MSc in Cybersecurity
Course Overview
Take the next step in your career and become a Master of Science in Cybersecurity
This Level 9 MSc in Cybersecurity aims to equip students with the necessary skills to pursue an interesting career in this specialist area.
Why Study Cybersecurity at Griffith College?
Designed specifically to address a growing need in the industry, the MSc in Cybersecurity at Griffith College is a one-year programme which aims to enable students to develop robust and efficient network security plans, strategies and solutions. Delivered on a full and part-time basis, as a graduate of this course, you will:
- Obtain specialist knowledge and skills essential for a career in network security.
- Establish an analytical mindset necessary for independent academic and professional research.
- Gain a practical understanding of how to identify industrial requirements of computer network security and analyse security risks.
- Develop a team player attitude necessary to communicate problems, ideas and solutions to all levels of the industrial team.
- Build upon your knowledge of supporting topics in the area of network and information security.
- Fantastic job prospects with a 100% employment record from a sample of 35 graduates from our class of 2017
A study released in 2023 by the Irish branch of Experis, the Tech Recruitment specialists, found that:
- While there is a general challenge in filling IT positions, the shortage is particularly pronounced in the field of Cybersecurity.
- 79% of organisations reported difficulty in hiring IT Staff, with demand for talent far exceeding supply.
- 43% of the companies surveyed intend to increase their IT Staffing budget in the next 12 months.
- Some of the top companies hiring Cybersecurity professionals, include Dell Technologies, Fidelity Investments, Hewlett Packard, and State Street.
Further information from this insightful study can be found here, Cybersecurity - July 2023 (volcanic cloud)
Intake Dates
- Limerick - Full-Time - February 2026
- Limerick - Full-Time - September 2026
Course Details
Duration: One year full-time
Please Note: The duration for full-time students who commence the programme in Semester 2 will be 1.5 years
The programme contains eight taught modules and a final Dissertation / Dissertation by Practice. Four modules are taught per semester and then you’ll complete a project over a period of twelve weeks. The overall programme is one calendar year long.
Core Modules
This module serves to significantly deepen the learner's research skills, both in relation to the module related assignments and later in the completion of a dissertation/dissertation by practice. Specifically, it extends the ability of self- directed learners by equipping them with the appropriate vocabulary for reflecting on, critiquing and evaluating their own work and that of others. Throughout the module, learners are required to engage in a number of research methodologies and current research issues and trends in computing science. The module also addresses the need for good project management skills and techniques for the successful delivery of any project.
This module aims to provide the learner with a mastery of the core aspects of computer communication security. This module gives the learner a mastery of security models, policies and mechanisms, encryption and decryption, confidentiality, integrity, authentication, cryptography and secure communication, digital signatures, certificates and coding. The learner will gain in depth knowledge of the classical techniques as well as state of the art approaches of cryptography.
This module aims to give the learner an understanding of the issues relating to the management of information security in modern industry. It explores the roles, policies and procedure applied in information security. The module further explores the specific role that software systems play in the threat against information security.
This module introduces the learner to the concepts of computer forensics. They encounter various techniques used in digital forensic investigations and the tools required for these investigations. Learners also gain an exposure to the practical digital evidence gathering process. Current trends in Computer Forensics, such as network and cloud forensics are introduced through the use of academic papers.
This module develops a thorough understanding of modern data communications networks, from core principles and technologies to the design and implementation of network architectures. Learners engage in hands-on and simulated activities, assess network performance, and explore emerging trends and innovations. The module also covers common security vulnerabilities and protective measures, including firewalls, anti-malware tools, and other defensive technologies.
This module provides an in-depth understanding of IT infrastructure, its role in data transfer, and key protection mechanisms. With a practical focus on ethical hacking and penetration testing, learners explore tools, techniques, and methodologies to identify vulnerabilities and safeguard systems, gaining hands-on experience in securing modern IT environments.
This module examines secure software development through real-world case studies of exploited software, highlighting its role within a defence-in-depth security model. Learners explore vulnerability detection methods, reporting standards, and ethical disclosure practices, and apply secure design patterns to mitigate risks, gaining both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to defend against malware threats.
This module focuses on malware analysis, teaching learners to identify, analyse, and defend against malware threats. Topics include malware types, infection mechanisms, and analysis techniques such as static, dynamic, and black-box methods. Learners gain practical experience through hands-on projects and reverse engineering exercises, using industry-standard tools to develop real-world malware defence skills.
Award Stage
This module is the culmination of the programme, enabling learners to conduct independent research and produce a dissertation or dissertation by practice. Building on the Research Methods module, learners work under tutor supervision to design, execute, and present their project, demonstrating graduate attributes through a self-directed research process from proposal to completion.
Course Contacts
- Limerick
How to Apply
Entry Requirements
Candidates applying for this course should have a 2.2 Level 8 Honours degree or above in Computing Science, or a 2.2 Higher Diploma in Computing or related discipline or international equivalent and/or relevant work experience.
English Language
Griffith College is accepting the online Duolingo English Test (DET) as valid proof of English proficiency. For more information, please visit here.
How to Apply
To apply for the MSc in Cybersecurity please apply below.
A member of our admissions team will then be in contact with you to request to following documents:
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A copy of your undergraduate degree transcripts
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A copy of your passport or driving licence
Fees
For purposes of fee calculation, residence is counted from time of application.
Please note that not all study modes may be offered at all times; for confirmation, refer to the Intake dates on the Overview tab.
Tuition Fees
Study Mode: Full-Time
Limerick
EUR 8,150.00
Study Mode: Full-Time
Please refer to the Irish/EU Living Abroad Fees section.
Study Mode: Full-Time
Limerick
Non-EU living in Ireland: EUR 9,500.00
Non-EU living abroad: Please refer to our Non-EU Tuition Fees section.
Non-EU students: a Student Services and Administration fee of EUR200 is payable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted below.
An Academic Administration Fee of EUR250.00 and a 2% Learner Protection Charge is applicable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted. The fees relate to Year 1 fees only.
Flexible payment options
Students wishing to pay their fees monthly may avail of our direct debit scheme. Please view our Fees information page for more information and assistance.
Sponsorship
Is your company paying for your course?
They will need to complete a Griffith College Sponsorship Form and send this to the Student Fees Office:
- Post: Student Fees, Griffith College Dublin, South Circular Road, Dublin 8
- Email: [email protected]
2% Learner Protection Charge
All QQI accredited programmes of education and training of 3 months or longer duration are covered by arrangements under section 65 (4) of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 whereby, in the event of the provider ceasing to provide the programme for any reason, enrolled learners may transfer to a similar programme at another provider, or, in the event that this is not practicable, the fees most recently paid will be refunded.
QQI Award Fee
Please note that a QQI Award Fee applies in the final year of all QQI courses. To find the relevant fee for your course level, please see the Fees page.
Progression
Academic Progression
On completion of the Level 9 MSc in Cybersecurity, students may progress onto a range of Level 10 Doctoral programmes on the National Qualifications Framework. The Postgraduate QQI validation means that your qualification is recognised not only in Ireland and Europe but throughout the world.
Career Progression
Through the MSc in Cybersecurity, you will have gained valuable professional experience, specialised in a key emerging field and developed many technical skills. There is a wide range of career options for our graduates including:
- Information Security Architect
- Information Security Risk Lead
- Cyber Security Manager
- Computing Consultant
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- Information Security Engineering
- Microsoft Solutions Engineer
- Senior Software Engineer
- Academic Research
- Web Developer