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.
Start in January or September
This programme is available to start in either January or September.
Study Information
Study Options
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MSc
- Duration
- 12 months or 16 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time
- Start Month
- January or September
- Location of Study
- Aberdeen
Machine learning (ML) technologies have become critical to cybersecurity, as they are able to quickly analyse millions of events and flag abnormal behaviour or potential security threats. Conversely, confidentiality and integrity are crucial to AI and cybersecurity techniques are therefore crucial to protecting AI systems from vulnerabilities and attacks.
This programme embodies the idea of "AI for Security, and Security for AI," offering training in fundamental cybersecurity practices like secure software development, digital forensics, and ethical hacking, combined with advanced AI and machine learning concepts.
The increasing use of AI across different industry sectors and the rise in cyber attacks threatening individuals, organisations and countries is driving demand for professionals proficient in both cybersecurity and AI. Studying this programme will equip you with a distinctive set of skills in both of these interconnected fields and open up a wide range of career opportunities.
Available Programmes of Study
- MSc
-
Cybersecurity and Machine Learning
Qualification Duration Learning Mode Study Mode Start Month LocationMSc 12 months On Campus Learning Full Time September Aberdeen MoreMSc 16 months On Campus Learning Full Time January Aberdeen MoreProgramme Fees
Fee information Fee category Cost UK Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year £11,900 Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year £11,900 Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year (University of Aberdeen Graduates *) £7,000 Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year (University of Aberdeen Graduates *) £7,000 EU / International students Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year £26,250 Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year £26,250 Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year (Self-funded Students *) £18,250 Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year (Self-funded Students *) £18,250
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page. In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips.
Fee Information
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.
To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.
How You'll Study
Learning Methods
- Group Projects
- Individual Projects
- Lab Work
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Workshops
Why Study Cybersecurity and Machine Learning?
- This programme allows you to choose between a number of courses, meaning you can tailor the degree to your specific interests and future career plans.
- The courses provide highly practical training in penetration testing and ethical hacking, preparing you to identify vulnerabilities and strengthen security.
- You will also get hands-on experience with enterprise-grade tools for forensic security and learn to investigate security breaches, ensure compliance, and maintain the integrity of your IT infrastructure.
- You will develop technical expertise and practical skills in identifying and critically evaluating security and data protection techniques in the Internet of Things, 5G Networks, Cloud Computing, Autonomous Vehicles and Industrial Control Systems.
- Your research project gives you the opportunity to further enhance your problem-solving and communication skills and apply the skills and knowledge you obtain throughout the programme.
- The University of Aberdeen has a strong history and worldwide reputation in computing science, in particular around Data Science, Natural Language Generation and Artificial Intelligence and is home to the research success of ARRIA NLG - the global leader in the field of natural language generation (NLG).
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
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.
Please enter your country or territory to view relevant entry requirements.
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
Eligible self-funded Postgraduate Taught (PGT) students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Eligibility details and further information are available on our dedicated page.
Aberdeen Global ScholarshipEnglish Language Requirements
To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
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
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
Document Requirements
You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.
- 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).
Cybersecurity jobs remain in high demand in the UK and that number is only set to grow, with the skills gap still very much a reality for employers. According to the careers website Indeed.com, ten popular careers in cybersecurity include:
1. Cyber security intern (National average salary: £30,094 per year)
2. Cyber security advisor (National average salary: £50,637 per year)
3. Cyber security project manager (National average salary: £64,870 per year)
4. IT manager (National average salary: £45,527 per year)
5. Systems integration engineer (National average salary: £43,932 per year)
6. Information security architect (National average salary: £75,524 per year)
7. Chief information officer (National average salary: £34,656 per year)
8. Security consultant (National average salary: £54,039 per year)
9. Cyber threat intelligence analyst (National average salary: £36,212 per year)
10. Penetration tester (National average salary: £52,294 per year)
Our Experts
- Programme Leader
- Dr Chunyan Mu
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX