Cyber security has become the need of the hour, owing to the increase in cyber threats, frauds, and malpractices. Being aware of the same, the coming generation is opting to study cyber security courses, and what better place is suited for the same than Ireland? Ireland is the hub of major global companies such as Google, Amazon, Apple, IBM, etc. This makes pursuing cyber security in Ireland more accessible and the demand for cyber security graduates is increasing.
Cybersecurity courses in Ireland are provided as both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Although there is more variety in universities and courses on the postgraduate level, undergraduate cybersecurity degrees provided in Ireland are also top-notch. The duration for undergraduate degrees is mainly 3 to 4 years; for postgraduate degrees, it is one year when studying full-time. The most significant flex of these courses is that the majority of these courses can be pursued part-time in Irish universities, and some of these courses can be studied online too!
Moreover, as the cybersecurity degree is also included in computer science, this degree is often provided as an elective in the computer science undergraduate program. In this article, Gyanberry aims to furnish the basic information required for you to pursue cybersecurity courses in Ireland.
Overview: Study Cyber Security in Ireland: Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees
Below is a quick and simple overview of what you can anticipate as an international student seeking cybersecurity courses in Ireland.
| Course | Cyber security |
| Degree Level/Specialization | Undergraduate Degree |
| Postgraduate Degree | |
| Courses Offered (Bachelor) | BSc. (Hons.) in Computing in Digital Forensics and Cyber Security |
| BSc. in Cybercrime & IT Security | |
| Bachelor’s of Information Technology – Networks & Security | |
| BSc. (Hons.) in Cybercrime & IT Security | |
| BSc. in Network Cybersecurity and more. | |
| Courses Offered (Masters) | MSc .Forensic Computing and Cybercrime Investigation |
| MSc. Cybersecurity Risk Management | |
| MSc .Cyber Security | |
| MSc. Software Design with Cybersecurity | |
| MSc. Cyber Risk for Business and more. | |
| Top Universities | University College, Dublin |
| Letterkenny Institute of Technology | |
| University of Galway | |
| Munster Technological University | |
| National College of Ireland, and many more. | |
| Scholarships Available | The University of Limerick Scholarship |
| Global Excellence Postgraduate Scholarship | |
| Government of Ireland – International Education Scholarships | |
| TU Dublin Academic Scholarships and many more | |
| Career Opportunities | Cybersecurity Analyst |
| Cybersecurity Engineer | |
| Information Security Analyst | |
| Chief Information Security Officer | |
| Security Systems Administrator and more. |
Why Should You Pursue Cyber Security in Ireland?
Ireland is a popular destination for overseas students pursuing a master’s degree in cybersecurity. Here are some reasons to consider studying in Ireland for bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
- Work Visa: A post-study work visa in Ireland allows international students who have completed a master’s degree at an Irish university to work in Ireland for two years following graduation. This program is a fantastic beginning point for anyone seeking a career in another country.
- Safety: Ireland is the third-safest country in the world, according to the Global Peace Index Ranking 2022. This makes students’ lives safer and more secure when studying.
- University Rankings: Irish cyber security programs are globally recognized and offer students with necessary credentials. Ireland is known for having a world-class educational system that provides pupils with a world-class education. Top universities such as the Technological University Dublin, University of Limerick, University of Galway, and University College Dublin have been ranked in top university ranking lists such as the Times Higher Education List and QS World Ranking.
- Tech-savvy: As the European technical hub, Ireland never fails to live up to its tech-savvy reputation. This supports the previously mentioned, as cybersecurity is all about keeping up with cutting-edge technology.
- Global Companies: The tech-savvy label also helps Ireland position itself as the European headquarters for big multinational corporations such as Google, Amazon, Electronic Arts, Apple, Lenovo, and others. The bulk of these businesses is gradually becoming more conscious of the need for and importance of cybersecurity personnel.
