Applied AI and Cyber Security MSc

On this course you will explore how artificial intelligence and machine learning can be applied to contemporary cyber security challenges, including threat detection, security analytics and threat intelligence. You will also investigate the security challenges associated with intelligent and data-driven systems.

Practical learning is a central feature of this course. You will work within virtual laboratory environments and use contemporary artificial intelligence, machine learning and cyber security technologies. This means you will develop your skills and gain practical experience in a range of areas that are in demand with employers, such as:

• AI model development
• Network and security analysis
• Penetration testing
• Digital forensics
• Security monitoring
• Threat detection
• Incident response

Learning activities will be supported by industry relevant open source and cloud based tools. You will gain experience with Python-based AI development environments, digital forensics technologies and security monitoring platforms. This allows you to develop your skills in realistic, enterprise style scenarios reflective of professional practice. 

You will apply your learning to realistic cyber security problems. This could include working with real data sets, analysing cyber threats and digital evidence and investigating security incidents. You will also explore AI enabled approaches to cyber defence. These practical sessions will enable you to connect advanced concepts with the challenges faced by contemporary organisations. 

We recognise that advanced technical capability must be accompanied by responsible and professional judgement. We will critically examine issues surrounding topics including responsible AI, data protection and the ethical and secure deployment of intelligent systems. This will prepare you to consider not only if an AI enabled solution can be developed, but also if it is secure, responsible and appropriate for its intended organisations and societal context. 

How you will study

You can study this postgraduate course full time with or without an industry placement. This allows you to fit your studies around other commitments. You can also study this course with or without a year long industry placement.

Full time (without an industry placement)

If you choose to study full time without the industry placement, the course will take 1 year to complete. You will study:

• 4 compulsory modules
• A compulsory dissertation module

Full time (with an industry placement)

If you choose to study with an industry placement, the course will take 2 years to complete. You will study:

• 4 compulsory modules
• A compulsory dissertation
• A year in industry

You can find out which modules are available in each term in the Course Specifications.

Modules

Teaching and learning

You will learn through a variety of sessions that are designed to develop your knowledge, skills and experience ready for graduation. Sessions could include:

• Lectures
• Workshops
• Tutorials
• Practical laboratory sessions

In these sessions there will be problem and project based activities based on real industry challenges and case studies. You will gain valuable experience in tasks including AI model development, threat detection and incident response. Work related learning is embedded in all of our courses, so our course content reflects real industry scenarios and professional practice.

Assessment

Our assessments will assess your advanced knowledge alongside your practical skills. Assessment methods could include:

• Laboratory reports
• Analytical written reports
• Portfolios
• Presentations
• Applied research or development project work

Optional placement year

Choosing the placement year option can give you a competitive edge in your future career. It is an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills you have learned in the workplace.

Qualifications

If your honours degree is not in a related discipline, but you can demonstrate extensive professional experience in the subject, your application will be considered.

International students

If you are an international student you will need to show that your qualifications match our entry requirements.

Information about international qualifications and entry requirements can be found on our International pages.

If English is not your first language you will need to show that you have English Language competence at IELTS level 6.0 (with no skill below 5.5) or equivalent.

International entry requirements

Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL)

If you do not have traditional qualifications, you might be able to provide evidence of professional experience in the subject as an alternative way to meet the entry requirements. This is called Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL). Appropriate references and records of employment would need to be presented to support your case for admission.

Terms and conditions

Our terms and conditions, policies and procedures contain important information about studying at York St John University. You can read them on our Admissions page.

UK

February 2027 entry

• The tuition fee for 2026 - 2027 without Professional Experience is £10,200 for full time study.
• The tuition fee for 2026 - 2027 with Professional Experience is £10,200 for the first year, and £1,600 for your professional experience year (£11,800 in total).

September 2027

• The tuition fee for 2027 - 2028 without Professional Experience is £10,500 for full time study.
• The tuition fee for 2027 - 2028 with Professional Experience is £10,400 for the first year, and £1,600 for your professional experience year (£12,000 in total).

These costs apply to all UK, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man students.

Postgraduate loans are available to help you pay for your master’s course. Find out more about funding your postgraduate studies.

Funding opportunities

International

February 2027 entry

• The tuition fee without Professional Experience is £11,800.
• The tuition fee with Professional Experience is £15,400. £11,800 for your first year, and £3,600 for your Professional Experience year (£15,400 in total)

September 2027 entry

• The tuition fee without Professional Experience is £12,000.
• The tuition fee with Professional Experience is £15,600. £12,000 for your first year, and £3,600 for your Professional Experience year (£15,600 in total)

These costs apply to all students living outside the UK.

For more information about visa requirements and short-term study visas, please visit the International Visa and Immigration pages.

Find out more about funding your postgraduate studies.

International Fees and Funding

Tuition fees

Alumni Scholarships

If you are alumni of York St John University we have scholarships available to help you continue your studies.

Scholarships for alumni

Additional costs and financial support

Course-related costs

While studying for your degree, there may be additional costs related to your course. This may include purchasing personal equipment and stationery, books and optional field trips.

Accommodation and living costs

View our accommodation pages for detailed information on accommodation and living costs.

Where could Applied AI and Cyber Security take you?

This could be your first step towards a career in Applied AI and Cyber Security, such as:

• AI Security Analyst
• Cyber Security Analyst
• AI Governance, Risk and Compliance Officer
• Machine Learning Security Engineer
• Cyber Security Specialist

You will also develop a range of transferable skills that are valuable in many sectors.

Stand out from the crowd with postgraduate study

Far fewer people have postgraduate degrees than undergraduate qualifications. This gives you something extra to set yourself apart in a competitive graduate job market.

Our careers service, Future You, provides support tailored to your ambitions. Through this service you can access:

• Employer events
• LinkedIn, CV and cover letter sessions
• Workshops on application writing and interview skills
• Work experience and volunteering opportunities
• Personalised career advice

This support does not end when you graduate. You can access our expert career advice for the rest of your life. We will help you gain the experience and confidence you need to succeed.