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Computing Sciences at UEA
Find out more about studying Computing Sciences at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreMSc Cyber Security with Artificial Intelligence with a Placement Year
Key details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Science
- Course Length
- 2 years
- Course Start Date
- January 2027
Course options
Other Start Dates
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The Complete University Guide 2024Course Overview
Why MSc Cyber Security with Artificial Intelligence with a Placement Year at UEA?
Our MSc Cyber Security with Artificial Intelligence with a Placement Year is ideal for anyone with a curious mind and a passion for innovation.
You'll develop a comprehensive understanding of the challenges facing our hyperconnected society, exploring key technological, legislative, and social issues.
Why choose UEA
- Career opportunities: Cyber security is increasingly in demand in various industries in the UK and all over the world
- Integrated course: This degree combines two of the fastest growing fields of cyber security and AI to prepare graduates for roles in AI-enabled security operations
- Hands-on experience: Lab-based modules with real-world case studies provide hands-on skills in threat detection, incident response, machine learning applications in security, and secure AI deployment
What is MSc Cyber Security with Artificial Intelligence with a Placement Year?
In this course, you'll learn from experts with experience across academia and industry, combining lectures, seminars, lab sessions and guest talks. This varied approach will help you develop both the theoretical understanding and practical skills needed to address challenges in cyber security and artificial intelligence.
Each module combines seminars and practical lab work, allowing you to put the concepts you learn into practice. Lectures provide the theoretical foundations you need, while lab sessions give you the opportunity to develop your skills through practical activities and real-world case studies. During the taught phase of your MSc Cyber Security with Artificial Intelligence with a Placement Year, you’ll typically have around 12 hours of contact time per week through lectures, labs and seminars.
Alongside your contact time, you’ll undertake independent study and have access to facilities including our Cyber Security Lab and UEA’s library. You’ll also develop valuable transferable skills such as time management, problem-solving and independent working, with ongoing academic support throughout your studies.
The integrated placement year gives you the opportunity to apply your cyber security and AI knowledge in a professional environment, gain valuable UK industry experience and develop practical skills to strengthen your CV and support your career progression.
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Placement Year
Your Master’s includes an additional year dedicated to gaining professional experience in the UK. It gives you the chance to apply what you’ve learned in an employment setting while building the practical and professional capabilities employers value.
Throughout the course, you’ll receive support to prepare for your placement and identify opportunities that fit your career aspirations. This includes employability workshops, individual coaching and guidance from our specialist placement partner, helping you develop your confidence and create stronger applications.
There are two ways to complete the placement year. You can undertake a placement with a UK organisation or, if you’re unable to secure a placement, work on three projects developed with different employers. Both routes allow you to apply your knowledge to practical work and gain insight into different professional environments.
You’ll take responsibility for finding and applying for placement opportunities, with guidance available throughout the process. If you follow the project route, you’ll complete three employer-designed projects based on industry requirements, giving you the opportunity to develop your skills and broaden your professional experience.
Discover more about the Postgraduate Placement Year.
Careers
Career Pathways
With an MSc Cyber Security with Artificial Intelligence with a Placement Year, you could pursue roles such as:
- Threat Intelligence Automation Engineer
- AI-enabled SOC Analyst
- Join AI Risk Governance Team
- Detection Engineer for AI Generated Attacks
- Digital Forensic Examiner
Career Support
The employability fair run by our school includes a range of industry talks and stands will give you information and connections for better career planning. Also, during this MSc Cyber Security with AI course, you'll develop a range of skills to encourage critical and analytical thinking and help you communicate your ideas.
Our Career Central will support you during and after the course with one-to-one meetings, networking opportunities and guidance through your job application process.
After the Course
After graduating, you'll have a wealth of career options available. Cyber security is a field that impacts nearly every sector, from industry to government, giving you a wide range of opportunities. These could include technically focused roles or, alternatively, the option to continue your studies and pursue a PhD in the field.
The School of Computing Sciences also hosts an annual employability fair, featuring a variety of industry talks and stands to help you connect with potential employers.
