Cybersecurity

The MSc in Cybersecurity will provide students with an in-depth understanding of practical and theoretical aspects of cybersecurity. The modern world depends on digital systems that we rely upon to operate safely, securely and reliably 24x7. With ever-increasing complexity both of these systems themselves and the evolving threat environment that confronts them, organisations need to ensure their digital assets are protected from cyber-attacks. Organisations such as commercial companies, governmental agencies, need specialist expertise to design, implement and operate adequate protection mechanisms for their digital assets and services.



The objective of the programme is to equip graduates with a broad and comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of cybersecurity and to equip them provide this expertise to organisations. The programme includes coverage of cryptography, system security, network security, AI security, hardware security, privacy and ethics. This MSc will incorporate a substantial individual research/development project in the area of cybersecurity.

Modules

Students take 90 credits as follows - modules to the value of 60 credits in Part 1 and a Dissertation (30 credits) in Part 2:



Part 1

Students take 60 credits as follows - all listed core modules (40 credits) and 20 credits of elective modules:



Core Modules

CS6452 Cryptography (5 Credits)

CS6457 Network Security (5 Credits)

CS6453 System Security (5 Credits)

CS6454 Hardware Security (5 Credits)

CS6455 AI and Security (5 Credits)

CS6456 Data Privacy and and Ethics (5 Credits)

CS6403 Case Studies in Computing Entrepreneurship (5 Credits)

CS6410 Project Development Skills (5 Credits)



Elective Modules

Students take modules to the value of 20 credits from the following - 10 credits from Group 1 and 10 credits from Group 2:



Group 1

CS6311 Mobile and Wireless Networks (5 Credits)

CS6314 Mobile Applications Design (5 Credits)

CS6322 Optimisation (5 Credits)

CS6327 Internet of Things: Technology and Application (5 Credits)

CS6420 Topics in Artificial Intelligence (5 Credits)

CS6409 Information Storage and Retrieval (5 Credits)

CS6422 Complex Systems Development (5 Credits)



Group 2

CS6317 Multimedia Technology in Mobile Networks (5 Credits)

CS6319 Applied Machine Learning (5 Credits)

CS6405 Datamining (5 Credits)

CS6421 Deep Learning (5 Credits)

CS6408 Database Technology (5 Credits)

CS6423 Scalable Computing for Data Analytics (5 Credits)



Part 2

Students take 30 credits as follows:



Core Modules

CS6450 Dissertation in Cybersecurity (30 credits)

Applicants must have a Second Class Honours Grade 1 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) in Computer Science or a closely related degree in which at least 50% of the credits must be in the area of Computer Science with a strong emphasis on programming skills and must include the following subjects: system architecture, operating systems, computer networks.



Applicants from Grandes Écoles Colleges will be considered if they are studying a cognate discipline in an ENSEA or EFREI Graduate School and are eligible to enter the final year (M2) of their programme.



Consideration under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may also be given to applicants who do not meet the minimum academic entry requirements as stated above but who can demonstrate five years relevant professional experience in the form of a detailed job(s) specification and an interview may also be required.



For Applicants with Qualifications Completed Outside of Ireland

Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison page.



International/Non-EU Applicants

For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.



In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.

Note that not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above. For more information contact the International Office.



English Language Requirements

Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements. Visit our PG English Language Requirements page for more information.

Closing Date: Rolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised.



Non-EU Closing Date:

Rolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled but no later than June 15.

1 year full-time.

Start Date 7 September 2026

Our graduates will have skills which are in demand by industry and public bodies including:



Cryptography

Network Security

System Security

Hardware Security

AI and Security

Data Privacy & Ethics

Topics in Artificial Intelligence and Applied Machine Learning



Companies employing Cyber Security professionals include:



Accenture

Bank of America

Deutsche Börse

Eli Lilly and Company

Eolas Recruitment

ESB

EY

Fidelity Investment

Google

Irish Distillers

J.P Morgan

Johnson Controls

Microsoft

Morgan McKinley

Oracle

PFH Technology

PM Group

PWC

Qualcomm

Red Hat

Stryker

TikTok

Workday



Salaries in this field are generally higher than in many other industries. Employment agencies frequently publish reports on typical salaries across different sectors. For example, reported figures for careers in Cybersecurity are shown below. These figures are indicative only and are taken from the Ireland Salary Guide 2025 by Morgan McKinley.



Mid-Level Security Architect: €75,000 – €85,000

Mid-Level Security Engineer: €55,000 – €80,000

Mid-level Security Manager: €90,000 – €100,000