AI + Cyber Security (MSc)

How will I be taught?

You’ll learn through a blend of lectures, practical workshops, group activities, and independent study, designed to give you both the theoretical understanding and the hands-on experience needed to apply AI and Cyber Security in practice.

Each module includes interactive sessions, case studies, and practical exercises using widely used AI and data science tools.

You’ll also develop your skills through collaborative project work, presentations, and independent research, culminating in a substantial dissertation project supervised by an expert in the field. Throughout the programme you will be encouraged to apply your learning to real-world data and challenges, ensuring that you graduate with the confidence and ability to use AI responsibly and effectively.

 

How will I be assessed?

The taught modules within the programme are assessed through a wide range of in-course assessments, which may include written reports; essays; practical assignments; oral presentations and class tests.

Feedback on coursework may be provided via written comments on work submitted, by provision of ‘model’ answers and/or through discussion in contact sessions.

The individual project and dissertation enables you to demonstrate your ability to build upon and exploit knowledge and skills gained in earlier stages of the Programme. Furthermore it provides the opportunity for you to exhibit critical and original thinking based on a period of independent study and learning;

How will I be supported?

We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment in which all students are encouraged to succeed. Each module is led by an experienced academic who provides guidance and feedback throughout the course.

At the start of each year, you will be given a guide to module aims, learning outcomes, methods of assessment, module syllabuses, and reading lists. You will be allocated a personal tutor, a member of the academic staff who will provide pastoral support and academic advice during your course.

All lecturing staff can be contacted by email and have either an ‘open door’ policy for students with specific queries about course material, or a system to book meeting times. Student Hubs will also be available to support any administrative queries. 

You will have access through the Learning Central website to relevant multimedia material, presentations, lecture handouts, exercises and solutions, and further links.

The University offers a range of services including Student Futures – the careers and employability service, the Counselling Service, the Disability and Dyslexia Service, the Student Support Service and excellent libraries and resource centres

Further learning support is also available via the University wide Maths Support Service. This provides relaxed and informal daily drop-in sessions where students are encouraged to discuss any elements of their studies with a tutor on a one-to-one or small group basis

What skills will I practise and develop?

The Learning Outcomes for this Programme describe what you will achieve by the end of your programme at Cardiff University and identify the knowledge and skills that you will develop. They will also help you to understand what is expected of you. 
On successful completion of your Programme you will be able to:

Knowledge & Understanding:

• Critically evaluate current and emerging AI and Cyber Security approaches, synthesising research and practice to justify solutions to complex, real-world problems 
• Explain and compare the theoretical foundations and key models underpinning AI and Cyber Security, identifying their assumptions and limitations 
• Assess and justify the suitability of alternative AI methods for solving diverse problems in Cyber Security, considering performance and interpretability.
• Integrate and apply advanced AI to independently investigate a complex, real-world problem, demonstrating originality and methodological rigour.

Intellectual Skills:

• Analyse and formulate complex problems in Cyber Security, designing innovative solutions using appropriate AI techniques 
• Evaluate the security landscape in an unseen IT and organisational environment, utilising original thinking, appropriate solutions and methods to present the case for a suitable cybersecurity solution.
• Exercise independent critical judgement in selecting, adapting, and evaluating AI methodologies for novel or ambiguous problems in cyber security, integrating evidence to defend methodological choices and conclusions 

Professional Practical Skills:

• Demonstrate advanced proficiency in programming, data extraction and machine learning, applying these skills to authentic, domain-specific challenges.
• Evaluate cybersecurity risks, develop and implement appropriate strategies and policies, considering a range of professional roles and responsibilities in cybersecurity.
• Communicate complex technical concepts, results, and implications clearly and accurately to specialist and non-specialist audiences using written, oral, and digital formats 
• Critically appraise and address ethical and societal challenges in applying AI methods across industry and public sector contexts 
• Plan, manage, and deliver an extended, research-driven project, demonstrating autonomy, methodological integrity, and effective dissemination of findings to academic and professional audiences 

Transferable/Key Skills:

• Communicate ideas and evidence effectively through diverse approaches, adapting style for specialist and non-specialist audiences 
• Collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams, demonstrating adaptability and professional responsibility 
• Apply logical and analytical reasoning to complex problems.
• Demonstrate autonomy and reflective practice in managing and communicating a substantial independent project 
• Manage data responsibly, ensuring secure storage, ethical use, and critical evaluation of data collection and analysis techniques.
• Locate, critically evaluate, synthesise and correctly acknowledge information from a range of sources.