Hacking, Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security

Overview

Hackers are often demonised in society – but is this an accurate representation? Should we be fearful of those who manoeuvre from the darkest corners of the internet? Or, are they merely exaggerated vignettes of our own design? 

Discover the truth behind the hacker stereotype during this unique weekend event at Rewley House, with a guest appearance from the Chief Security Officer at Lloyds Banking Group.

We will explore the origins of hacking, how operations unfold, and whether AI makes hackers more dangerous. You’ll also examine defensive cyber security strategies, the evolving threat landscape, benefits of Artificial Intelligence, and the history and legacy of the Crypto Wars. 

In a rare speaking appearance, Matt Rowe, Chief Security Officer at Lloyds Banking Group, will reveal how one of Europe’s largest banks balances security with rapid innovation, working closely with the National Cyber Security Centre to forge digital resilience against an internet saturated with hostile actors. 

Whilst this weekend event examines a technical subject matter, it is not a technical course. 

Please note: this event will close to enrolments at 23:59 on 26 November 2025.

Programme details

Saturday 29 November

9.45am
Registration at Rewley House reception
Craig Jarvis

10am
Cyber Security: Defending the Kingdom 
Craig Jarvis

11am
Tea/coffee break 

11.30am
Hackers: An Origin Story 
Craig Jarvis

1pm
Lunch break 

2pm
The Anatomy of Hacking
Craig Jarvis

3.30pm
Tea/coffee break 

4pm
Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Defence: A Game Changer?  
Craig Jarvis

5pm
End of day 

6.30pm
Dinner at Rewley House (optional)

Sunday 30 November

8am
Breakfast (for those staying at Rewley House)

10am
Artificial Intelligence and Hacking: A Dangerous Accelerant? 
Craig Jarvis

11am
Tea/coffee break 

11.30am
National Security and Industry: Protecting Critical National Infrastructure 
Matt Rowe

1pm
Lunch break

2pm
Securely Going Faster: Leading Security for one of Europe’s Largest Banks 
Matt Rowe 

3.30pm
Tea/coffee break

4pm
The Crypto Wars: Hackers, Spies and Digital Privacy 
Craig Jarvis

5pm
End of weekend 

Fees

Description Costs
Event fee (includes tea/coffee) £230.00
Saturday baguette lunch £7.50
Saturday dinner £31.50
Saturday hot lunch £21.25
Single B&B (Saturday night) £121.50
Sunday baguette lunch £7.50
Sunday hot lunch £21.25

Funding

If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit or are a full-time student in the UK you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees.

Concessionary fees for short courses

Tutor

Dr Craig Jarvis

Course Director

Craig is an independent academic specialising in national security and technology. He lectures at Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, and Royal Holloway. His next book, ‘Cyber Terrorism: Extremism & Hacking’ will be published in 2026. Previous works include 'CryptoWars: The Fight for Privacy in the Digital Age' and contributions to 'Next Generation Enterprise Security'. His research also appears in peer-reviewed journals, including 'Intelligence and National Security'.
Craig holds a PhD in cybersecurity and history and has earned master’s degrees in international security, information security, and classical music, studying at Oxford, King’s College London, and Royal Holloway.
With extensive industry experience, his last permanent role was Chief Technology Officer at DXC Security, then the world’s largest security services provider. At DXC, he founded DXC Security Labs, spearheading advancements in cybersecurity research and development.

Craig remains deeply engaged with the private sector, particularly in finance, where he advises major banks and private equity firms on security strategy, architecture, and cyber due diligence. As a member of the Offensive Cyber Working Group's College of Experts, he contributes to research and policy development in offensive cybersecurity. He is also the founding chair of the Geopolitics-Cyber Community of London Experts (GeoCyclone), an organisation bringing together business leaders, academics, and policy makers to share knowledge on national security and digital technologies.
He is currently studying Mandarin (HSK4).

Craig is active on LinkedIn, often posting details of upcoming courses and ongoing research.

Application

Please use the 'Book' button on this page. Alternatively, please contact us to obtain an application form.

Accommodation

Accommodation for Saturday night can be booked directly online, subject to availability, when you register your place. This includes a buffet breakfast on the Sunday morning.

Our accommodation in Wellington Square has been rated as 4-Star Campus Accommodation under Visit England. All bedrooms are modern, comfortably furnished with tea/coffee making facilities, Freeview television, private bath/shower rooms and free WiFi. For more details see our accommodation information.

If you wish to extend your stay with us, either before and/or after the event, please contact our Residential Centre for availability and discounted rates.

Call +44 (0) 1865 270362 or email res-ctr@conted.ox.ac.uk