Cyber Security in Ireland: Bachelor’s Degrees
Courses Offered
Students interested in cyber security might choose from various undergraduate courses in Ireland. Here are a few examples:
- BSc. (Hons.) in Computing in Digital Forensics and Cyber Security
- BSc. in Cybersecurity & IT Forensics
- BSc. (Hons.) in Computing – Cybersecurity
- BSc. in Network Cybersecurity
- BSc. in Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics
- Bachelor’s of Information Technology – Networks & Security
- Fundamentals of Cyber Security
- Bachelor of Criminology & Criminal Justice/ Information Technology
- BSc. in Cybercrime & IT Security
- BSc. (Hons.) in Cybercrime & IT Security
Top Universities Offering Bachelor’s in Cyber Security in Ireland
Some of the leading universities in Ireland that offer undergraduate programs in cyber security and the courses they provide are included here.
| Universities | Course Name | Duration
(full-time) |
Times Higher Education Ranking 2023 | QS Top Universities Ranking 2023 |
| Technological University, Dublin | BSc. (Hons.) in Computing in Digital Forensics and Cyber Security | 4 years | 1000-1200 | 801 |
| University of Limerick | BSc. in Cybersecurity & IT Forensics | 4 years | 601-800 | 531-540 |
| National College of Ireland | BSc. (Hons.) in Computing – Cybersecurity | 4 years | 301-350 | 270 |
| Atlantic Technological University/ Letterkenny Institute of Technology | BSc. in Network Cybersecurity | 2 years | – | – |
| BSc. in Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics | 3 years | |||
| Griffith College | Bachelor’s of Information Technology – Networks & Security | 3 years | – | – |
| Fundamentals of Cyber Security | 1 year | |||
| Bachelor of Criminology & Criminal Justice/ Information Technology | 4 years | |||
| South East Technological University | BSc. in Cybercrime & IT Security | 3 years | – | – |
| BSc. (Hons.) in Cybercrime & IT Security | 4 years | – | – |
Cost of Studying for Bachelor’s in Cyber Security in Ireland
The cost of studying cybersecurity in Ireland varies by university. The table below illustrates the cost of a master’s degree in cyber security at several Irish universities.
| Universities | Course Name | Tuition Fees
(2023-24)* |
| Technological University, Dublin | BSc. (Hons.) in Computing in Digital Forensics and Cyber Security | 14,500 EUR |
| University of Limerick | BSc. in Cybersecurity & IT Forensics | 17,200 EUR |
| National College of Ireland | BSc. (Hons.) in Computing – Cybersecurity | 15,000 EUR |
| Atlantic Technological University/ Letterkenny Institute of Technology | BSc. in Network Cybersecurity | NA |
| BSc. in Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics | 10,500 EUR | |
| Griffith College | Bachelor’s of Information Technology – Networks & Security | 34,500 EUR |
| Fundamentals of Cyber Security | 36,000 EUR | |
| Bachelor of Criminology & Criminal Justice/ Information Technology | 34,000 EUR | |
| South East Technological University/ Waterford Institute of Technology | BSc. in Cybercrime & IT Security | 10,250 EUR |
| BSc. (Hons.) in Cybercrime & IT Security |
*Fees change depending on availing scholarships, bursaries, and exemplary charges from university to university.
Admission requirements
The admission requirements for international students intending to apply to cyber security undergraduate degrees in Ireland are as follows:
- Valid passport
- Student visa
- Academic transcripts of senior secondary education
- Senior secondary education in any field with at least an aggregate of 25-30 in 5 major subjects
- At least 17 years of age
- Minimum scores on an English proficiency test: IELTS: at least 6/ TOEFL iBT: at least 90/ PTE: at least 65
Note: Admission and eligibility requirements may vary depending on the university and program chosen.
Scholarships
The Irish government encourages universities to grant scholarships to enhance the number of students applying for this degree. Scholarships in Ireland are available from various organizations, including the Irish government and colleges. Some scholarships that are available for international students at an undergraduate level in Ireland are:
| Scholarship | Eligibility to avail* | Amount Offered |
| Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships | Candidates pursuing a bachelor’s degree in an accredited institute | 10,000 EUR
100% tuition fees |
| The University of Limerick Scholarship | Full-time enrolled at the University of Limerick | 1,500 EUR per year |
| Undergraduate Academic Scholarship | Full-time enrolled at the National College of Ireland | 2,000 EUR |
| Academic Merit Scholarship | Full-time enrolled at the Griffith College | 500 EUR – 1,500 EUR |
| SETU Waterford Academic Scholarship | Full-time enrolled at the Waterford Institute of Technology | 20% tuition fees |
*All scholarships are based on academic merit and excellence.
Cyber Security in Ireland: Master’s Degrees
Courses Offered
A lot of courses are offered at the Master’s level in Ireland. Some of these are listed below.
