Programme Overview:
- Duration:
- 2 Years
- Attendance:
- Part Time
- Mode of Delivery:
- Blended
- Next Intake:
- 2024/2025 September
- Contact Name:
- Jacquie Jago-Stafford
- Contact Number:
- 017162485
- Fees:
- Fee Information
Applications open for 2024/2025
This programme is designed to prepare IT professionals for a managerial or technical career in cybersecurity. It will be of value to people working in project/product/systems management, or as software developers or software engineers, as well as those in incident response, tech support or networking, who are looking to move into cybersecurity.
It will help companies, government and state institutions, defence forces and others to upskill their staff to fill new roles in cyber security so that they can protect their organisations, their customers and the public.
It is designed to facilitate professional learners through flexible blended study options. Lectures are pre-recorded and made available on the VLE Platform (Brightspace). Lectures are complemented by occasional full-day workshops on campus (as indicated in the timetable of each module). The combination of mainly distance but with some on-campus days allows flexible learning but with face-to-face interactions. Some module coordinators may deliver live online lectures (e.g., via Zoom) periodically (e.g., bi-weekly).
In developing the programme we have collaborated with industry and law enforcement practitioners – in particular the Leadership in Security and the Incident Response modules – to ensure that these modules meet the needs of professional learners.
The programme offers the option of undertaking a significant piece of research.
The curriculum is aligned with the ACM/IEEE/AIS SIGSEC/IFIP Cybersecurity Curricular Guidelines so that it will prepare students to take a variety of cyber security roles, including some modules for professionals seeking a managerial role in security.
In this video, Course Director Dr Liliana Pasquale talks about the Secure Software Engineering module. This is a 10 credit Level 9 course and part of the MSc programme, although it can also be taken as a stand-alone module. The next run of this module starts 20 May 2024 and lasts 12 weeks. It is taught mainly online with three in-person on-campus workshop days. In this video Associate Professor Liliana Pasquale talks about the module, who it is designed for, its aims and how it is taught, plus how it fits into the MSc Cybersecurity. https://youtu.be/6BFWaYPMVCs?si=eDjYPzZKyuNfUXTa
These modules can be taken as standalone modules or as part MSc Cybersecurity.
00:00 Introduction from Dr Rob Brennan
00:02:30 Risk Assessment and Standards- overview of the module
00:04:40 Impact of Standards and Security and AI Act
00:05:24 Incident Response - overview of the module
00:08:02 What's coming up in the field of Incident Responses
https://youtu.be/oaHdAMJQmM0?si=EA0KHGGfw9wWHsod
Listen to Dr Anca Jurcut, Assistant Professor in University College Dublin School of Computer Science, discussing Malware Analysis module which she teaches as part of the MSc Cybersecurity. This module is designed for cybersecurity enthusiasts, IT professionals, and anyone interested in defending against cyber threats. Whether you're new to the field or looking to expand your expertise, this module offers valuable insights into malware analysis, will give you the cutting edge knowledge and skills that you need and put you at the forefront of innovations in this rapidly changing security landscape. https://youtu.be/I213Tiq3Dac
This is a practical course aimed at professionals to work in a real world of cybersecurity. The main objective of this module is introduce learners to the world of information security addressing the major issues that security specialists encounter in the "real world". This course will also equip learners with knowledge and and allow them to develop skills necessary for IT professionals to take up a managerial or technical career in cybersecurity. https://youtu.be/1yDQit9pQHQ
Meet some of the MSc teaching team, hear about the course, entry criteria, research options and answers to common questions. Listen to the recording (45 mins)
Associate Professor Liliana Pasquale spoke to Christa Miller from Forensic Focus on why we launched our new MSc Cybersecurity and how it differs from other courses. How does blended delivery work? Who is teaching on it: what is the practitioner/academic balance? Listen here (15 mins)
Download the UCD Science Graduate Taught Courses brochure (pdf)
The course will prepare professionals for a rewarding career in cybersecurity; for example, to take role of a security manager, security engineer, security analyst, or IT security specialist. Career development possibilities are excellent. Organisations of all sizes in all sectors, including both Irish and foreign owned companies, are looking for people with these skills. Many global companies
have a base in Ireland, including security software and cyber security companies with a security operations centre (SOC). There is a growing cyber security market globally as cyber security is recognized as critical for national security and the smooth functioning of society. This holistic and well-rounded course will be of interest to executives and professional/technical staff who:
• need to acquire knowledge and skills to equip themselves better for their current role
• want to gain a promotion
• want to open up new career opportunities for themselves in cyber security related roles
• are interested in doing some research in this field, perhaps in relation to a current work problem
• want to gain a qualification to add to their standing and credibility within their professional life
Curricular information is subject to change
Part Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes
Please note Part Time courses are not eligible for a Study Visa
The programme is designed to facilitate professional learners through flexible blended study. Lectures will be delivered online and will be complemented by face-to-face, intensive full-day tutorials that will typically be delivered three times per semester. The combination of mainly distance but with some on-campus days allows flexible learning but with face-to-face interactions.
