Program Overview

MSc Cybersecurity Risk Management

The MSc Cybersecurity Risk Management at University of Galway is designed for individuals who aspire to lead in the strategic and governance aspects of cybersecurity. It suits those with a keen interest in digital risk, resilience, and policywhether you're a recent graduate in a related discipline or a professional seeking to pivot into cybersecurity from business, law, IT, or other areas.

Why Choose This Course?

• Unique course: Specialised focus on cyber risk, governance, and resiliencedistinctive within Irish postgraduate offerings.
• Employability: Aligned with careers in strategic consultancy, policy, and risk managementbuilt for professional impact.
• Practical Training: Applied learning in threat intelligence, crisis response, and cyber defence planning.
• Scholarships: Financial support availablemerit-based and competitive.

Course Information

The MSc in Cybersecurity Risk Management is delivered over 1 year full-time, progressing through foundational concepts to advanced strategic applications. Students complete a substantial applied project, often aligned with industry challenges, allowing them to demonstrate strategic thinking and problem-solving.

Curriculum

• Year 1 (90 Credits)
  • Optional: MS806: Business Applications Programming - 5 Credits - Semester 1
  • Optional: MS805: Database Systems - 5 Credits - Semester 1
  • Optional: LW383: Information Technology Law - 5 Credits - Semester 1
  • Optional: MG557: Strategic Management - 5 Credits - Semester 1
  • Optional: MS804: Systems Development & Project Management - 5 Credits - Semester 1
  • Required: MS5107: Business Modelling and Analytics - 5 Credits - Semester 1
  • Required: MS5125: Cybersecurity Risk Management - 10 Credits - Semester 1
  • Required: MS807: Information Systems Management - 5 Credits - Semester 1
  • Required: MS5127: Major Cybersecurity Project - 30 Credits - Semester 1
  • Optional: MS5114: Advanced Programming for Business Analytics - 5 Credits - Semester 2
  • Optional: MS803: Business Data Communications - 5 Credits - Semester 2
  • Optional: MS5129: Storytelling through Data Visualisation - 5 Credits - Semester 2
  • Required: MS5134: Cybersecurity Risk Management 2 - 10 Credits - Semester 2
  • Required: MS5130: Applied Analytics in Business and Society - 5 Credits - Semester 2
  • Required: MS5126: Philosophy of Information and Information Ethics - 5 Credits - Semester 2
  • Required: MS5118: Cloud Computing - 5 Credits - Semester 2

Unique Features

• Strategic focus on cyber risk: Not just technicalthis course centres on governance, resilience, and business continuity.
• Industry-aligned skillset: Gain expertise in threat analysis, incident response, and regulatory complianceskills in high demand across sectors.
• Real-world application: Engage with simulations, case studies, and virtual lab exercises to solve live cybersecurity challenges.
• Industry collaboration: Strong links with industry ensure employer-informed content and networking opportunities.
• Professional certification pathways: Modules aligned with CompTIA Security+ and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) qualifications.
• Applied learning environment: Individual and team-based learning, collaborative projects, industry input, and hands-on labs develop leadership and critical thinking.
• Flexible specialisation options: Tailor your studies with electives in data visualisation, IT law, and more.
• Sustainability-conscious curriculum: Emphasis on ethical practice and responsible digital citizenship in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

Careers

Graduates of the MSc in Cybersecurity Risk Management at University of Galway are well-positioned to enter a rapidly expanding field with diverse career pathways across sectors. The programme equips students with strategic, analytical, and technical capabilities that are highly sought after in today's digital economy.

Career Opportunities

• Sectors & Industries in Demand:
  • Financial services
  • Technology & software
  • Public sector & government
  • Healthcare, energy, and critical infrastructure
  • Consultancy firms
• Typical Graduate Roles:
  • Cybersecurity Risk Analyst / Manager
  • Information Security Consultant
  • Data Protection Officer
  • Technology Risk Auditor / IT Auditor
  • Systems Administrator
  • Cybersecurity Trainer
  • Vulnerability Assessor
  • IT Security Project Manager
  • Business Applications Developer
  • DevOps / Software Engineer with a security focus
  • Risk Compliance Officer
  • Cybersecurity Governance Specialist

Entry Requirements and Fees

Entry Requirements

• Minimum Entry Requirements: Normally a H2.1 degree (NFQ Level 8 or equivalent). However, candidates with a H2.2 honours degree and who have a minimum of 2 years relevant work experience will also be considered.
• English Language Entry Requirements: For applicants whose first language is not English, an English language proficiency of IELTS score of 6.5 is required (with no less than 6.0 in any other band) or equivalent.

Fees for Academic Year 2026/27

• Course Type: Masters Full Time
• Year: 1
• EU Tuition: 11,700
• Student Contribution:
• Non-EU Tuition: 21,500
• Levy: 140
• Total Fee:
• Total EU Fee: 11,840
• Total Non-EU Fee: 21,640

Scholarships

• Postgraduate Excellence Scholarships: This scholarship is valued at 1,500 for EU students applying for full-time taught master's postgraduate courses.
• Global Scholarships: University of Galway offers a range of merit-based scholarships to students from a number of countries outside of the EU.
• Business Merit Scholarships: J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics is committed to attracting high calibre students from around the world. We are offering Merit Scholarships across all of our Taught Master's programmes.