- MSc Forensic Computing and Cybercrime Investigation
- MSc in Computing (Secure Software Engineering)
- MSc Cyber Risk for Business
- ME in Information and Network Security
- MSc in Cyberpsychology
- MSc in Cyber Security and Software Compliance
- MSc in Cyber Security and Threat Management
- MSc in Cyber Security and Information security Management
- MSc Software Design with Cybersecurity
- MSc in Cybersecurity
- MSc in Cybersecurity, Privacy, and Trust
- MSc in Industrial Networks and Cybersecurity
- MSc in Network and Information Security
Top Universities Offering Master’s in Cyber Security in Ireland
Some of the best universities in Ireland that offer postgraduate programs in Cybersecurity are included here, along with the courses they offer. Irish universities are among the top 4% in the world. Some institutions and universities have also received favorable rankings from worldwide organizations, including the Times Higher Education Ranking 2023 and the QS World Ranking List 2023.
| Universities | Course Name | Duration
(full-time) |
Times Higher Education Ranking 2023 | QS Top Universities Ranking 2023 |
| University College, Dublin | MSc .Forensic Computing and Cybercrime Investigation | 1 year | 201-250 | 181 |
| MSc. Cybersecurity | ||||
| University of Galway | MSc. Cybersecurity Risk Management | 1 year | 301-350 | 270 |
| MSc. Computer Science – Adaptive Cybersecurity | ||||
| Technological University, Dublin | MSc. in Computing – Applied Cyber Security | 1 year | 1000-1200 | 801 |
| Dublin City University | MSc. in Computing (Secure Software Engineering) | 1 year | 401-500 | 471 |
| University of Limerick | ME Cybersecurity | 1 year | 601-800 | 531-540 |
| University College, Cork | MSc. Cyber Risk for Business | 1 year | 301-350 | 397 |
| Cork Institute of Technology/ Munster Technological University | MSc .Cyber Security | 1 year | – | – |
| National College of Ireland | MSc. in Cybersecurity | 1 year | – | – |
| Atlantic Technological University/ Letterkenny Institute of Technology | MSc. in Cyberpsychology | 1 year | – | – |
| MSc. in Cyber Security and Research | ||||
| Griffith College | MSc. in Network and Information Security | 1 year | 251-300 | – |
| Masters of Cyber Security | 2 years | |||
| Technological University of the Shannon/ Athlone Institute of Technology | MSc. Software Design with Cybersecurity | 1 year | – | – |
| South East Technological University | MSc. in Cybersecurity, Privacy, and Trust | 1 year | – | – |
| MSc. in Industrial Networks and Cybersecurity | – | – | ||
| Dublin Business School | MSc. in Cybersecurity | 1 year | – | – |
Cost of Studying Master’s in Cyber Security in Ireland
In Ireland, the cost of studying cybersecurity varies by university. The three major charges contributing to the total cost of studying abroad are pre-arrival fees, tuition fees, and living expenses. International students can manage their finances better and, if necessary, seek for scholarships to assist in paying for their studies in Ireland. The table below shows the cost of a master’s degree in cyber security at several universities in Ireland.
| Universities | Course Name | Tuition Fees
(2023-24)* |
| University College, Dublin | MSc .Forensic Computing and Cybercrime Investigation | 10,470 EUR |
| MSc. Cybersecurity | 19,250 EUR | |
| University of Galway | MSc. Cybersecurity Risk Management | 18,590 EUR |
| MSc. Computer Science – Adaptive Cybersecurity | NA | |
| Technological University, Dublin | MSc. in Computing – Applied Cyber Security | 14,500 EUR |
| Dublin City University | MSc. in Computing (Secure Software Engineering) | 18,000 EUR |
| University of Limerick | ME Cybersecurity | 17,702 EUR |
| University College, Cork | MSc. Cyber Risk for Business | 18,490 EUR |
| Cork Institute of Technology/ Munster Technological University | MSc .Cyber Security | 15,000 EUR |
| National College of Ireland | MSc. in Cybersecurity | 15,000 EUR |
| Atlantic Technological University/ Letterkenny Institute of Technology | MSc. in Cyberpsychology | 12,000 EUR |
| MSc. in Cyber Security and Research | ||
| Griffith College | MSc. in Network and Information Security | 14,935 EUR |
| Masters of Cyber Security | 36,000 EUR | |
| Technological University of the Shannon/ Athlone Institute of Technology | MSc. Software Design with Cybersecurity | 14,500 EUR |
| South East Technological University | MSc. in Cybersecurity, Privacy, and Trust | 11,250 EUR |
| MSc. in Industrial Networks and Cybersecurity | ||
| Dublin Business School | MSc. in Cybersecurity | 14,500 EUR |
*Fees change depending on availing scholarships, bursaries, and exemplary charges from university to university.
