Cybersecurity Risk Management

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, and therefore the course outline is subject to change.



Semester 1: Core modules

• MS5125 Cybersecurity Risk Management 10 ECTS*

• MS807 Information Systems Management 5 ECTS

• MS5107 Business Modelling & Analytics 5 ECTS



Semester 1 electives: Choose two

• MS806 Business Applications Programming 5 ECTS

• MS805 Database Systems 5 ECTS

• LW383 Information Technology Law 5 ECTS

• MG557 Strategic Management 5 ECTS (May move to Sem 2)

• MS804 Systems Development & Project Management 5 ECTS



Semester 2: Core modules

• MS5119 Ethical Hacking 10 ECTS**

• MS5118 Cloud Computing 5 ECTS

• MS5126 Philosophy of Information & Information Ethics 5 ECTS

• MS5124 Seminars in Cybersecurity 5 ECTS



Semester 2 electives: Choose one

• MS5114 Advanced Programming f

• MS803 Business Data Communications

• MS5129 Storytelling Through Data Visualisation



Summer School: Core module

• MS5127 Major Cybersecurity Project 30 ECTS



* This module is aligned with the curriculum of the internationally recognised CompTIA Security+ professional qualification.



** This module is aligned with the curriculum of the internationally recognised EC-Council “Certified Ethical Hacker” (CEH) professional qualification.

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.



Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Applicants who do not have the required academic qualifications for entry purposes, but have relevant work experience in cybersecurity or business risk management, may also be entitled to apply under the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning Policy. Further, students may apply for exemption(s) from some programme courses based on equivalent courses already completed. Further information is available on the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning website.

Applications must be completed online at: https://nuigalway.elluciancrmrecruit.com/Apply/Account/Login.



An application requires a registration fee of €35. You will be asked to upload proof of identification, academic transcripts, a personal statement, an academic reference and documentation to fulfil the English requirement (where English is not your first language).

Full-time (1 year)

Next start date: September 2025

Career Opportunities

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.