Kent has responded to the increasing demand for cyber security and Artificial Intelligence (AI) expertise and skills with the launch of two new MSc Computer Science conversion courses designed for graduates from any discipline.
With AI and cyber experts becoming increasingly sought after by companies and organisations in sectors such as healthcare, finance and transport, the MSc Computer Science (Cyber Security) course will provide postgraduate students with the opportunity to establish a foundation in cyber security from technical and multidisciplinary perspectives. It will also enable them to acquire the technical skills and knowledge necessary to identify and solve complex security and privacy problems, including, encryption, authentication, information security management and cyber security risk.
Dr Rogério de Lemos, Director of Graduate Studies (Taught) at the University’s School of Computing, said: ‘With cybercrime a growing threat to society, democracy and businesses we designed this programme to tackle the socio-technical challenges associated with safeguarding security and privacy, and to meet the demands of organisations seeking to protect valuable data.’
Kent is recognised by the British Government as an Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research, which means graduates will be taught by staff who are top researchers in this area. Postgraduate students of the MSc Computer Science (Cyber Security) conversion course will also benefit from the teaching of some modules shared with Kent’s advanced MSc Cyber Security course, which is fully certified by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).
The MSc Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) has been designed to prepare graduates for a career involving the application of computing and artificial intelligence in any professional field. Working with the latest technologies and personalising their studies to explore a range of interests and career ambitions through optional modules, students can develop skills to boost their career prospects.
According to Dr de Lemos, AI has now reached a stage where it is being utilised in all areas of life, and these operational changes require technical understanding from experts to help organisations adapt and remain flexible to challenges.
Both programmes are available with an optional industrial placement of between eight and 50 weeks. The industrial placement provides graduates with opportunities to work in real-world, technical and business roles, enhancing their study experiences and having a dramatic impact on their options after graduation.
Dr de Lemos added: ‘There are often misconceptions that computer science specialisms such as cyber security and artificial intelligence would only be higher education routes for those who already have a background or undergraduate degree in computing. This is not the case, and we look forward to welcoming graduates from various disciplines to develop their studies in the world of computing.’
Graduates from Kent’s computer science conversion courses have successfully achieved careers with leading software, technology, and commercial global companies such as IBM, Cisco, Logica/CMG, Pfizer, Reuters, Shell and Zurich Financial.