Course Summary
This course is designed to prepare IT professionals for a managerial or technical career in cybersecurity. It will help companies, government and state institutions, defence forces and others to upskill their staff to fill new roles in cybersecurity so that they can protect their organisations, their customers and the public.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
Minimum of a 2.1 honours bachelor’s degree in Computer Science (or a cognate discipline) or
2:2 honours bachelor’s degree in Computer Science (or a cognate discipline) and equivalent (> 5 years) industrial experience in software development or software/system security.
Each applicant will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Students are also required to fulfil UCD’s English Language Requirements.
This holistic and well-rounded programme prepares students for a career in cybersecurity. It will be of great interest to executives and professional / technical staff who:
- need to acquire knowledge and skills in cybersecurity;
- want to gain a promotion;
- want to open up new career opportunities for themselves in cyber security related roles;
- are interested in doing some research in this field, perhaps in relation to a current work problem;
- want to gain a qualification to add to their standing and credibility within their professional life.
You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage. https://tinyurl.com/2ae2ffax
Application Details
How to apply?
The following entry routes are available:
MSc Cybersecurity PT (T380)
Duration 2 Years
Attend Part Time
Deadline Rolling*
* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised
Next Intake September 2025.
Fees
MSc in Cybersecurity
(90 credits, part-time over 2 years)
Ireland/EU fees - € 7,030 per year (total €14,060)
Non-EU fee - €10,610 per year (total €21,220)
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Career Progression
The course will prepare professionals for a rewarding career in cybersecurity; for example, to take a role as a security manager, security engineer, security analyst, or IT security specialist. Career development possibilities are excellent. Organisations of all sizes in all sectors, including both Irish and foreign owned companies, are looking for people with these skills. Many global companies have a base in Ireland, including security software and cyber security companies with a security operations centre (SOC). There is a growing cyber security market globally as cyber security is recognized as critical for national security and the smooth functioning of society.
This holistic and well-rounded course will be of interest to executives and professional/technical staff who:
- need to acquire knowledge and skills to equip themselves better for their current role.
- want to gain a promotion.
- want to open up new career opportunities for themselves in cyber security related roles.
- are interested in doing some research in this field, perhaps in relation to a current work problem.
- want to gain a qualification to add to their standing and credibility within their professional life.