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Master of Science (MSc.) in Cybersecurity

  • Overview
  • Course Content
  • Structure
  • Career Opportunities
  • Fees
  • Next Steps

cybersecurity2
Overview

The Master of Science in Cybersecurity programme is designed to meet the increasing demand for cybersecurity professionals in today's interconnected world. The programme provides learners with a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills in key areas such as programming, databases, network and systems administration, cryptography, digital forensics, software development, and cybersecurity. Furthermore, the programme emphasises the interdisciplinary nature of cybersecurity by incorporating learning on law, policy, human factors, ethics, and risk management. Graduates will be equipped to identify and mitigate threats, manage cybersecurity in organisational contexts, and pursue career development and further study.

Objectives

The programme's objectives are to:

  • Enable learners to develop mastery of current and developing computer technologies, especially skills related to the development and use of cybersecurity.

  • Provide learners with a deep and systematic knowledge of the management of cybersecurity in organisational contexts.

  • Facilitate the development of applied skills that are directly complementary and relevant to the workplace.

  • Identify and develop autonomous learning skills for the learners.

  • Develop in learners a deep and systematic understanding of current issues of research and analysis.

  • Enable the learners to identify, develop and apply detailed analytical, creative, problem-solving and research skills.

  • Respond ethically and informatively to address any unseen situations that may arise due to the emerging needs of industry.

  • Provide the learner with a comprehensive platform for career development, innovation and further study.


Delivery

This programme is delivered through both online and face-to-face modes of delivery, including classroom sessions (in-person and Zoom lectures), asynchronous content, and practical computer lab sessions. 


Minimum Entry Requirements

Applicants to the Master of Science in Cybersecurity programme must hold:

  • A Level 8 honours bachelor's degree with a minimum second-class second-division (2.2) award or above in a cognate area. Cognate subjects include computer science, technology, networking, information systems, engineering, general science, mathematics, statistics, data analytics or a related discipline.

  • A Level 8 Higher Diploma with a minimum 2.2 or above in a cognate area. Cognate subjects include computer science, technology, networking, information systems, engineering, general science, mathematics, statistics, data analytics or a related discipline.

  • A Level 8 honours bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.2 or above in a non-cognate area, plus 4 years professional experience in a related field.

Applicants must also have the minimum mathematics requirements. Learners accepted to the programme will also need to be competent at coding in an object-oriented programming language (examples include but are not limited to: C++, C#, Java or Python). Learners can also access this programme through RPL.

All applications are subject to assessment by the Admissions Office, including equivalence checks for international qualifications.

Module Name

ECTS

Advanced Programming Techniques

5

Advanced Databases

5

Networks and Systems Administration

5

Cryptography & Digital Forensics

10

Cybersecurity Research: Threats, Technologies and Governance

5

Communications and Networking Security

10

Cybersecurity for Software Development

5

Penetration Testing for Business Continuity Management

5

Organisational and Societal Cybersecurity

10

Applied Research Methods

5

Applied Research Project/Dissertation

25

An Exit award is available for learners who are unsuccessful in completing the Capstone module.


Teaching and Assessment

The MSc in Cybersecurity provides students with a flexible, blended/multimodal, active, peer-led, experiential and reflective learning environment. In-class and online workshops will be used to discuss the theoretical underpinnings behind the core concepts of information systems and computing.

Assessments for this programme are 100% continuous assessment and take various forms, including, but not limited to, group and individual practical projects, portfolios, reports, technical demonstrations and presentations.

Structure

The Master of Science in Cybersecurity programme is structured over three semesters:

Semester 1: This semester focuses on foundational knowledge and skills.

  • It includes modules like Advanced Programming Techniques, Advanced Databases, and Networks and Systems Administration.

  • Learners also gain theoretical knowledge in Cryptography & Digital Forensics and begin developing research skills in the Cybersecurity Research: Threats, Technologies, and Governance module.

Semester 2: Building on the foundation, this semester applies the knowledge and skills to more advanced cybersecurity topics.

  • Modules cover areas like Communications and Networking Security, Cybersecurity for Software Development, and Organisational and Societal Cybersecurity.

  • The Applied Research Methods module is also included, which further develops research and development skills and prepares students for their final project.

Semester 3: This final stage centres on either the Applied Research Project or Dissertation.

The programme prepares graduates for successful careers in the growing field of Cybersecurity.

Career Opportunities

Graduates from the Master of Science in Cybersecurity programme will have the potential to work in areas such as:

  • Risk Officer

  • Information Security Manager

  • Cybersecurity Governance Specialist

  • Cybersecurity Support Engineer

  • Cybersecurity Manager

  • IT Security Incident Manager

  • Cybersecurity Analyst

These roles can be found in a wide variety of industries.

Fees

The course fees for the next academic year are €9,195 full-time, and €5,600 part time per annum for EU students.

International Fees

EU Fees

You can also contact our admissions team who would be happy to discuss the options available for you.

Please note also that there is tax relief for Irish income tax payers at the standard rate of 20% on all fees exceeding €1,000 and up to €7,000. 

All QQI accredited programmes of education and training of 3 months or longer duration offered by Dublin Business School (DBS) are covered by arrangements under section 65 (4) (b) of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 whereby in the event that DBS ceases to provide the programme, for any reason, after learners have started on that programme, Kaplan Inc., as guarantor, will refund the moneys most recently paid by or for the learner.   More details are included in the terms and conditions of learner admission to DBS (https://www.dbs.ie/terms-and-conditions) and on programme handbooks provided at induction.

Visit Us

Open days are a great way to help you make your decision about DBS and learn more about the Master of Science (MSc) in Cybersecurity. As well as experiencing our outstanding facilities, you'll have the opportunity to receive personalised advice from academics from your subject area, meet current postgraduate students and also have your questions answered on general subjects such as entry requirements, student support and the admissions process.

EU Applicants

Applicants should complete the appropriate application form and return it to the Postgraduate Admissions Office along with the following documentation:

  • Academic Transcripts (Original & Official English Translation where issued in another language). Applicants who have previously attended DBS need not provide this documentation. 

  • Proof of Identification (Birth Certificate, Drivers Licence or Passport)  

  • Proof of English (i.e. IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent) where full time study has been conducted in a language other than English or applicants whose first language is not English.

  • Detailed curriculum Vitae 

Please see programme content for any course-specific additional application procedures.

In addition to the above, in the instance of Non-EU applicants who have residency in Ireland:

  • A copy of your GNIB (Garda National Immigration Bureau) Card, Work permit (if applicable) & Passport.

  • The letter that was issued to you by the Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform stating why you were provided with the above documentation 


International Students/ Non EU Applicants

Applicants should complete the appropriate application form and return it to the Postgraduate Admissions Office along with the following documentation: 

  • Academic transcripts

  • Proof of English (i.e. IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent)

  • A Curriculum Vitae 

  • A copy of your passport

Please note that copies of all documentation must be submitted, and that it must be translated into English where issued in another language. Please do not send original documents as these will not be returned.

Dublin Business School has a number of overseas offices and representatives worldwide. Please contact us if you wish to receive further details on your closest DBS representative.
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Course overview

Awarding Body: 
Quality & Qualifications Ireland (QQI)
QQI_Logo
Award: Masters Degree
NFQ Level: Level 9
Award Title: Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Award Type: Major
Duration:
Full-time: 1 Year
Part-time: 2 Years
Next Intake: 
September 2026

Contact Us

Email: admissions@dbs.ie
Phone: 01 417 7500
Opening times:
Monday to Friday
8:45am to 5:15pm

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