MSc in Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity: Programme Structure

The online MSc in Cybersecurity is a 2-year 90-ECTS course. Learners are required to complete 20-ECTS during each of the taught semesters and then a final 6-month semester completing the Research Practicum/Internship.

S1 and S2 below refer to Specialisation 1 and Specialisation 2 for electives.

Please note: The following content descriptions are indicative. For complete module details and in-depth course breakdown, visit the official NCI programme page or website/brochure

Year 1

Semester 1

• Security Fundamentals – Establish core cybersecurity principles, threat landscapes, and foundational security concepts
• Data Governance, Ethics & Sustainability – Understand regulatory frameworks, ethical considerations, and sustainable practices in cybersecurity
• Forensics and eDiscovery (S1) – Develop digital investigation skills and electronic discovery techniques for the Investigation specialisation
• Secure Web Development (S2) – Master secure coding practices and web application security for the Secure Development specialisation

Semester 2

• Network Security and Penetration Testing – Learn network defense strategies and ethical hacking methodologies to identify vulnerabilities
• Cryptography and Blockchain – Explore encryption technologies, cryptographic protocols, and distributed ledger security
• Malware Analysis (S1) – Analyze malicious software and develop threat detection capabilities for the Investigation specialisation
• Secure Application Development (S2) – Build secure software applications and implement advanced security development practices

Year 2

Semester 3

• Cloud Architectures and Security – Master cloud security frameworks and secure cloud infrastructure deployment
• AI/ML in Cybersecurity – Apply artificial intelligence and machine learning to threat detection and security automation
• Business Resilience and Incident Management – Develop enterprise-level incident response and business continuity capabilities

Semester 4

Research Elective (Choose 1):

• Research Practicum – Conduct independent academic research with thesis development and defence
• Industry Internship – Apply your skills in a real business environment with practical project delivery

Specialisations: Learners must elect one of two specialisations:

• Investigation Specialisation (S1) – Focus on digital forensics, malware analysis, and cybercrime investigation
• Secure Development Specialisation (S2) – Concentrate on secure coding, application security, and secure software development lifecycle

Assessment: Blend of continuous assessments, project work, and examinations. Assessment varies between modules but is typically 40% continuous assessment and 60% project or exam.

Notes:

• Specialisations run subject to minimum enrollment numbers
• Dependencies exist between Secure Development modules – Secure Web Development (S1) must be completed before Secure Application Development (S2)
• All learners can elect Malware Analysis regardless of specialisation
• Students must choose specialisation before programme commencement
• Students must notify the college in advance if selecting the Internship pathway

Academic Eligibility

Standard Entry 

Candidates must have an honours (level 8) primary degree in computing or a cognate area with a 2.2 award or higher. Cognate area means a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) degree that also has taught programming/application development related modules.

Candidates are expected to have programming ability, which can be demonstrated through transcripts, recognised certifications, and/ or relevant work experience. An assessment and/or interview may be conducted to ascertain suitability, if necessary, for candidates who do not meet the normal academic requirements.

Non-Standard Entry

The College operates a Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) scheme meaning applicants who do not meet the normal academic requirements may be considered based on relevant work and other experience. This may be assessed using a portfolio of learning, demonstration of work produced, and an interview. The programming ability of the applicant will also be assessed.

All applicants, whether standard or non-standard, whose first language is not English must demonstrate fluency in the English language by achieving an IELTS Academic score of at least 6.0, or an equivalent qualification. Please visit the NCI English Language Requirements page for further information.

Course Fees

The fees for this programme are part-funded by Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet. Part-funded fees are only available to eligible applicants.

Full course fee: €3,875 per year
Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet grant: €725 per year
Subsidised course fee: €3,150 per year*

Funding Eligibility*

Applicants must be residing in the Republic of Ireland and working in a private or commercial semi-state organisation registered in the Republic of Ireland (Business, Consultant, Freelancer) to avail of the grant-aided fees. As a government-funded training network, we can only support those meeting these criteria with funding towards courses.

Public sector employees, non-profits, or charitable organisations that do not meet our funding criteria can apply privately for the full course fee once places are available. Please submit an Enquiry form and we will reach out to you.

Unemployed? Unfortunately, due to our funding parameters, we are unable to accept unemployed applicants for either funded or private places. However, we encourage you to explore our Future in Tech free and online training and mentoring initiative, which offers upskilling opportunities specifically designed for job seekers. . You can find more details about Future in Tech HERE. You can also avail of our large online fully funded courses at this link HERE.

Once you have received your offer of a place on the course, please be aware that we have a limited number of subsidised places available. Due to high demand, we cannot hold places without payment. To ensure fairness, priority for these places will be granted to those who have both completed full payment of the subsidised fee and are deemed eligible by the college or training provider.

Ready to Kickstart Your Cyber Career?

Simple 4-Step Application Process:

Step 1: Submit Your Interest

Use the enquiry or application buttons on this page to express your interest in the programme.

Step 2: Eligibility Confirmation

The Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet team will contact you within 3 business days to confirm your funding eligibility and highest and most relevant academic qualification then guide you through the next steps.

Step 3: Complete Your Academic Application

Once your funding eligibility status is confirmed, you’ll receive a link to complete your official application with National College of Ireland (NCI), providing them directly with your CV, transcripts, and programming experience evidence.

• Where applicable you may also be requested for English Language test results. Learn more at this link HERE.
• NCI may request additional documents to confirm your eligibility to proceed, such as evidence of programming abilities.

Step 4 – Invoicing and Payment.

Upon you receiving a conditional offer from NCI, ICT Skillnet will provide you with a registration and payment form. Once payment has been received by ICT Skillnet, we will notify NCI, who will grant you access to their systems prior to the commencement of the course. Successful applicants will become official NCI students, with access to all college resources and support services.

Important Information:

• Limited Places Available: Start the process today
• Early Application Recommended: Spaces allocated on first-come, first-served basis among eligible candidates
• Academic Assessment: NCI conducts final academic review and makes admission decisions