Teaching activities will be supported by using security use cases, open-source web applications (e.g., WebGoat), cyber ranges (Kypo Cyber Range https://crp.kypo.muni.cz/) and tools (e.g., Metasploit). Where applicable, the modules of the programme will adopt problem based learning.
The online portion of study consists of an engaging mixture of videos, assignments, quizzes and tutorials. In addition to making the study materials available, lecturers will answer student queries through the course discussion boards, or through a virtual classroom environment. Tutors provide regular additional support through the online portal. The full-day workshops/practicals will cover exercises and group activities for all the modules taught in that specific trimester.
The workshops/practical sessions are intensive mandatory study days on campus. These sessions currently fall on a Friday and consist of 3 days per semester. (Please refer to your timetable for details).
Assessment
The programme will use exams, group projects as summative assessment strategies. It will also use a variety of formative assessment strategies, such as journal writing to promote reflection, debates, presentations, and peer reviews. Students must attend UCD for one or two days at the end of each trimester to take exams in the modules taken that trimester. Students will be informed of the specified exam dates at the start of each trimester. The examination periods can be found in the University calendar.
When undertaken over 2 years, the MSc programme will require on average around 15 hours of study per week in addition to the workshops, tutorials and exams.
This programme aims to provide high quality cybersecurity training and formal education. It is designed to deliver cutting-edge, up-to-date techniques, strategies and tactics that allow students to understand and tackle emerging trends in cybercrime. It offers the possibility of undertaking a significant piece of research. We have brought in specialist cybersecurity practitioners and consulted with industry to review and advise on the content considering the needs of cybersecurity specialists. The curriculum is aligned with the ACM/IEEE/AIS SIGSEC/IFIP Cybersecurity Curricular Guidelines to prepare students to take a variety of cyber security roles. The programme has a flexible structure and part-time distance-learning options, so students can combine study with full-time work and other commitments. It is designed to foster and encourage networking and teamwork between students, so graduates leave not only having required skills but also a network of contacts for the future.
The core MSc programme comprises eight taught modules and then students take one of two paths to completion:
either
Students who successfully complete 90 credits will be awarded the degree of MSc in Cybersecurity from UCD.
Graduate Diploma (60 credits) and Graduate Certificate (30 credits) awards are also available. It is also possible to take single modules.
Module descriptions including pre-requisites, learning outcomes, assessment scheme and workload are set out in the module descriptors for each module.
MSc Cybersecurity (T380) Part Time
nonEU Year 2 - € 10106
EU Year 1 - € 7030
nonEU Year 1 - € 10610
EU Year 2 - € 6695
***Fees are subject to change
(90 credits, part-time over 2 years)
Ireland/EU fees - € 7,030 per year (total €14,060)
Non-EU fee - €10,610 per year (total €21,220)
(60 credits, part-time over 4 trimesters)
Ireland/EU fee: € 10,200
Non-EU fee: €15,300
(30 credits, part-time over 9 months)
Ireland / EU fee - € 4,988
Non-EU fee: € 7,481
(5 credits)
Ireland / EU fee - € 875 per module
Non-EU fee: €1,325 per module
Fees are in Euros. Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website. The cost of travel and accommodation for examination and workshop trips is not included in the tuition fee and students are expected to support themselves while attending them. Scholarships may be available for non-EU students. See https://www.ucd.ie/global/scholarships/
Academic rigour and a focus on the needs of practitioners
When developing the programme we met with industry practitioners to understand which cybersecurity skills are most needed. We have recruited law enforcement and industry practitioners as Adjunct Faculty. To link the academic curriculum to professional practice, we are working with industry to formulate 30-credit Professional Cybersecurity Projects that students can tackle at the end of the programme. These projects will be co-supervised by a practitioner from industry and a member of the academic staff at the UCD School of Computer Science. Projects will be classified depending on application areas (e.g., management, secure software development, IT security operations, research, enterprise architecture). Depending on the student’s chosen career path, they can identify a project in their area of interest. Instead of the Professional Project, students can take additional taught modules and a Case Study. We also offer the option of an academic research project under the supervision of a UCD academic.
Each applicant will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Students are also required to fulfil UCD’s English Language Requirements.
This holistic and well-rounded programme prepares students for a career in cybersecurity. It will be of great interest to executives and professional / technical staff who:
Listen to some students talk about how they navigated their academic journey while working full time, the core skills they learned, the importance of life long learning and the benefits of studying the MSc in Cybersecurity. Why did they decide to go back to university to study for the MSc Cybersecurity? What was the study routine like? Which modules have been of greatest value? What would they say to someone who was thinking of doing the MSc?
Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity (T379) (30 credits)
The initial modules on Information Security, Leadership in Security, Risk Assessment & Security Standards and Cybersecurity Law and Regulation will attract managers from industry, semi-state and public bodies who need an overview of cybersecurity risks and roles to ensure they adopt the right strategies and have appropriate resources.
