The Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Cognitive Cybersecurity (M.Sc. AICC) is a dynamic, two-year postgraduate program designed to equip students with the essential knowledge and skills for a successful career in the rapidly evolving fields of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cybersecurity, and Cognitive Computing. This program blends core courses in AI, cybersecurity, and cognitive computing, providing a comprehensive understanding and integration of these three critical domains. Students gain the ability to counter complex cyber risks and threats through a deep understanding of AI theories, advanced security principles, and innovative practices.
Key features of the program include an interdisciplinary core curriculum, specialization tracks, practical application and theory, professional development, and preparation for the future. Upon completion, graduates possess a unique combination of skills, ready to address the challenges of AI and cognitive cybersecurity in various roles across industries. This program is not just a pathway to a career; it is a gateway to becoming a leader in a field that is at the forefront of technological advancement and essential for the cybersecurity of today’s digital world.
Program Duration:
Two years
Admission Requirements:
1. Bachelor degree in Computing from an accredited higher education institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. In addition, bridging courses may be required; OR
2. Bachelor degree in an unrelated field of study from an accredited higher education institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. In addition, bridging courses may be required; OR
3. Bachelor degree from an accredited higher education institution with GPA above 2.0 and below 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, with a minimum of five years’ work experience in a related field. In addition, bridging courses may be required.
1. The required score on the University English Placement Test or a passing score from another approved internationally recognized English language test, as validated by the Admissions & Registration Directorate; OR
2. A valid (within two years) IELTS Academic Test Report Form with an overall band of 6.0 with no individual band score (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) below 6.0; OR
3. A valid (within two years) TOEFL iBT score of 72 and minimum scores of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking, and 17 in writing.
Applicants are expected to have a proficient understanding of calculus, linear algebra, probability, and statistics at the undergraduate level.
1. Academic transcripts related to the undergraduate degree and/or post graduate diploma presented upon application; and
2. Where applicable, employment certificate from current employer indicating minimum full-time employment experience in years; and
3. A satisfactory performance in the personal interview with the Admissions Committee.
2024-2025 Study Plan:
| COURSE NUMBER |
COURSE TITLE | requisite | HOURS/WEEK | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PRE-req | CO-req | CR | LEC | LAB | ||
| SEMESTER 1 | ||||||
| AICC5101 | Theories of Computing | - | - | 3 | 3 | 2 |
| AICC5102 | Principles of AI | - | - | 3 | 2 |
3 |
| AICC5103 | Principles of Cybersecurity | - | - | 3 | 2 | 3 |
| Semester 1 Total: | 9 | 7 | 8 | |||
| SEMESTER 2 | ||||||
| AICC5201 | Machine Learning & Deep Learning | AICC5102 | - | 3 | 2 | 3 |
| AICC5202 | Cognitive Computing | AICC5102 | - | 3 | 2 | 3 |
| AICC5203 | Cybersecurity Attacks & Defenses |
AICC5101 AICC5103 |
- | 3 | 2 | 3 |
|
AICC5204 |
Research Methods & Professional Development |
- | - | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Semester 2 Total: | 12 | 9 | 9 | |||
| Year 1 Total: | 21 | 16 | 17 | |||
| COURSE NUMBER |
COURSE TITLE | requisite | HOURS/WEEK | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PRE-req | CO-req | CR | LEC | LAB | ||
| SEMESTER 3 | ||||||
| AICC6101 | Cognitive Cybersecurity | AICC5201 AICC5203 | - | 3 | 2 | 3 |
| AICC6102 | AI Systems Engineering | AICC5202 | - | 3 | 2 | 3 |
| AICC6103 | Computing Seminar | AICC5204 | - | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Research or Professional Track: Select 1 of 2 | ||||||
| AICC6104 | Computing Research Thesis Project I | AICC5204 | 3 | 0 | 9 | |
| AICC6110 | Selected Topics for Computing Graduation Project | AICC5202 | - | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Semester 3 Research Track Total: | 10 | 5 | 15 | |||
| Semester 3 Professional Track Total: | 10 | 8 | 6 | |||
| SEMESTER 4 | ||||||
| Research or Professional Track: Select 1 of 2 | ||||||
| AICC6204 | Computing Research Thesis Project II | AICC5204 AICC6104 | - | 3 | 0 | 9 |
| AICC6210 | Computing Graduation Project | AICC5204 AICC6110 | - | 3 | 0 | 9 |
| Semester 4 Research Track Total: | 3 | 0 | 9 | |||
| Semester 4 Professional Track Total: | 3 | 0 | 9 | |||
| Year 2 Research Track Total: | 13 | 5 | 24 | |||
| Year 2 Professional Track Total: | 13 | 8 | 15 | |||
| M.Sc. AICC Program Total (Research Track): | 34 | 21 | 41 | |||
| M.Sc. AICC Program Total (Professional Track): | 34 | 24 | 32 | |||
Graduate Future Pathways:
Graduates of the Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Cognitive Cybersecurity (M.Sc. AICC) program may choose to engage in advanced research and development through a Doctorate degree in their area of specialization. They may also engage in policy development and regulation, cooperate leadership and strategy, international development and global security, and entrepreneurship in cutting-edge technologies in AI and cybersecurity.
Graduate Career Opportunities:
Graduates of the Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Cognitive Cybersecurity (M.Sc. AICC) program an applied degree with learning outcomes closely linked to the labor market. A wide range of career opportunities in the field currently exist and include, but are not limited to, the following:
- AI Specialist in Cybersecurity
- AI Specialist in Incident Response
- AI Specialist in Vulnerability Assessment
- AI Specialist in Cryptography
- AI Specialist as an Information Security Officer
- AI Specialist as a Security Manager
- AI Specialist as a Computer Forensic Investigator
- AI Specialist in Threat Intelligence
- AI Specialist in Regulatory Compliance
- AI Specialist in Risk Analysis and Management