Become a successful cybersecurity professional, capable of leveraging Artificial Intelligence to protect your organisations against evolving digital threats. Students will also develop the professional, ethical, and lifelong learning skills required to stay current in the rapidly advancing fields of AI and cybersecurity.
You will have access to state-of-the-art facilities which will ensure you are proficient in the use of modern equipment, principles, techniques, tools and methodologies for the design, implementation, maintenance and recovery of secure networks and information systems.
You will understand legal requirements and current standards around information security, satisfying the demands of industry and IT providers for well-rounded computing practitioners who are experts in their holistic understanding of security issues.
Stage 1
The course provides a comprehensive foundation in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, covering topics such as AI and cybersecurity, evaluation of security controls to meet business needs, secure network solutions, vulnerability assessment and penetration testing, security operations, and digital forensics.
Stage 2
You will undertake a substantial project on a cybersecurity and AI topic of your choice. Alongside attending a series of workshops, you will meet regularly with your supervisor to discuss progress, receive feedback, and refine your approach.
A major element of the course is the individual project, allowing you to apply your cybersecurity and AI expertise to a chosen area of interest. With guidance from a Project Supervisor, you will design and deliver a significant project that applies AI techniques to real cybersecurity challenges.
Learning Methods
The course is delivered flexibly online through the University’s virtual learning environment, Moodle.
Teaching combines structured online learning materials and activities with recorded lectures, practical exercises, live group discussions, and self-directed study. Your learning is further supported by regular online tutor sessions and dedicated academic guidance throughout the course.
How long is a Cyber Security with Artificial Intelligence course?
The MSc Cyber Security with Artificial Intelligence course can be successfully completed in 18 months.
Activity Summary
- Lectures - 40 students per group, 2 hours per week
- Practical class or workshop - 40 students per group, 1 hour per week
- Independent study - 27 hours per week
Independent Study
The course emphasises independent learning, requiring you to take responsibility for managing your coursework, reading, and related learning activities.
Equipment Requirements
While the School will provide certain facilities, students enrolled on the course are expected to have access to a suitable personal computing device (laptop or desktop PC) capable of supporting the required coursework. A typical minimum specification includes:
- CPU: Intel Core i5 or equivalent (minimum)
- RAM: 16 GB (minimum)
- Storage: 256 GB SSD (minimum)
Assessment
Typically students are assessed:
Stage 1
- 4 reports
- 1 group critique
Stage 2
- 1 Dissertation
- 1 Project output
- 1 Oral assessment and/or presentation
Feedback
We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.
Staff Delivering on This Course
The course is delivered by a team of academics whose expertise, gained through research, consultancy, and scholarly activity, is embedded throughout the course. The team also delivers the on-campus MSc Cyber Security, fully accredited by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).
Our staff are regularly recognised in RGU’s annual Support and Teaching Staff Appreciation and Recognition (STAR) Awards, and many are Fellows or Senior Fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA), demonstrating excellence in teaching and leadership.
In addition, Students benefit from contributions by visiting lecturers, researchers, industry experts, and postgraduate students, offering diverse academic and professional insights.
Academic Support
The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.
Online Learning & Support
All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.
Study Skills Support
The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:
- Academic writing
- Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
- Maths and statistics
- English language
- Information technology support
Library Support
The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.
Placements
Optional short placements (3 months) and long placements (45 weeks) are built into the course structure. You are supported in finding a placement through the University Placements Office. Alternatively, you can seek your own placement.
For students who undertake a placement the course duration will be extended by the length of the placement.
Job Prospects
The demand for professionals skilled in AI-driven cybersecurity is rapidly growing in today’s digital landscape. Graduates of the MSc Cyber Security with Artificial Intelligence can pursue careers in a variety of sectors, including:
- AI Security Analyst.
- Cyber Threat Intelligence Specialist.
- AI-Powered Security Solutions Engineer.
- AI Cybersecurity Consultant.
- IT Security Engineer.
- Digital Forensics Analyst.
- AI Risk and Compliance.
Standard Entry Requirements
What is needed for MSc Cyber Security with Artificial Intelligence?
- Applicants normally hold a 2:2 undergraduate honours degree, or its equivalent, in a subject area with substantial Computing content.
- Applicants with a degree in an alternative subject area or lower degree classification and/or with relevant work experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
English Language Requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.
We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:
Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.
Academic Year 2026-2027
Scottish Students
Part Time
| Online | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 2 years | Year 1 | £6100 |
| Year 2 | £6100 | |
Rest of UK Students
Part Time
| Online | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 2 years | Year 1 | £8850 |
| Year 2 | £8850 | |
International Students
Part Time
| Online | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 2 years | Year 1 | £19630 |
| Year 2 | £19630 | |
Additional Costs
Some other costs are not included in the course fees:
- The cost of books that you may wish to purchase.
- Costs associated with any placement / study abroad
- Accommodation and Living Costs
- Printing
Student Funding
Postgraduate students will normally make their own arrangements for payment of fees. However, there are a limited number of SAAS funded places on certain postgraduate courses.
Scholarships and Financial Awards
You may qualify for a scholarship or financial award:
Disclaimer
For new intakes, course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information:
Any questions?
Get in touch with our Student Admissions Service and we'll do our best to help.