Admission requirements
The following are the entrance requirements for international students intending to pursue a postgraduate degree in cyber security:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Transcripts of Academic results to date
- Copies of degree certificates
- Minimum 60-65% in a Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, engineering, mathematics, or a related field
- Work experience of at least two years is preferred
- Minimum scores on an English proficiency test: IELTS: at least 6/ TOEFL iBT: at least 90/ PTE: at least 63
- GRE scores are accepted; not mandatory
Note: Admission and eligibility requirements may vary depending on the university and program chosen.
Scholarships
Because of the reach of cybersecurity in Ireland, the Irish government has recognized the significance of this degree. The Irish government encourages colleges to offer scholarships to increase the number of students who apply for this degree. Scholarships in Ireland are available from various organizations, including the Irish government and colleges. The eligibility criteria vary for each organization, and the scholarships are awarded purely at the organization’s discretion. Several examples of such scholarships are shown below.
| Scholarship | Eligibility to avail* | Amount Offered |
| Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships | Candidates for the master’s degree who wish to pursue research in any subject. | 18,500 EUR stipend
5,750 EUR towards the tuition fee 3,250 EUR for research |
| VV. Giri Global Excellence Scholarship | Full-time enrolled at the University College, Dublin | 100% tuition fee |
| MSc Merit-Based Scholarships | 2,000 EUR | |
| MSc Academic Excellence Scholarship | Up to 25% or 50% of tuition fees | |
| Global Excellence Scholarships | 50-100% tuition fee | |
| DCU International Merit Scholarships | Full-time enrolled at the Dublin City University | Upto 2,000 EUR |
| Indian Merit Scholarships | Full-time enrolled at the Technological University of the Shannon | 1,500 EUR |
| Full-time enrolled at the Munster Technological University (CIT | 3,000 EUR | |
| Full-time enrolled at the Atlantic Technological University | 1,500 EUR | |
| Full-time enrolled at the South East Technological University | 1,500 EUR | |
| Full-time enrolled at the Dublin Business School | 1,000 EUR | |
| Masters Academic Merit Scholarships | Full-time enrolled at the National College of Ireland | 2,000 EUR – 4,000 EUR |
| Academic Merit Scholarships | Full-time enrolled at the Griffith College | 500 EUR – 1,500 EUR |
| Indian Students Scholarships | University of Limerick | 1,500 EUR |
*All scholarships are based on academic merit and excellence.
Career Prospects After Master’s in Cyber Security in Ireland
Some of the top career prospects after completing your master’s in cyber security in Ireland are mentioned below.
| Job Opportunities | Average Annual Remuneration* |
| Cybersecurity Analyst | 63,444 EUR |
| Cybersecurity Engineer | 71,377 EUR |
| Cybersecurity Manager | 28,433 EUR |
| IT Security Consultant | 80,074 EUR |
| Information Security Analyst | 59,051 EUR |
| Chief Information Security Officer | 60,032 EUR |
| IT Security Incident Manager | 45,989 EUR |
| Security Systems Administrator | 54,818 EUR |
| Forensics Analyst/Investor | 54,657 EUR |
*Prices indicated are average salaries provided according to surveys conducted by the top employment website, Indeed.
Cost of Living for International Students in Ireland
For international students, the annual cost of living in Ireland ranges from 10,000 EUR to 16,000 EUR. Your location, institution, overhead expenses, commuting costs, etc., also determine this. But don’t worry; numerous choices are available to relieve the stress of stretching your budget!
Working part-time jobs in Ireland has become increasingly common due to the self-independence wave that has spread among young people. Part-time employment opportunities abound in Ireland, particularly for university students. Most of these jobs accept students eager to work after university hours, accommodate vacation days, and provide additional benefits! These occupations pay well enough to cover your living expenses, allowing you to enjoy your student life and travel.
Conclusion
Some of the best technological Irish universities in Ireland provide cybersecurity courses on both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Furthermore, Irish higher education institutions are completely dedicated to supporting overseas students in adjusting to their new surroundings and learning the necessary information for a successful stay. This makes pursuing a cognitively demanding degree, such as finance, easier.
Budget, educational standards, on-campus amenities, and global rankings must all be considered before deciding. Thousands of students have used our admissions counseling services to get into the colleges and universities of their choice. Kindly schedule a video consultation with one of our specialists for further information.
