Cybersecurity and Artificial IntelligenceMSc
Source: https://sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/courses/2026/cybersecurity-and-artificial-intelligence-msc Parent: https://sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/courses/2026
2026-27 entry
Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence MSc
School of Computer Science, Faculty of Engineering\
Advance your career by studying our prestigious MSc programme, which integrates two exciting fields: Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Experts in both fields are increasingly in demand for roles such as security analysts, software developers and architects, and data analysts, and our course will prepare you for a rapidly growing industry.
- Start date \ September 2026
- Duration \ 1 year
-
Attendance \ Full-time
- Course fee
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Course description
Cybersecurity is vital in today’s digital landscape, due to the rising global threats to data and systems, with in-depth knowledge in security sub-areas such as cryptography, AI security, forensics security and secure software development, extremely valuable.
AI has made great strides in recent years. It underpins many tools and technologies on which we will become increasingly reliant.
This is a comprehensive course designed to equip you with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, in key areas such as cryptography, network security, penetration testing, and digital forensics, as well as the foundations of machine learning and applications in natural language processing, which underpins technologies such as ChatGPT and DeepSeek.
This programme is ideal for students with a good first degree in a numerate discipline, who are keen on acquiring a solid understanding of today’s cybersecurity threats and mechanisms for mitigating them in a data-driven manner.
In addition to taught modules incorporating individual and group work, a third of your study time will be devoted to an individual dissertation, where you will work closely with an academic staff member to carry out a piece of work on topics that include cybersecurity and/or AI, such as AI-based cryptanalysis or discovering covert channels via machine learning. The course's research components will develop your analytical and problem-solving skills, preparing you for doctoral studies or research-focused roles in industry.
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).
British Computer Society (BCS) The National Cyber Security Centre
Modules
A selection of modules is available each year - some examples are below. There may be changes before you start your course. As you progress through your course, we'll confirm additional details for the core and optional modules available to you.
MSc modules
Core modules:
Scalable Machine Learning : This module will focus on technologies and algorithms that can be applied to data at a very large scale (e.g. population level). From a theoretical perspective it will focus on parallelisation of algorithms and algorithmic approaches such as stochastic gradient descent. There will also be a significant practical element to the module that will focus on approaches to deploying scalable ML in practice such as SPARK, programming languages such as Python/Scala and deployment on high performance computing platforms/clusters.
**15 credits**
Fundamental Security Properties and Mechanisms : This wide-ranging module covers some fundamental concepts, properties, and mechanisms in security, e.g. identity, authentication, confidentiality, privacy, anonymity, availability and integrity. Cryptographic algorithms are explored together with major attacks (using a break-understand-and-fix approach). High level security protocols are explored (passwords, graphical passwords, key distribution and authentication protocols) together with some rigorous mechanisms for reasoning about their correctness (e.g. belief logics). Other mechanisms such as biometric authentication are also covered.
**15 credits**
Development of Secure Software : This module covers the security analysis - as well as the secure development - of software-based systems, both on an architectural as well as a system level. The main goal of this module is to teach the foundations of secure software design, secure programming, and security testing. The module requires a solid understanding of software development in general and in particular, of at least one programming language (e.g., Java, JavaScript, Ruby, C#, F#, or C) and basic software development tools such as an IDE (e.g., Eclipse, VS Code), a revision system (e.g., git), or build systems (e.g., Maven, Gradle, npm, FAKE). Moreover, an understanding of database and Web applications is required. The labs require a basic command of Linux in general and the command line (shell) in particular.
**15 credits**
Cyber Threat Hunting and Digital Forensics : The module provides an in depth view of threat hunting in memory, file system and network data and an introductory analysis of malicious programs. Practical sessions will elaborate on key concepts of incident handling, cyber threat hunting and digital investigation along with detailed analysis of real world case studies. We will also introduce some unusual and non-virulent types of malware.
**15 credits**
Security of Control and Embedded Systems : This module will explore security issues in systems where computation is carried out to sense, analyse, and control physical system elements. These systems typically react in real time to external events. Examples include washing machines, autonomous vehicles and traffic management systems, power distribution systems, automated manufacturing systems, robotic applications, and web-enabled toys. Many now, or will, operate as part of the 'Internet of Things'. A breach in the security of the systems of interest could also have catastrophic safety consequences. Complications arise when intrusions are detected, e.g., closing down a system may simply not be possible.\ \ This module has the explicit objective of developing group teamwork skills. Participation in teamwork is mandatory and failure to participate will result in deduction of marks and eventually loss of credits. Passing this module is essential for being awarded a degree accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS). If this module is failed, the teamwork requirement means that the resit attempt must be in the next academic year.
