Cyber Security with Artificial Intelligence

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 Computing or a subject area with substantial Computing content.
  Applicants with a lower degree classification and/or 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.