Computer Science - Adaptive Cybersecurity

This increasing complexity and level of sophistication requires new means of attack detection, protection, and mitigation, which are addressed by this innovative new programme, the MSc in Computer Science (Adaptive Cybersecurity) offered by the University of Galway.



Adaptive cybersecurity incorporates state-of-the-art advanced dynamic cybersecurity techniques, algorithms, and frameworks to efficiently protect and mitigate systems and organisations against new emerging threats.



This 12-month full-time programme provides cutting edge technical training and research opportunities in the emerging area of AI-driven and data analytics-driven cybersecurity. It is a unique offering that is only matched by a small number of European and US-based Universities and builds on the vast research experience and technical skills of renowned, interdisciplinary experts based in the School of Computer Science, University of Galway.



This programme is aimed at graduates with a primary qualification and / or extensive industry experience in Computer Science or related subject area. It is not a conversion programme but expects students to already be at a very high standard regarding their Computer Science education.



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You may also be interested in one of our other School of Computer Science postgraduate programmes.

Students will collect 90 ECTS during 12 months of full-time studies. The programme covers over two semesters many complementary areas of Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, and Data Analytics, including Intrusion Detection and Malware Analysis, Secure DevOps, Ethics & Data Privacy, Deep Learning, Case Studies in Cybersecurity Analytics, Autonomous Agents and Multi-Agent Systems. Further on, students reinforce their newly gained skills in a project that is completed during the summer.



During semester 1 students will focus on foundation topics comprising of 5 core modules and one elective module (30 ECTS in total) as follows:



Module Code Module Name Core/Elective

CT5165 Principles of Machine Learning Core

CT5189 Introduction to Cybersecurity Core

CT5191 Network Security & Cryptography Core

CT5190 Societal Impact of AI and Cybersecurity Core

CT5132 Prog. and Tools for AI Core

CT5141 Optimisation Elective

CT5120 Natural Language Processing 1 Elective

CT561 System Modelling and Simulation Elective

CT5105 Tools & Techniques for Large Scale DA Elective



During semester 2 advanced topical areas will be covered, again comprising of 5 core modules and one elective module (30 ECTS in total) as follows:



Module Code Module Name Core/Elective

CT5133 Deep Learning Core

CT5100 Data Visualisation Core

CT5192 Secure DevOps Core

CT5193 Case Studies in Cybersecurity Analytics Core

CT5194 Malware and Intrusion Detection Core

CT5134 Agents, Multi-Agent Systems and Reinforcement Learning Elective

CT5121 Advanced Topics in NLP Elective

CT5113 Web & Network Science Elective

CT5187 Knowledge Representation Elective



Lectures are complemented by weekly labs and tutorials. Assignment work will typically provide 30% of a subject’s overall mark, while the remaining 70% are covered by an end-of-term examination.



Following the semester 2 examination period students will work on a 30 ECTS, 3-month research / capstone project (CT5195), where they showcase their newly gained skills by applying a variety of artificial intelligence and data analytic techniques to solve a real-world cybersecurity problem.

Prior qualification



This MSc is targeted at high-performing graduates of Level 8 computer science programmes, or Level 8 science/engineering programmes that offer sufficient training in computing.



The minimum academic requirement for entry to the programme is a First Class Honours (or equivalent) from a recognised university or third-level college. However, a good Second Class Honours (or equivalent) can be deemed sufficient on the recommendation of the Programme Director.



English language proficiency

Overall, entry to the MSc Artificial Intelligence requires a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 overall, 6.5 in Writing and no less than 6.0 in any other band. TOEFL: Overall 88, Listening 12–19, Speaking 18–19, Writing 24–26, Reading 13–18. PTE: Overall 61, Writing 61, all other bands no less than 50.



Applicants are required to submit a personal statement outlining:



A summary of your primary degree and its relevance for a successful completion of this programme. We strongly encourage an evidence based approach to highlighting your academic accomplishments.



A summary of your previous capstone projects (e.g., undergraduate final year projects) including an outline of your exact contribution there. We strongly encourage an evidence based approach to outlining your existing technical skills and experience



Please upload a current C.V.

Closing Date

No set closing date. Offers made on a continuous basis



Applications are made online via the University of Galway Postgraduate Applications System.



Please visit Supporting Documents website for detail on what you need to include with your online application.

1 year full-time.

Next start date September 2024

Career Opportunities

The high global demand in cybersecurity experts is being reflected in a range of career options for example as network security architect, cybersecurity operations analyst or information security analyst.



While our graduates can compete for such jobs, the programme, in particular, will cater for the demand stemming from emerging R&D career paths in cybersecurity that have a strong focus on machine learning and data analytics. These include positions such as an AI security controls architect, cybersecurity data analytics engineer, or cyber intelligence analyst.