Study and Modules
Structure
You’ll be introduced to the core concepts of cyber security, laying the foundation for understanding key security principles. This will include a hands-on introduction to the technical skills and knowledge essential for the field. You’ll also explore the human aspects of cyber security (e.g. social engineering), methods for investigating and analysing cybercrime, and gain an understanding of the legislative side of cyber security, including topics such as the Computer Misuse Act, GDPR, and issues surrounding the internet, such as social media, net neutrality, and privacy and surveillance.
Later in your studies, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of cyber security, focusing on real-world challenges faced by various sectors. You’ll also have the opportunity to specialise based on your interests. Your dissertation will allow you to specialise even further, giving you the chance to explore a specific area of cyber security that excites you.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 20)Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Structure
In your second year, you’ll complete a 60-credit placement module that allows you to gain professional experience and put your technical knowledge into practice. You’ll develop workplace skills and build experience that you can demonstrate to prospective employers as you progress towards your career goals.
During the first semester, specialist employability advisers will help you prepare for your placement search. Through in-person workshops and tailored guidance, you’ll have the opportunity to explore your career ambitions, refine your CV and applications, develop your interview technique and build confidence when approaching employers.
If you don’t secure an industry placement, you’ll complete three projects developed with employers from different organisations. These projects will give you the opportunity to tackle industry-focused challenges, apply your knowledge and demonstrate your problem-solving and professional skills.
The module is assessed on a pass/fail basis. You’ll complete a portfolio documenting your placement search and a reflective report based on your placement or industry project experience.
By the end of the module, you’ll have developed transferable workplace skills, gained a deeper understanding of your chosen sector and expanded your professional network. The practical experience you gain can strengthen your CV and help you approach future graduate opportunities with greater confidence.
Compulsory Modules
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning, and Assessment
Teaching and Learning
We have a mixture of individual and group assessments. These include written work, presentations or demonstrations, and exams (closed and/or time-limited assessment). Assessment types combine theoretical understanding with practical application and are designed to test the range of skills and competencies required for the learning outcomes of each module. The balance of assessment types varies according to the options you choose. Additionally, there’s an individual project which is assessed through a combination of written work and demonstration or presentation.
Assessment
We have a mixture of individual and group assessments. These include written work, presentations or demonstrations, and exams (closed and/or time-limited assessment). They combine theoretical understanding with practical application and are designed to test the range of skills and competencies required for the learning outcomes of each module. The balance of assessment types varies according to the options chosen. Additionally, there’s an individual project which is assessed through a combination of written work and demonstration or presentation.
You'll be assessed by a combination of:
- Examination/course test (typically 20%)
- Demonstrations/Presentation (typically 20%)
- Project 35%
- Written assignments (typically 25%)
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in January each year.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree - 2.2.
Degree Subject
Any subject area provided your application demonstrates an interest in Cyber Security. Some optional modules require previous knowledge and experience in programming. Students without prior programming experience are strongly encouraged to study Applications Programming to provide them with the underpinning they will need for the rest of the course. Please check the course modules and content carefully to ensure the programme meets your needs and future career aspirations and requirements.
- Additional Entry Requirements
Successful applicants will demonstrate an interest in cyber security, as well as proven communication and problem solving skills.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in January each year.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
Degree classification
UK Bachelors degree - 2.2 or equivalent
Degree Subject
Any subject area provided your application demonstrates an interest in Cyber Security. Some optional modules require previous knowledge and experience in programming. Students without prior programming experience are strongly encouraged to study Applications Programming to provide them with the underpinning they will need for the rest of the course. Please check the course modules and content carefully to ensure the programme meets your needs and future career aspirations and requirements.
- Additional Entry Requirements
Successful applicants will demonstrate an interest in cyber security, as well as proven communication and problem solving skills.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
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IELTS: 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component.
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies(opens in a new window) for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within 2 years of the course start date.
If you do not meet the English language requirements for this course, UEA International Study Centre offers a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the required English skills.
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- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
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Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2026/27 are:
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UK Students: £12,350
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International Students: £25,700
If you choose to take this course with a placement year, your tuition fees for the first year will be as shown above. An additional fee of £3,500 will apply for the placement year (see our FAQs page for further details).
We estimate living expenses at £1,171 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here(opens in a new window).
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships(opens in a new window); please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
How to apply
Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.
To apply please use our online application form(opens in a new window).
Further information
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying, please do contact us:
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk(opens in a new window)
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students(opens in a new window) section of our website.