Program Overview

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Master of Science (MSc) in Cybersecurity

Overview

The Master of Science (MSc) in Cybersecurity is a postgraduate program designed to develop learners within the Cybersecurity discipline. It 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.

Aims of the Programme

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.

Delivery

All learners are expected to attend in person in class.

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 One:
  • Advanced 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 Two:
  • 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 €9,195 full-time, and €5,600 part time per annum for EU students.

International Fees

EU Fees

You can also contact our admissions team who would be happy to discuss the options available for you.

Please note also that there is tax relief for Irish income tax payers at the standard rate of 20% on all fees exceeding €1,000 and up to €7,000.

All QQI accredited programmes of education and training of 3 months or longer duration offered by Dublin Business School (DBS) are covered by arrangements under section 65 (4) (b) of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 whereby in the event that DBS ceases to provide the programme, for any reason, after learners have started on that programme, Kaplan Inc., as guarantor, will refund the moneys most recently paid by or for the learner. More details are included in the terms and conditions of learner admission to DBS (conditions) and on programme handbooks provided at induction.

Awarding Body

Quality & Qualifications Ireland (QQI)

Award

Masters Degree

NFQ Level

Level 9

Award Title

Master of Science in Cybersecurity

Award Type

Major

Duration

• Full-time: 1 Year
• Part-time: 2 Years

Next Intake

September 2025