Applied Cyber Security Cibearshlándáil Fheidhmeach

The Master of Science in Computing in Applied Cyber Security is designed to produce highly knowledgeable and skilled graduates to counter the cyber security threat. This course focuses on developing hands-on skills backed by theoretical knowledge. An essential part of the master’s degree is the creation of a body of work presented as a thesis which demonstrates ability in research methods, analytics and report writing. The graduates of this course will be independent learners, good problem solvers and experienced researchers.

Students on the Master of Science in Computing in Applied Cyber Security will also have the opportunity to take part in Capture-the Flag competitions and through their course work, engage with real world problems with companies so that graduates from the programme have the necessary skills to make a difference in the work place.

The course is suitable for both entrants to a new discipline that require a broader range of taught modules to familiarize themselves with the skills and knowledge of the discipline and for specialist employees who want to up-skill in their specialist areas and require research skills.

The Master of Science in Computing in Applied Cyber Security is of particular value to holders of a primary degree in computing, IT, or equivalent, working as IT professionals. It is also of value to individuals with a computing degree background who wish to develop their career towards working within a research-oriented environment at a postgraduate level. 

Second Class Honours grade 2 (GPA 2.5 or equivalent) in a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Bachelor of Science in Computing level 8 or Graduate Diploma or equivalent.

If English is not your first language you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as detailed on our website. Applicants for this programme should have a minimum IELTS (Academic Version) English Proficiency of 6.5 overall (or equivalent) with nothing less than 6 in each component.

The Master of Science in Computing in Applied Cyber Security will give the skills and knowledge to secure business and personal data and allow graduates to work as security professionals in any of the business and industry sectors.

Former graduates currently work in Deloitte, Integrity360, Fidelity Investiments, Triology, Forcepoint, Rits, Espion, BH-Consulting, Liberty IT, Cobalt Technology, Ward Solutions and larger international companies like Qualcomm, IBM, Deloitte, EY, KPMG, Grant Thornton, Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Ericsson, Zurick Insurance and many more.

The programme offers two pathway variations, with students completing either a 30-credit project or a 20-credit project in the summer.

Pathway 1:

Students take 6 taught modules and a 30-credit research project. This means students complete 2 elective modules alongside the core taught modules. This option suits students who are comfortable with a high degree of independent learning and would like to undertake a larger, individually supervised research project.

Pathway 2:

Students take 7 taught modules and a 20-credit research project. This means students complete 3 elective modules alongside the core taught modules. This option suits students who prefer a stronger taught component and a smaller project supported through a more structured format.

The MSc Research Project includes an applied component and involves collecting and analysing data. All projects are undertaken during the summer period. The 20-credit project is supervised in groups, requires in-person attendance, and is supported through workshops. The 30-credit project is supervised individually and requires a much greater degree of independent learning.

Programme structure

Semester 1

Digital Forensics
Secure Communication and Cryptography
Network Security

Semester 2

Research Skills and Ethics
2 or 3 Elective modules

Students choose electives depending on their pathway:

• Biometrics
• Secure Programming
• Application Security
• Business Continuity and Cloud Security
• Cyber Crime Malware
• Security Intelligence

Semester 3

• Research project
• Pathway 1: MSc Research Project (30 credits, summer, individually supervised)
• Pathway 2: MSc Research Project (20 credits, summer, group supervised, workshop supported, in-person attendance required)

Credit structure

All taught modules are 10 ECTS credits.

Pathway 1:

• 6 taught modules + 30-credit project
• 4 core modules
• 2 electives
• 30-credit research project

Pathway 2:  

• 7 taught modules + 20-credit project
• 4 core modules
• 3 electives
• 20-credit research project

A choice of elective modules will be offered in Semester 2. Electives are available at the discretion of the School, subject to staff availability and sufficient student demand.

Three/Four days per week.

Click on the link below to view an indicative timetable for this course. Timetables are subject to change and up to date timetables will be provided to students on commencement.

View Sample Timetable

Applications for this course are now open.

• September 2026 Intake: Apply Now – EU & Non EU Applicants (Autumn 2026)

For further information on the application process, please visit How To Apply.