Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence (MSc)

This course combines two disciplines: cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (ai). Cybersecurity is one of the most pressing problems of our time and artificial intelligence has made great advances in recent years. Skills in both areas are very much in demand. 

You will receive a grounding in the fundamentals of cybersecurity and AI. There are taught modules in each of these disciplines and you’ll carry out a project that addresses a research problem (or problems) at the interface of the two.

Applying for this course

• We are no longer using a staged admissions process for this course. You can apply for this course in the usual way using our Postgraduate Online Application Form.

Accreditation

• This course is accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS). The course partially meets the requirements for Chartered Information Technology Professional (CITP) and partially meets the requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng). This degree is certified by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).

Modules

• A selection of modules is available each year - some examples are below. There may be changes before you start your course. From May of the year of entry, formal programme regulations will be available in our Programme Regulations Finder.

Core modules:

• Scalable Machine Learning
• Fundamental Security Properties and Mechanisms
• Development of Secure Software
• Cyber Threat Hunting and Digital Forensics
• Security of Control and Embedded Systems
• Text Processing
• Machine Learning and Adaptive Intelligence
• Natural Language Processing
• Cybersecurity and AI Dissertation Project

The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.

Teaching

• We use lectures, online technical content, tutorials, practical lab sessions and seminars led by staff from external organisations.

Assessment

• Assessment is by formal examinations, coursework, mini team project, practical assessment, podcast and poster development, and a research project dissertation.

School of Computer Science

• Our masters courses at the University of Sheffield cover both the strong theoretical foundations and the practical issues involved in developing software systems in a business or industrial context.
• Our graduates are highly prized by industry, and provide the opportunity for you to gain an advantage in the job market, whether in the UK or overseas.
• Although it is possible to discuss many of the practical issues involved in industrial applications in lectures and seminars, there is no substitute for first-hand experience.
• We have a unique track record in developing innovative project-based courses that provide real experience for computing students, and this experience is embodied in our MSc courses.
• Our MSc programmes last 12 months, and begin in late September. You will study taught modules during two 15-week semesters. Your work is assessed either by coursework or by formal examination. During the summer you complete an individual dissertation project, which may be based within the University or at the premises of an industrial client.

Entry requirements

• Minimum 2:1 undergraduate honours degree in a relevant subject.

Subject requirements
We accept degrees in the following subject areas: 

• Computer Applications
• Computer Science
• Software Engineering

We may also be able to consider degrees in the following areas, depending on your experience of software systems development:

• Chemistry
• Economics
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Any Engineering subject

Entry requirements for international students

• We assess each application on the basis of the applicant’s preparation and achievement as a whole. We may accept applicants whose qualifications don’t meet the published entry criteria but have other experience relevant to the course.
• The lists of required degree subjects and modules are indicative only.  Sometimes we may accept subjects or modules that aren’t listed, and sometimes we may not accept subjects or modules that are listed, depending on the content studied.

English language requirements

• IELTS 6.5 (with 6 in each component) or University equivalent.
• Other English language qualifications we accept

Pathway programme for international students

• If you're an international student who does not meet the entry requirements for this course, you have the opportunity to apply for a pre-masters programme in Science and Engineering at the University of Sheffield International College. This course is designed to develop your English language and academic skills. Upon successful completion, you can progress to degree level study at the University of Sheffield.