Masterclass schedule – Master of Cyber Security

The Master of Cyber Security offers exceptional flexibility with its self-paced online format. We’ve built this course around how security actually works in the real world. We know that cyber incidents don’t wait for convenient times, and project deadlines rarely match up with traditional academic schedules. To enhance your independent studies we also offer weekend masterclasses at our London campus. These will give direct access to Charles Darwin University faculty members and allow you to network with fellow students who have similar problems to solve. 

The masterclasses are geared toward practical application. You’ll work through actual attack scenarios using the same enterprise security tools professionals rely on, and participate in incident simulations that simply can’t be replicated in online environments. This will include strategies and practices to manage the tensions that arise in relation to cybersecurity for AI, and AI for cybersecurity. 

You can decide which sessions fit your current needs, certification goals, or security challenges. While some students join all four masterclasses, others pick and choose based on what’s most relevant to their situation. Either way works perfectly within this programme’s flexible structure. 

Masterclass 1

Digital Defence & Intelligence – AI in Offensive and Defensive Cybersecurity

Led by: Dr Bharanidharan Shanmugam
Available: 6 — 7 June 2026
Links to: Core security units and emerging technology focus 

This session explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping attack and defence strategies in cybersecurity. You’ll get hands-on experience with AI-powered security tools while learning how attackers are increasingly using these same technologies against organizations. 

What you’ll learn: 

  • How to differentiate between AI applications used for offensive versus defensive security operations 
  • The ways AI influences each stage of cyberattack lifecycles 
  • How to identify and counter the emerging “AI versus AI” battlefield in cybersecurity 
  • Practical skills with today’s leading AI security platforms 

Typical activities: You’ll participate in interactive workshops using AI security tools, take part in red team/blue team exercises that incorporate AI capabilities, analyse real-world examples of AI-enhanced attacks, develop threat models that account for AI-powered threats, and explore the ethical implications of using AI in security contexts. 

What to bring: You’ll need your own laptop with administrative access and at least 16GB of RAM to participate in the laboratory exercises. 

Masterclass 2

OSINT and AI in Security Operations – From Intelligence to Action

Led by: Dr Mukhtar Hussain
Available: 26 — 27 September
Links to: PRT573

This masterclass focuses on combining Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) with AI capabilities to strengthen threat intelligence operations. You will work in teams, to collect and analyse real intelligence data. Then you’ll have the opportunity to generate actionable security insights with AI tools. These outputs will be able to be fed into Security Incident and Event Management (SIEM) systems. 

What you’ll learn: 

  • OSINT collection and analysis techniques tailored for cybersecurity use 
  • How to implement AI technologies including machine learning, natural language processing, and anomaly detection for threat analysis 
  • Understanding regulatory, privacy, and ethical issues around AI-enhanced intelligence gathering 
  • Moving from reactive to proactive security operations centre approaches 

What to bring: A laptop with administrative access, 16GB RAM, and 60GB of available storage space for installing security tools. 

Masterclass 3

Risk and Service Management for Cybersecurity – ITIL and ISO Integration

Led by: Charles Darwin University Faculty
Available: 21 — 22 November 2026
Links to: PRT571, PRT532

This session covers cybersecurity risk management within established IT service management frameworks, such as Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) practices and ISO/IEC 27001 standards. 

We will focus on how to align security operations with broader business service delivery needs. 

What you’ll learn: 

  • How to integrate ITIL principles into cybersecurity operations and improve both security and service reliability 
  • Methods to identify and assess cybersecurity risks in IT service environments in a systematic way. 
  • How to build risk response strategies that align with the business continuity of your organisation 
  • Evaluation of cybersecurity controls while maintaining compliance with industry standards 

Practical activities: You’ll work through risk assessment simulations using real enterprise scenarios. With your fellow students, you will participate in control mapping workshops that incorporate ITIL and ISO frameworks. You’ll have the opportunity to take part in role-based simulations of security incident response in service management contexts, and complete analysis of gaps in compliance. 

Masterclass 4

Cybersecurity for Human-Centred AI

Led by: Senior Lecturer Nicola Bidwell
Available: 6 — 7 February 2027
Links to: PRT596, PRT565 

This masterclass examines how secure, ethical, and human-centred design is essential for AI. It covers privacy, transparency, algorithmic integrity, and the societal impact of insecure systems, while exploring emerging safety standards and policy frameworks.

What you’ll learn: 

  • Critical analysis of the security implications of AI solutions including bias, contestability, breaches and leakage.
  • How to manage conflicting principles for human-centered and ethical AI.
  • Methods to understand human needs and values to inform the design and evaluation of cybersecure AI 
  • Approaches to communicate cybersecurity. consequences of AI for diverse populations and contexts. 

Workshop activities: You’ll work in groups to analyse AI case studies, identify security risks, and apply frameworks that balance ethical principles with cybersecurity. You’ll also use participatory methods to surface human values in AI design and practice communicating cybersecurity impacts effectively. 

Why these sessions matter

Add in-person experiences with industry leaders to make the most of your study.

  • Direct academic support

    You will work directly with the academics who designed your course content. This will allow you to seek clarification on complex concepts or areas of study that you are finding challenging.

  • Peer networking and support

    Masterclasses facilitate you connecting with other senior professionals tackling similar challenges to you. Share experiences, learn from different industry perspectives, and build lasting professional relationships.

  • Hands-on security laboratories

    You’ll access enterprise-grade security tools and simulated environments that aren’t available through online courses. Work with actual attack scenarios and participate in incident response exercises that mirror real-world challenges.

  • Certification support

    The practical work reinforces study materials for key professional certifications such as CISSP, CEH, and CISM.

  • Assessment preparation

    The activities in masterclasses often support your completion of assessments in your taught units. You’ll leave with practical experiences and insights that can enhance your academic work.

  • Immediate application

    Take your learning straight back to your workplace. Many participants find solutions to current workplace challenges during these sessions

  • No additional cost

    These sessions are included in your course fees – a valuable bonus to your self-directed learning experience.

Making your choice

Masterclasses can complement rather than replace your self-directed learning. Some students attend all sessions for their course, others choose the classes most relevant to their immediate needs. Both approaches work effectively within our hyperflexible framework.

Enhanced perspective

You will see how different security disciplines connect in practice.

Professional connections

You can build relationships with fellow security professionals facing similar challenges.

Career development

Attendance demonstrates to your organisation your commitment to professional development in cybersecurity.

Global insights

You will learn from Australian cybersecurity innovation and international best practice.

    Ready to advance your security career?

    Your Master of Cyber Security starts when you’re ready, not when a semester begins.