MSc in Cybersecurity
Master the art of cyber resilience
In today’s technology-driven era, the surge in cyber attacks and data breaches has left businesses grappling with unprecedented exposure and risk.
The digital realm has become both a playground and a battleground, and cybersecurity professionals are the guardians of this new frontier. The protection of data and digital assets has never been more critical, but the heightened demand for skilled professionals has resulted in shortages of cybersecurity specialists, across multiple industries.
For ICT professionals interested in pursuing a career in cybersecurity or for those looking to enhance their existing cybersecurity capabilities, this 2-year part-time Level 9 Masters programme is specifically designed to teach real-world practical skills that organisations demand, as you advance in this evolving field.
Whether you’re a cybersecurity analyst, network security specialist, or an IT professional looking to specialise, the MSc in Cybersecurity will go beyond the basics. Take the next step in your cybersecurity journey with us, and redefine the future of digital security.
Start Date: January 2026. Specific dates to be confirmed.
- Blended online and in-person
- 2 years, part-time
- Classes are held on two evenings per week and every second Saturday
- The first Saturday of the semester will be part of our series of bootcamps, which will be delivered in a hybrid format where students can attend the session in person on campus or online. Bootcamps will only be scheduled in Semester 1 of this programme.
Time Commitment
Typically, 1 ECTS = 20 – 25 hours of total student effort.
Example Semester 1: 20 ECTS per sem x 25 hrs = 500 hrs per sem / 16 weeks = 31.3 hrs per week (academic week with 5 contact hrs + 5 direct learning + 21.3 hrs independent learning)
Semester 1 – 3 = 25 – 31.3 Hours per week.
Semester 4 = 37.5 – 46.8 Hours per week.
The part-time element is to help busy professionals to study and work at the same time and as the programme is designed from an applied perspective, all learnings in the classroom can immediately be incorporated into the work environment.
Assessment
The course will be assessed with a blend of continuous assessments and/or project work and/or exams. This varies between modules but typically assessment is 40% continuous assessment and 60% project or exam. Please note that in some instances exams may take place in the daytime, evenings and at weekends.
The 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 Practicum/Internship module.
Year 1 – Semester 1
- Security Fundamentals
- Data Governance, Ethics, and Sustainability
- Forensics and eDiscovery (S1)
- Secure Web Development (S2)
Year 1 – Semester 2
- Network Security and Penetration Testing
- Cryptography and Blockchain
- Malware Analysis (S1)
- Secure Application Development (S2)
Year 2 – Semester 1
- Cloud Architectures and Security
- AI/ML in Cybersecurity
- Business Resilience and Incident Management
Year 2 – Semester 2
Research Elective:
- Research Practicum Part 1 & Part 2, or
- Internship Part 1 & Part 2**
Learners will be asked to elect one of the two specialisations:
• Investigation specialisation (S1)
• Secure Development specialisation (S2)
There are dependencies between secure development specialisation electives. To study Secure Application Development in Year 1 Semester 2, learners must have studied Secure Web Development in Year 1 Semester 1. However, all learners can elect to study Malware Analysis in Semester 2.
Specialisations will run subject to a minimum number of learners. Learners will be asked by National College of Ireland to choose their specialisation before programme commencement.
**Students must notify the college in advance if they want to complete Internship.
Academic Eligibility
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.
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.
Non-English speaking applicants must demonstrate fluency in the English language as demonstrated by an IELTS academic score of at least 6.0 or equivalent. 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.
January 2026 Course Fees: To be confirmed. Please enquire to be notified once announced.
January 2025 Course fees for reference:
Full course fee: €3,875 per year
Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet grant: €725 per year
Subsidised course fee: €3,150* per year
Subsidised fees are only available to eligible applicants*.
*Funding Eligibility
Applicants must be 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 may apply privately for the full course fee once places are available.
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 Future in Tech, which offers upskilling opportunities specifically designed for job seekers. You can find more details here: https://futureintech.ie/ or some of our fully funded offerings https://ictskillnet.ie/fully-funded-courses/
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.
Please enquire to be notified about the January 2026 intake
Complete the enquiry form on this page to receive automatic updates when details for the January 2026 intake are announced and applications open. National College of Ireland (NCI) is expected to confirm when applications for academic assessments will officially begin, which is anticipated in September 2025.
Below, you can review the steps of the application process for your reference.
Application Process
(For Reference Only — Available from September 2025)
1. Funding assessment and eligibility screening
Click the “Apply Now” button (when available) on this page to submit your CV for the initial screening.
Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet will respond with a confirmation form and provide further course information.
2. Academic Assessment
Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet will provide applicants with a link to the NCI portal to formally start your application and academic assessment.
Through the NCI portal, you will need to submit the following documents:
- Transcripts of qualifications
- CV
- English language test results (minimum IELTS 6.0 or equivalent)
Note: Please do not send any documents other than your CV to Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet. Submit the required documents only after you have received the NCI portal link.
Please note: The English Language test is required only where applicable – [NCI details here].
The college may request additional documents to confirm your eligibility to proceed, such as evidence of programming abilities.
