The MSc in Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity provides students with a sound understanding of both disciplines. It puts considerable emphasis on their intersection, and in the social, ethical, and legal aspects that arise in their practical use.

The MSc in Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity is a two-year taught program. It consists of three semesters of taught courses followed by a research project leading to the submission of a dissertation and its defense at the end of the fourth term.

Highlights

• The MSc in Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity is a highly focused program that enables students to concentrate on the core subjects of Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity (and their intersection) with an additional emphasis on the social, ethical, and legal aspects that arise in practice.
• The program is run jointly (as a "double degree program") with the University of Udine. Students from the University of Klagenfurt and Udine will be able to collaborate in lectures (delivered online) and projects.
• Students may branch out and study courses that are related to and relevant for the application areas of both Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity, taking full advantage of the offerings of both Universities.

Daniel Waschnig / aau

Teaching Format

Six compulsory courses teach the necessary mathematical, technical, social, ethical, and legal foundations of Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity. The class size in these courses is limited to around 30 students. Teaching approaches range from classical lectures, in-class exercises, to discussion groups, and hands-on practical tasks.

Compulsory courses

• Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity:
  The aim of this course is to recap on some mathematical and technical techniques that are fundamental to both AI and Cybersecurity.
• Social, ethical and legal aspects of Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity:
  The aim of this course is to introduce students to a number of social, ethical, and legal aspects that underpin the use of Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity in practice.
  This course is attended by students from the University of Udine (online participation).
• Introduction to Artificial Intelligence:
  The aim of this course is to equip students with theoretical knowledge of various areas of Artificial Intelligence, practical abilities to use, and implement AI systems as well as the ability to consider social, ethical, and legal aspects in concrete AI deployments.
• Machine Learning and Deep Learning:
  The aim of this course is to provide a focused treatment of different forms of machine learning techniques, and in particular, deep neural networks.
• Introduction to Cybersecurity:
  The aim of this unit is to introduce students to a number of Cybersecurity concepts and techniques that are relevant in particular for the secure deployment of Artificial Intelligence. This course is attended by students from the University of Udine (online participation).
• Verification and Validation for Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity:
  The aim of this unit is to enable students to utilize advanced verification and validation techniques to demonstrate the correctness of implementations. This course is delivered by the University of Udine.

Optional courses

Students can choose from a range of dedicated courses covering advanced topics in the areas of Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity offered by both the University of Klagenfurt and the University of Udine. All students must pick some advanced courses from the area of responsible innovation to further their skills of considering the social, ethical, and legal aspects when applying Artificial Intelligence and/or Cybersecurity solutions in practice.

We also offer the opportunity for project work: there are small projects and large projects, and whenever possible we facilitate groups of students collaborating, or students doing relevant work in an industrial setting.

Dissertation

Every student is assigned a supervisor from the University of Klagenfurt and from the University of Udine. Topics can be chosen from the areas of Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity.

Double Degree

Students who complete courses leading to at least 30 ECTS but no more than 60 ECTS at the University of Udine qualify for the double degree. Other students exit with a degree from the University of Klagenfurt.

Entry Requirements

Applicants need to have a BSc degree in either computer science, mathematics, statistics, or any related field within the wider range of science or technology degree programs; in particular, applicants need to demonstrate some knowledge of basic computer science concepts (either via courses/modules during your BSc or any kind of projects). Applicants also need to demonstrate proficiency in English and the personal and professional qualities that make them suitable for this MSc degree program.

Admission Requirements

• Personal statement: applicants need to argue based on their background (existing degree(s), work experience, personal interest) why they should get a place in this program.
• CV: listing education as well as any practical, industrial experience, volunteering, language proficiencies, etc.
• Proof of completed BSc degrees (Diploma Certificate, if not in English or German, a certified translation is required).
• Transcript of records.
• Proof of English Language Proficiency.
• Proof of identity and nationality.

Application deadlines

• The registration period for the special admission procedure is from the 1st of May until the 15th of September 2021.
• The registration period for applicants from third countries is from the 1st of May to the 31st of May 2021.

Tuition

There are no tuition fees for EU/EEA citizens and persons who enjoy the same rights as Austrians before the law (permanent residents, residence in Austria of at least five years before the start of studies, etc.).

After exceeding the minimum period of study (plus two semesters), these students have to pay a tuition fee of €384 per semester.

Students from third countries have to pay a tuition fee of €747 per semester.

Daniel Waschnig / aau

Global Rankings

The global QS World University Ranking "Top 50 Under 50" ranks the University of Klagenfurt among the best 150 young – under the age of 50 – universities worldwide. In the field of Computer Science, the University of Klagenfurt achieved a third-place among Austrian universities in the 201-250 range in the THE World University Rankings 2020.In the Faculty of Technical Sciences staff-student ratios are favorable to those at many other universities, which promotes valuable, ongoing exchange and dialogue between teaching staff and students. As a result, the Faculty of Technical Sciences offers teaching tailored to students’ specific requirements, which focuses on the latest scientific findings, whilst ensuring a large practical component thanks to research projects with companies.