Graduate Diploma in Cybersecurity (F249) (60 credits)
Students who have accumulated 60 credits from the programme but who choose not to complete the Masters, may exit with this award.
Single Modules (Txxx) (5 credits)
Modules may be taken individually as CPD (Continuing Professional Development).
MSc in Forensic Computing & Cybercrime Investigation (T025) (90 credits)
This is a separate UCD programme that is restricted to law enforcement officers investigating crimes using digital evidence.
The UCD School of Computer Science and UCD Centre for Cybersecurity and Cybercrime Investigation have been working closely for many years with law enforcement agencies and industry practitioners in seeking solutions to technology-related crime prevention and investigation. UCD has 16 years of experience in delivering training and education in the field of digital forensics and cybercrime investigation to practitioners from all over the world.
This programme is delivered by experienced academic staff from UCD with leading cybersecurity experts in law enforcement and industry. All have deep experience of cybersecurity research and teaching at graduate level. We have also collaborated with members of staff based at the UCD School of Law and the Smurfit Business School for the design of the Cybersecurity Law and Regulation and the Risk Assessment and Security Standards modules. Each module has a dedicated Module Coordinator. We assign tutor /demonstrators to each module to support students and make sure questions are answered quickly. Our team includes:
Dr Liliana Pasquale is an Associate Professor in the UCD School of Computer Science and Funded Investigator at the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Software. Her research interests are in the fields of software engineering, security and regulatory compliance. https://people.ucd.ie/liliana.pasquale
Professor Joe Carthy is a Full Professor in the UCD School of Computer Science. He served as College Principal and Dean of Science from 2011 to 2021 and as Head of the School of Computer Science from 2007 to 2011. He was the founding Director of the UCD Centre for Cybersecurity and Cybercrime Investigation. https://people.ucd.ie/joe.carthy
Dr Mark Scanlon is an Associate Professor in the UCD School of Computer Science. He is a Fulbright Scholar in Cybersecurity and Cybercrime Investigation. Both his MSc and PhD are in the field of Remote Digital Forensic Evidence Acquisition and Analysis and he is an active member of the digital forensics research. https://people.ucd.ie/mark.scanlon
Dr Rob Brennan is an Assistant Professor in UCD School of Computer Science. He is Co-Principal Investigator in the SFI EMPOWER Data Governance research programme. He is the founding chair of a Masters in Data Protection and Privacy Law with Computing. His research is in the fields of data protection, data governance and risk. https://people.ucd.ie/rob.brennan.
Dr Félix Balado is a Lecturer in the UCD School of Computer Science.
Dr TJ McIntyre is an Associate Professor and Head of Teaching and Learning in the Sutherland School of Law at UCD where his research focuses on issues involving information technology law, cybercrime, and civil liberties. He is a practising solicitor and chairs the civil rights group Digital Rights Ireland https://people.ucd.ie/tjmcintyre
Dr Madhusanka Liyanage is an Assistant Professor / Ad Astra Fellow and Director of Graduate Research in the UCD School of Computer Science https://people.ucd.ie/madhusanka
Brian Honan is an internationally recognized expert on cybersecurity and data protection. He is teaching the Leadership in Security module. https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianhonan/
The following entry routes are available:
* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised
Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity (T379) (30 credits)
|
Duration 9 months |
Attendance Part Time |
Deadline Rolling * |
It is also possible to take single modules from the programme.
* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised
Should I do a Professional Cybersecurity Project or a Research Cybersecurity Project or a Case Study?
You can choose to undertake a Case Study (15 credits) or a Professional or Research Project (30 credits) as part of your MSc. The Case Study is a lighter piece of work than a Project and could be - for example - a report with analysis of a project or initiative that you are working on. Undertaking the Case Study also allows you to take the taught modules on Malware Analysis, Trends in Cybersecurity and Ethical Hacking. The Professional Cybersecurity Project will be co-supervised by a UCD academic and your employer or an industry expert and will focus on a real-world challenge. The Research Cybersecurity Project will be supervised by a UCD academic and have a more academic focus. If you are considering either of the larger research projects, then you should contact the Course Director during your first year to discuss it. There is a limited number of places on the Research Projects and these will be allocated based on Year One grades.
Can I study this programme full-time over one year on campus in Dublin?
Initially, no. For the first two or three years this will be a part-time blended learning programme. However, in future we are planning to deliver it as as a full time face-to-face masters programme.
How are lectures delivered?
Lectures are pre-recorded and made available on the VLE Platform (Brightspace). Lectures are complemented by occasional full-day workshops on campus (as indicated in the timetable of each module). The combination of mainly distance but with some on-campus days allows flexible learning but with face-to-face interactions. Some module coordinators may deliver live online lectures (e.g., via Zoom) periodically (e.g., bi-weekly).
How will I be assessed?
The modules can implement various forms of continuous assessment (e.g., essays, quizzes, journalling activities) and possibly an end-of-term exam. If a module is assessed via an exam, this must be taken in person.