NCI Course Details

The course is technical and practical in nature, uniquely embedded in industry, and develops in-depth expertise of core technical topics within the cybersecurity area. The programme emphasises the development of technical and research skills in the cybersecurity area through analysis, investigation, requirements elicitation, problem solving, and teamwork.

In addition, emphasis is placed on the study of the latest appropriate technology and techniques necessary for the cultivation of advanced investigative skills.

This course is ideal for ICT professionals or graduates with an honours degree in computing or in a cognate area (STEM) who wish to develop a career as a cybersecurity professional; to take a leading technical or managerial role; to progress faster in their employment or to apply the knowledge in their current role. Candidates who do not hold a computing degree and are currently working in the IT sector may be considered, based on relevant academic qualifications or extensive work experience.

As a graduate of this course, you will be able to:

• Critically assess and evaluate ethical, legal, privacy, sustainable, and governance issues associated with the management of data assets in the cybersecurity domain.
• Communicate effectively complex and advanced cybersecurity concepts to a range of audiences in both written and verbal media.
• Apply advanced security knowledge and utilise practical skills and technologies to design and implement cybersecurity solutions that address business and technical problems.
• Make decisions and address security requirements through analytical thinking, communication, and interaction.
• Analyse, identify, and document measures to address vulnerabilities, risks, weaknesses, and other safety aspects within a given cybersecurity context.
• Identify knowledge gaps and undertake self-learning to acquire new knowledge and meet the requirements of the rapidly developing and expanding cybersecurity industry.
• Conduct independent research in the cybersecurity area and formulate and implement novel ideas by applying the latest research methodologies and industry practices.

Several reports indicate shortage of skills and strong demand for cybersecurity professionals. The Expert Group on Future Skills Needs identified cybersecurity as a high-growth area that requires significant support for skills development.

The State of the Cybersecurity Sector in Ireland 2024 Report indicates that there are over 530 companies offering cybersecurity services or have employees in internal cybersecurity roles, and that there is robust employment growth in cybersecurity.

Considering the high demand of various types of jobs in the cybersecurity domain that currently exist in the market, graduates from this course may work in the following roles: information security analyst, secure application developer, cybersecurity tester, risk analyst / consultant, cyber incident responder, cloud security analyst, security researcher, etc.

Core Modules:

• Network Security and Penetration Testing
• Security Fundamentals
• Data Governance, Ethics and Sustainability
• Cloud Architectures and Security
• Cryptography and Blockchain
• AI/ML in Cybersecurity
• Business Resilience and Incident Management

Elective Modules

• Secure Web Development
• Forensics and eDiscovery
• Secure Application Development
• Malware Analysis

Note that there are dependencies between secure development electives. To study Secure Application Development in semester 2, students must have studied Secure Web Development in semester 1. However, all students can elect to study Malware Analysis in semester 2.

Research Elective

• Practicum OR
• Internship

Elective modules are subject to availability and a minimum number of students required to run a module.

Assessment

The course will be assessed with a blend of continuous assessments and/or project work and/ or exams. This varies between modules but typically assessment is 40% continuous assessment and 60% project or exam.

For more information on the modules taught on this course view our module descriptors.

The Master of Science in Cybersecurity is awarded by QQI at level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). Students who successfully complete this course may progress to a major award at level 10 on the NFQ. Students may also elect to exit early with a Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Cybersecurity at level 9.

An honours (level 8) primary degree in computing or a cognate area with a 2.2 award or higher. Cognate area means a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) degree that also has taught programming/application development related modules. Candidates are expected to have programming ability, which can be demonstrated through transcripts, recognised certifications, and/ or relevant work experience. An assessment and/or interview may be conducted to ascertain suitability, if necessary, for candidates who do not meet the normal academic requirements.

The College operates a Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) scheme meaning applicants who do not meet the normal academic requirements may be considered based on relevant work and other experience. This may be assessed using a portfolio of learning, demonstration of work produced, and an interview. The programming ability of the applicant will also be assessed.

Non-English speaking applicants must demonstrate fluency in the English language as demonstrated by an IELTS academic score of at least 6.0 or equivalent. Visit our English Language Requirements page for further information.

For international students, please visit NCI's Your Country section to view the specific entry requirements for your region.

National College of Ireland has implemented a Bring Your Own Device policy for all courses. Specifically, students are expected to successfully participate in lectures, laboratories and projects using a portable computer (laptop/notebook) with a substantial hardware configuration.

The recommended configuration is as follows:

Processor:

• Intel 11th Gen or newer, Core i3 / i5 /i7 or Ultra 3 / 5 /7
  Or
• AMD 5000 Series or newer, Rzyen 3 / 5 /7

Random Access Memory (RAM):
16GB or greater

Storage:
SSD (Solid State Drive) 256GB or greater

Wireless Card:
802.11 n/ac/ax capability

Recommended Operating Systems:
Windows 11
Later Version of MAC OS should also be fine.
Chromebook’s are not recommended.

It is the responsibility of the student to ensure their computer is functioning correctly and that they have full administrator rights. NCI cannot provide support for these personal devices.

Student Laptop Loan Scheme

A Laptop Loan Scheme is available for eligible students to assist them in completing their chosen course.

Students need to be available 09.00 - 18.00 Mon – Fri (class days and times vary).

Please note that in some instances exams may take place in the daytime, evening, and/or at weekends.

Campus – Classes will take place face-to-face on campus.

See the MSc in Cybersecurity course brochure for an explanation of the learning methods.

This course runs over 1 year; 3 semesters with a internship/practicum.

The cost of this course is €7,000.

(EU/Ireland applicants, fees revised annually)

You can spread the cost of this course with a direct debit plan.

NCI Scholarships

We offer a range of scholarships and discounts for both NCI and non-NCI graduates. Current NCI students and alumni can avail of a 25% discount on this course by applying for our Master's Edge Scholarship.

View our full list of scholarships.

The course fee for international students is €17,000.

Fees will be revised annually.

For more information on international fees, please visit International Fees & Funding and International Scholarships.

Learn more about studying at NCI as an international student.