Applied Cyber Security - Blanchardstown

What is... Applied Cyber Security?

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 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.



IT Requirements: A HIGH spec (i.e. able to run Win 10, an AV solution and Office comfortably. Be able to use Wi-fi and camera to attend online classes, use other hardware intensive software such as Adobe Cloud Premium suite, Visual Studio, AutoCAD, ProEng, so needs high RAM, larger SSD, Graphics acceleration, etc.)



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.



IT Requirements: A HIGH spec (i.e. able to run Win 10, an AV solution and Office comfortably. Be able to use Wi-fi and camera to attend online classes, use other hardware intensive software such as Adobe Cloud Premium suite, Visual Studio, AutoCAD, ProEng, so needs high RAM, larger SSD, Graphics acceleration, etc.)

Year 1 Semester 1

Digital Forensics

Secure Communications & Cryptography



Year 1 Semester 2

Network Security

Cyber Crime Malware



Year 2 Semester 3

Business Continuity Management

Research Skills & Ethics



Year 2 Semester 4

MSc Research Project



Note: Students must complete 6 modules and a thesis. All Modules are 10 ECTS Credits. The MSc Research Project is 30 ECTS Credits. The order of Module Delivery may differ from the listing above.



An award of ‘Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Computing’ may be granted if learners leave this course having completed 6 taught modules and attained 60 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.00.

Minimum Entry Requirements?

The minimum entry requirement for standard entrants is a Second Class Honours Grade 2 (GPA 2.5 or equivalent), in a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computing (NFQ Level 8), or equivalent qualification.



Students progressing through the Higher Diploma in Science in Computing who wish to enter this course must attain a Second Class Honours Grade 2 (GPA 2.5) on the course.



In the event of a student not attaining this standard level, students must achieve an acceptable standard for progression by other means approved by QQI.



The acceptance of candidates with Third Class Honours degrees and appropriate work experience and industrial certification on this course will be allowed provided there is evidence that the candidate can cope with the learning objectives of the course.



Candidates may be interviewed to assess their suitability to undertake the level of work required and to assess their commitment to succeeding on this course.

How to Apply

Applications will open in February 2025



For further information, please visit How To Apply (see "Application Weblink" above).



Non-EU Students

Non-EU students, not resident in Ireland, may only apply for part-time programs that are exclusively offered online, applications for courses that require on-campus attendance will not be processed and the application fee will not be refunded.



Applications for exclusively online courses can be made under the following guidelines:

Standard Part-Time Rate: Non-EU students can apply and pay tuition fees at the standard part-time rate for the chosen program.



No Student Visa Required: Non-EU students applying for 100% online part-time courses do not require a student visa for Ireland.



No Residency Status Needed: Applicants do not need to possess any residency status in Ireland to be eligible for online programs as there is no requirement to travel to Ireland.

1 year full-time, on campus delivery.



Schedule

Tuesdays and Wednesdays on campus.



2 years part-time, online delivery.



Schedule

Year 1

Online Lectures

Tuesday 6pm-10pm

Thursday 6pm-10pm



*All classes are recorded*



Year 2

Online Lectures

Monday 6pm-10pm

Wednesday 6pm-10pm



*All classes are recorded*

Commencement Date: September 2025.

What are my career opportunities?

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 Investments, 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, Zurich Insurance and many more.