Program Overview

Cybersecurity and Machine Learning, MSc

Introduction

This programme focuses on two key areas: securing AI systems to ensure they are robust, responsible, and regulatory-compliant and using AI to enhance cybersecurity methods against complex threats.

Study Information

Study Options

• Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
• Degree Qualification: MSc
• Duration: 12 months or 16 months
• Study Mode: Full Time
• Start Month: September or January
• Location of Study: Aberdeen

Programme Fees

Semester 1

Compulsory Courses

• Machine Learning (CS5062): This course will deliver the most sophisticated Machine Learning methodologies and algorithms which would be illustrated across a wide range of applications including but not limited to images, videos, health, time series data, language processing, etc.

Optional Courses

• Students must select ONE of CS502L Cybersecurity FundamentalsOR CS502B Security in Emerging Networks
• Students must select ONE of CS502M Security Analytics with Artificial IntelligenceOR CS502C Enterprise Security Architecture
• Students must select ONE of CS5063 Evaluation of AI SystemsOR CS5079 Applied Artificial Intelligence

Semester 2

Optional Courses

• Students must select ONE of CS552E Digital Forensics and Incident ManagementOR Blockchain and Smart Contracts
• Students must select ONE of CS551J Knowledge Representation and ReasoningOR CS551K Software Agents and Multi-Agent Systems
• Students must select ONE of CS552G Ethical hacking and web securityOR CS552H Secure Software Development
• Students must select ONE of CS552J Data Mining with Deep LearningOR CS551H Natural Language Generation

Semester 3

Compulsory Courses

• Project in Cybersecurity (CS592A): This course will provide students the opportunity to focus on a practical or theoretical problem and investigate the solutions.

Available Programmes of Study

• MSc: Cybersecurity and Machine Learning

Entry Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree with a 2:2 (lower second class) Honours degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science or another relevant quantitative discipline such as Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Natural Science, Electronic Engineering, General Engineering, Operations Research, or a joint degree in two such subjects.
• Applicants should also be competent in computer programming (C/C++, Python) to the level expected at the end of the first year of a BSc Honours Degree in Computer Science.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS Academic: OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
• TOEFL iBT: OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
• PTE Academic: OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
• Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency: OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

Document Requirements

• Degree Transcript: a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
• Personal Statement: a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme

Careers

Graduates of this programme will be well-equipped to work in cybersecurity companies, AI and Machine Learning (ML), general software consultancy companies, specialised software development businesses and the IT departments of large institutions (financial, telecommunications, and public sector).

Our Experts

• Programme Coordinator: Dr Raja Akram

Scholarships

• All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students starting in September 2025 will receive an £8,000 scholarship. Learn more about this Aberdeen Global Scholarship here.