**15 credits**
Text Processing : This module introduces fundamental concepts and ideas in natural language text processing, covers techniques for handling text corpora, and examines representative systems that require the automated processing of large volumes of text. The module focuses on modern quantitative techniques for text analysis and explores important models for representing and acquiring information from texts.
**15 credits**
Machine Learning and Adaptive Intelligence : The module is about core technologies underpinning modern artificial intelligence. The module will introduce statistical machine learning and probabilistic modelling and their application to describing real-world phenomena. The module will give students a grounding in modern state-of-the-art algorithms that allow modern computer systems to learn from data. It has a considerable focus on the mathematical underpinnings of key ML approaches, requiring some knowledge of linear algebra, differentiation and probability.
**15 credits**
Natural Language Processing : This module provides an introduction to the field of computer processing of written natural language, known as Natural Language Processing (NLP). We will cover core concepts, models and algorithms for analysing and processing natural language data, exploring a range of approaches used in contemporary NLP systems, and discussing their strengths, limitations, and applications.
**15 credits**
Cybersecurity and AI Dissertation Project : For your individual project you can choose from a wide range of possibilities in many different environments both within, and outside, the University. The project is completed during the summer and you will have a personal academic supervisor to guide you during this period. The individual project is examined by a dissertation based on the project work and an oral examination. This module has been designed for students taking the MSc Cybersecurity and AI programme; the topic will be at the interface of Cybersecurity and AI. This provides a significant element of glue, bringing together the two areas that make up the programmes.
**60 credits**
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 will inform students and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.
Open days
Interested in postgraduate taught study?
- Take part in our online open day on Wednesday 29 April
- Join us on a discovery afternoon on Tuesday 12 May
- Register your interest in studying at Sheffield.
Duration
1 year full-time
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.
Your career
Computer science programmes at the University of Sheffield will empower you to navigate the ever-changing field of computer science. You will develop the skills necessary to push the boundaries of current knowledge and shape the future digital landscape. Your future career is in safe hands with one of our degrees – Sheffield is among the best in the UK for computer science.
Our graduates are highly sought-after across a diverse range of industries: software engineering, data science, cybersecurity, web or mobile development, IT and Digital consultancy and emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence and cloud computing. Roles our alumni have gone on to include software developer, data analyst, full stack software engineer, game programmer, QA developer, Java programmer and technical lead.
Many of our recent graduates are at major companies, including Google, Amazon, IBM, Oracle, Huawei, Cisco Systems, Office for National Statistics, BBC, Barclays and Morgan Stanley. Some decide to undertake further study and others run their own successful business.
We asked one of our graduate employers, IBM, why they value our computer science graduates and the skills they develop:
A computer science degree gives you a deep understanding of systems architecture, how systems integrate with one another, and how code works at a fundamental level. That deep understanding is crucial for working on the enterprise systems that underpin our cities, businesses and financial institutions. Working on these systems requires more than just a surface level understanding of coding.
John McNamara
IBM Master Inventor and IBM UK University Programs Lead
School
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.
Student profiles
[Sheffield has the perfect balance between nature and city life
Grace Lim
Project Engineer, AMRC, \ BSc Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science/ MSc Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence](https://sheffield.ac.uk/cs/postgraduate/student-profiles/grace) [There have been many rewarding aspects within my role, but the main one is securing big firms from high value cyber attacks
Tanu Shree Rastogi
Senior Security Researcher, Microsoft, \ Cyber Security and Artificial Intelligence MSc](https://sheffield.ac.uk/cs/postgraduate/student-profiles/tanu-shree)
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
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.
If required degree subjects and modules are listed, these 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.
We also consider a wide range of international qualifications:
Entry requirements for international students
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 (with 6 in each component) or University equivalent
Other English language qualifications we accept
Other requirements
We will not ask you to provide references or referee details as part of your application.
We do not require a supporting statement for this programme.
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.
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the school.
Fees and funding
Financial information for postgraduate taught courses
Save on your course fees
£3,000 scholarships for international students
Overseas fee-paying students joining in September 2026 will automatically receive a £3,000 tuition fee discount (subject to eligibility) - no separate application form required.
Save up to £2,500 on your course fees
Are you a Sheffield graduate? You could save up to £2,500 on your postgraduate taught course fees, subject to eligibility.
Apply
You can apply now using our Postgraduate Online Application Form. It's a quick and easy process.
More information
Contact
Start a conversation with us – you can get in touch by email, telephone or online chat.
Contacts for prospective students
Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.
Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read information from the UK government and the EU Regulated Professions Database.
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