crime and cybersecurity more generally as well as those seeking specialist study of terrorism. It will be useful for students who have undertaken an undergraduate degree in anything from criminology or law, to computer science and psychology, and who are looking to specialise in this important area. Continuing, mature, international and part-time students would also be welcome for this programme of study.

Ideally you will hold a 2:1 undergraduate degree in criminology and criminal justice or a cognate discipline i.e. Social Policy, Law, Psychology, Sociology, Computer Science and Politics (arts and humanities graduates whose degrees may have focused upon social or community justice are also welcome to apply). Candidates with a 2:2 or with relevant professional work experience may also be considered.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Cyber crime and terrorism are among the biggest threats facing society, and are key priorities for government at all levels. This MA will give you an in-depth understanding of the constantly changing nature of online crimes, terrorism and criminal behaviour, opening up a range of exciting career opportunities.

Learning from industry experts, with a wealth of academic and practical experience, you will gain knowledge of the threats, trends, issues and responses in terrorism and cybersecurity, as well as the crucial ethical questions.

Our cyber crime and terrorism programme will equip you to confront transnational threats that undermine security, governance and human rights. By critically analysing cyber-enabled crime, extremism and digital vulnerabilities, you can develop advanced skills to contribute to global resilience, policy innovation and ethical strategies that address complex international security issues.

Why Cyber Crime and Terrorism at Swansea?

This programme brings together expertise from criminology, legal studies and political science, allowing you to build interdisciplinary knowledge.

As a postgraduate student in the Department of Criminology, Sociology and Social Policy, you will be part of a thriving academic environment that is committed to excellence in teaching and research, while offering an exceptional student experience.

This MA is unique as it gives you the opportunity to:

• Engage directly with project work, and with stakeholders, who can provide insights and cutting-edge knowledge of cyber crime and terrorism
• Build strong relationships with national and international partners, including policymakers, government and industrial security practitioners, military organisations and communities

You will also be joining a department that has a strong reputation for research – as 83.3% of our research produces considerable impact in terms of its reach and significance (REF 2021).

Your Cyber Crime and Terrorism MA experience

This programme consists of 180 credits of study, comprised of six 20-credit modules, and a 60-credit dissertation. This is structured into three modules in both the first and second semester, followed by the dissertation element.

The programme begins with modules that are focused on developing your understanding of criminological theory, as well as challenges, policy and practice within the criminal justice system. You will have the option to select your own modules based on your disciplinary interests or career aspirations, with themes of study including propaganda and radicalisation, drugs, alcohol and criminal law, prisons, gendered harms, and countering violent extremism online.

In the summer semester, you will then undertake an independent research project. Most students complete a dissertation of 15,000 words on a unique topic of research, under the close guidance of an academic supervisor. A small number of students also embark on a research project, which includes one day per week spent on an internship with a partner institution, a report of 12,000 words based on the work undertaken, as well as a 2,000 word reflective portfolio.

Throughout both semesters, there is a guest lecture series, which supports your graduate skills. Industry partners are invited to give guest lectures on their work, and you will have the opportunity to network with the guest lecturer, who will often inform us when there are suitable vacancies open within their organisation.

Our guest lecturers include individuals from:

• Government, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), Think Tanks, Law Enforcement and Technology companies

As part of this specialist degree, you will also benefit from accessing the expertise available in our research centres, including the Cyber Threats Research Centre (CYTREC), the VOX-Pol Network and the Legal Innovation Lab Wales.

The programme is also available part-time, completed over two years, with the following structure:

• Year one - two 20-credit modules will be completed in semester one, and one module will be completed in semester two
• Year two - one 20-credit module will be completed in semester one, and two modules will be completed in semester two, with a 60-credit dissertation to be completed across semesters two and three
• Across both years you will also have access to the non-credit bearing guest lecture series