MSc Cybersecurity Risk Management

Course Overview

Cybersecurity has become one of the world's most pressing challenges. It impacts societies, national security, critical infrastructure and the global economy. This overwhelming digital threat has ensured that cybersecurity skills are some of the world’s most in-demand.

The MSc in Cybersecurity Risk Management focuses on the strategic management of cybersecurity and associated risk within an organisation. Its aim is to develop strategic thinkers who can understand the threat, identify risks, design solutions, and can effectively communicate these to senior decision makers in order to support business continuity.

This MSc has been designed for those seeking a career in cybersecurity in a consultancy, strategic, business or risk management context. You will develop a clear understanding of the cyber threat landscape and how a cyber-incident may evolve. You will learn key skills required to defend and protect organisational information infrastructures from threats and attacks, and how to manage and limit the impact an attack can have on a business. You will learn how to assess cyber-risks and design solutions.

Graduate attributes:

• Graduates of this programme will have the necessary skills and expert knowledge to take on challenging roles in cybersecurity risk management within organisations
• You will be able to analyse complex information about cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities from a variety of sources
• You will be able to communicate effectively to employees, managers and the general public about cybersecurity risks
• You will be able to work effectively in teams, demonstrating leadership, initiative, creativity and critical thinking skills
• You will be committed to professional codes of conduct and ethics, and will have an appreciation of their responsibility to serve society as good corporate and national citizens

As this area continues to develop globally, the content of this programme may be updated accordingly.

Cyber Ireland’s ‘Cyber Security Skills Report 2021: National Survey’ concluded that:

• Cybersecurity teams are understaffed and there is evidence of very significant skills shortages
• 48% of the respondent organisations have unfilled cybersecurity roles
• 19% of organisations indicated that it takes 6 months or more to fill a cybersecurity role, often having to recruit staff from overseas because of a lack of suitably qualified persons in Ireland
• Despite the introduction of a number of new cybersecurity courses in Ireland since 2020, there remains a very significant shortage of graduates and a high demand for such skills

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.. IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent, if applicable. It is expected that successful applicants will come from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds. Prior exposure to information technology is a requirement. The personal statement made on application is important to express your conviction that the programme is right for you and to explain how it fits into your career plans.

Academic entry requirements standardised per country here.

English language requirements here.

Graduates of this programme can find employment in the following roles:

• Cybersecurity Risk Manager/Analyst
• Cybersecurity Consultant
• Information Security Analyst
• Cybersecurity Trainer
• Information Security Compliance and Risk Officer
• Data Protection Officer
• Systems Administrator
• Cybersecurity Vulnerability Assessor
• Technology Risk Auditor / IT Auditor
• IT Security Project Manager
• Business Applications Developer
• Software Development/DevOps

Cybersecurity risk management is very challenging, requiring both technical insight into the security of digital systems and devices and also the management of behaviours of people who interact with them. As the area grows in importance globally, avenues for employment follow suit.