A Master of Science (MSc.) in Cybersecurity

Overview

According to ‘Cyber Ireland’, Cybersecurity is a rapidly growing industry internationally, for which there are a number of opportunities and challenges including $248 billion in cybersecurity spending worldwide by 2023. Ireland has become a significant base of international technology and security companies, with the top 5 worldwide security software companies in the world and over 6,000 people working in the cyber security industry. Leading global technology companies have a significant presence in Ireland, such as Microsoft, Intel and Google. Ireland is uniquely placed to benefit from increased global investment, as it has an opportunity to position itself as a world-class cyber security practices, solutions and investment hub.
Both full time and part time programme options designed to facilitate learners with a statistics/computing/technology background who wish to upskill in this new and emerging area of Cybersecurity. It may be their preference to take the theory and practical modules only and not complete the dissertation.

Aims of the Programme

This programme aims at developing learners within the Cybersecurity discipline and involves theoretical knowledge and advanced skills in technology, communication information management, and processes to enable assured operations in the context of threat identification and mitigation. Learners develop advanced practical skills in essential areas such as programming, advanced databases, networks and systems administration, while also offering theoretical knowledge of cryptography and digital forensics

The Master of Science (MSc) in Cybersecurity specific aims are to:

• Enable learners to develop mastery of current and developing computer technologies especially skills related to the development and use of cybersecurity.
• Provide learners with a deep and systematic knowledge of the management of cybersecurity in organisational contexts.
• Facilitate the development of applied skills that are directly complementary and relevant to the workplace.
• Identify and develop autonomous learning skills.
• Develop a deep and systematic understanding of current issues of research and analysis.
• Identify, develop and apply detailed analytical, creative, problem solving and research skills.
• Respond ethically and informatively to address any unseen situations that may arise due to the emerging needs of industry.
• Provide a comprehensive platform for career development, innovation and further study

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements for the Master of Science (MSc.) in Cybersecurity are:

• A Level 8 primary cognate degree with a minimum second-class second-division (2.2) classification from a recognised third level institution. Cognate subjects include computer science, technology, networking, information systems, engineering, general science, mathematics, statistics, data analytics or related discipline.
• Graduates of any non-cognate discipline and hold a qualification in a conversion-style programme such as the DBS Higher Diploma in Science in Computing.
• For applicants whose first language is not English and who have not previously undertaken a degree taught through English, evidence must be provided of proficiency in English language equivalent to B2+ or above on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL). This must be evidenced through a recognised English Language test such as IELTS, Cambridge Certificate, PTE or DBS English Assessment. Test certificates should be dated within the last two years to be considered valid.
• Applicants who do not have a Level 8 qualification in a cognate area and who have at least 3 years’ work experience may also be considered through the college’s normal RPL procedures. Relevant professional experience may be taken into account and individuals will be assessed on a case-by-case basis through DBS RPL procedures.

Course Content

The Master of Science (MSc) in Cybersecurity has the following content:

Stage 1

• • Advance Programming Techniques
  • Advanced Databases
  • Network & Systems Administration
  • Cryptography & Digital Forensics
  • Communication & Network Security
  • Cybersecurity for Software Development
  • Penetration Testing & Business Continuity Management
  • Organisational and Societal Cybersecurity

Stage 2

• • Applied Research Methods
  • Applied Research Project

Assessment Methods

The MSc in Cybersecurity is an academic programme informed by the clinical and academic experience of the lecturers. Assessment is approached creatively with a range of assessment strategies including essay writing, in-class presentation, graded group dissertation and examination, module depending.

Instructions and guidelines for all assessment are clearly communicated to students.

Structure

This programme is offered 1 year full-time (2 semesters)

Part time, this programme is offered 18 months (3 semesters)

The programme is structure as five 5 ECTS and four 10 ECTS taught modules, and a 25 ECTS Applied Research Project.

Career Opportunities

According to the latest Cybersecurity Workforce Study from (ISC), the world’s largest non-profit association dedicated to IT security, there is currently a massive cybersecurity workforce shortage on a global basis. This study has stated around the world, there are currently 2.8 million cybersecurity professionals and an increase of 145% of these professionals in necessary in order to fill the current estimated need for 4.07 million cybersecurity professionals.

Graduates from the Master of Science in Cybersecurity programme will have the potential to work in a wide range of industries, such as:

• Risk Officer
• Information Security Manager
• Cybersecurity Governance Specialist
• Cybersecurity Support Engineer
• Cybersecurity Manager
• IT Security Incident Manager
• Cybersecurity Analyst

Fees

The course fees for the next academic year are €8,900 full-time, and €5,500 part time per annum for EU students. This covers the cost of tuition, registration and examinations.

Visit Us

Open days are a great way to help you make your decision about DBS and learn more about the Master of Science (MSc) in Cybersecurity. As well as experiencing our outstanding facilities, you'll have the opportunity to receive personalised advice from academics from your subject area, meet current postgraduate students and also have your questions answered on general subjects such as entry requirements, student support and the admissions process.