AI + Cyber Security MSc

Cardiff University

The MSc AI + Cyber Security is a conversion programme designed to provide you with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to thrive in the rapidly expanding fields of Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security. You’ll get an introduction to fundamental concepts in AI, data science, and cyber security, with an emphasis on their practical application to real-world problems.

You’ll learn the technical expertise, critical awareness, and ethical understanding necessary to apply AI across a wide variety of domains. You’ll get hands-on experience with programming, data handling, and modelling tools, and engage with the wider opportunities and challenges associated with AI, including issues of governance, communication, and societal impact. Undertaking a substantial research project will support the development of independent research skills.

You’ll develop a solid foundation in AI models and computational techniques, and the ability to critically evaluate and apply AI and AI outputs and data-driven approaches to complex problems across business, government, and society.

You’ll learn how to understand and manage cyber security risks across modern organisations, developing a strong grounding in core security principles, threat landscapes, and the practical application of leading frameworks. You’ll gain hands-on experience in analysing vulnerabilities, conducting risk assessments, modelling threats, and designing effective security policies and business continuity strategies that support organisational resilience. You’ll learn how modern applications and systems are secured in practice, developing the ability to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities across web services, databases, cloud platforms, and distributed architectures.

You’ll also explore how AI and generative AI are reshaping both cyber defence and cyber offence, learning how AI-driven tools can enhance threat detection and incident response, as well as how to identify and mitigate emerging risks to AI systems. This integrated approach will equip you with the ability to design, evaluate, and deploy secure‑by‑design systems, and apply secure, responsible cyber and AI practices across a wide range of professional contexts.

You’ll develop key transferable skills, including the ability to communicate complex methods and results effectively to diverse audiences, both specialist and non-specialist and an understanding of how to deploy technologies responsibly.

As a graduate of the programme you’ll be well-prepared for employment in the AI and data science sectors, with the ability to contribute to solving pressing global challenges and to lead in the responsible and effective application of artificial intelligence.