The MSc in Cybersecurity Risk Management at University of Galway is designed for individuals who aspire to lead in the strategic and governance aspects of cybersecurity. It suits those with a keen interest in digital risk, resilience, and policy—whether you're a recent graduate in a related discipline or a professional seeking to pivot into cybersecurity from business, law, IT or other area. 

This programme is ideal for: 

• Graduates from computing, business, law, or engineering backgrounds looking to specialise in cybersecurity strategy.
• Mid-career professionals aiming to transition into cyber risk, compliance, or consultancy roles.
• Individuals with strong analytical and communication skills who wish to influence decision-making at senior levels. 

You don’t need to be a coder - this course is about understanding threats, managing risk, and shaping organisational responses. 

What will I study?  

The MSc is delivered over 1 year full-time, progressing through foundational concepts to advanced strategic applications: Students complete a substantial applied project, often aligned with industry challenges, allowing them to demonstrate strategic thinking and problem-solving. 

Curriculum Information

Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).
Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Strategic focus on cyber risk Not just technical - this course centres on governance, resilience, and business continuity. 

Industry-aligned skillset Gain expertise in threat analysis, incident response, and regulatory compliance - skills in high demand across sectors. 

Real-world application Engage with simulations, case studies, and virtual lab exercises to solve live cybersecurity challenges. 

Industry collaboration Strong links with industry ensure employer-informed content and networking opportunities.

Professional certification pathways Modules aligned with CompTIA Security+ and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) qualifications. 

Applied learning environment Individual and team-based learning, collaborative projects, industry input, and hands-on labs develop leadership and critical thinking. 

Flexible specialisation options Tailor your studies with electives in data visualisation, IT law, and more. 

Sustainability-conscious curriculum Emphasis on ethical practice and responsible digital citizenship in a rapidly evolving global landscape. 

 

Graduates of the MSc in Cybersecurity Risk Management at University of Galway are well-positioned to enter a rapidly expanding field with diverse career pathways across sectors. The programme equips students with strategic, analytical, and technical capabilities that are highly sought after in today’s digital economy. 

Career Opportunities 

Sectors & Industries in Demand 

• Financial services 
• Technology & software 
• Public sector & government 
• Healthcare, energy, and critical infrastructure
• Consultancy firms  

Typical Graduate Roles 

• Cybersecurity Risk Analyst / Manager
• Information Security Consultant
• Data Protection Officer
• Technology Risk Auditor / IT Auditor
• Systems Administrator
• Cybersecurity Trainer
• Vulnerability Assessor
• IT Security Project Manager
• Business Applications Developer
• DevOps / Software Engineer with a security focus 
• Risk Compliance Officer
• Cybersecurity Govenerance Specialist

Career Progression 

Graduates may begin in analyst or compliance roles and progress to: 

• Senior Risk Manager or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
• Security Architect or Incident Response Lead
• Strategic Advisor to boards or government bodies
• Cybersecurity Policy Specialist in regulatory or legal contexts 

Skills & Expertise Developed 

Employers seek professionals who can: 

• Analyse and communicate complex threat intelligence
• Design and implement risk mitigation strategies
• Lead crisis response and business continuity planning
• Navigate legal and regulatory frameworks (e.g. GDPR, NIS2)
• Demonstrate ethical leadership and critical thinking 

The programme’s alignment with CompTIA Security+ and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certifications enhances graduate readiness for industry-recognised roles. 

Further Study & Academic Pathways 

Graduates may pursue: 

• PhD programmes in cybersecurity, information systems, or digital ethics
• Research roles in academia or think tanks
• Teaching and curriculum development in higher education 

The University of Galway’s research environment and industry partnerships offer a strong foundation for academic progression.

• Dr Rónán Kennedy
• Dr Josephine Igoe
• Dr Anatoli Nachev
• Dr Azka Umair
• Dr Umair ul Hassan
• Dr Pierangelo Rosati 
• Dr Mona Isazad Mashinchi
• Prof Tom Acton
• Dr David Kreps
• Prof Eoin Whelan
• Prof Kieran Conboy 
• Dr Sharon Coyle
• Prof Lorraine Morgan
• Dr Blair Wang
• Mr Neil Keane
• Mr Martin Hughes
• Dr Mahya Ostovar 

Please note: Lecturers may change from year to year.

 

The MSc Cybersecurity Risk Management programme uses a blend of hands-on and academic assessment to prepare you for the real world. 

• Lectures, Seminars & Workshops: Led by expert faculty, covering both theory and practice.
• Continuous Assessment: Includes essays, presentations, in-class tests, and coding assignments.
• Examinations: Written and oral exams take place before Christmas and again in May.
• Project Work: A major final project allows you to solve real-world problems using everything you’ve learned. 

You’ll also work with industry-standard tools and datasets, giving your learning real-world relevance.

Course queries:

Programme Director 
Professor Tom Acton 
E: thomas.acton@universityofgalway.ie 

Programme Administrator 
Dr. Mona Isazad Mashinchi  
E: mona.isazadmashinchi@universityofgalway.ie
E: bis@universityofgalway.ie

Q: Who is this course suitable for?  
A: This programme is ideal for graduates from computing, business, law, or engineering backgrounds who want to specialise in cybersecurity strategy and governance. It’s also well-suited to professionals looking to pivot into cyber risk, compliance, or consultancy roles. If you’re analytical, curious, and keen to influence decision-making at senior levels -this course is for you. 

Q: What will I study on this programme?
A: You’ll explore the strategic management of cybersecurity risks, with modules covering threat analysis, governance frameworks, ethical hacking, cloud computing, and information ethics. The curriculum blends core subjects with electives in areas like IT law, data visualisation, and advanced programming - allowing you to tailor your learning to your interests. 

Q: How is the programme assessed?
A: Assessment methods include exams, individual and group assignments, presentations, and a final dissertation or applied project. You’ll also engage in flipped learning, simulations, and virtual lab exercises to deepen your understanding. 

Q: What kind of practical experience will I gain?
A: Expect hands-on experience through case studies, ethical hacking labs, and cybersecurity simulations.  You’ll be instructed by lecturers who wrote the case studies, and who wrote the main textbook on cybersecurity. You’ll work on a major applied project aligned with real-world challenges, and benefit from flipped classrooms and collaborative learning environments that mirror industry practice. 

Q: What roles do graduates go on to?
A: Graduates typically move into roles such as: 

• Cybersecurity Risk Analyst or Manager
• Information Security Consultant
• Data Protection Officer
• Technology Risk Auditor
• IT Security Project Manager
• Cybersecurity Trainer or Compliance Officer 

Many progresses into leadership positions like CISO, Security Architect, or Strategic Advisor over time. 

Q: Are industry connections part of the programme?
A: You’ll have extensive contact with globally-leading industry cyber experts. The programme was designed and is continuously reviewed in close consultation with industry, ensuring you are career ready upon graduation.

University of Galway recognises that knowledge and skills can be acquired from a range of learning experiences. This is in line with the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) goals which aim to recognise all learning achievements by supporting the development of alternative pathways to qualifications (or awards) and by facilitating the recognition of prior learning (RPL). 

Graduates of the MSc Cybersecurity Risk Management at University of Galway develop a robust suite of transferrable skills that extend well beyond the cybersecurity domain. These skills are highly valued across industries and roles, making graduates versatile and adaptable in a dynamic job market. 

Analytical & Strategic Thinking 

• Ability to assess complex threat landscapes and design risk mitigation strategies.
• Critical evaluation of cybersecurity vulnerabilities and business continuity planning. 

Communication & Stakeholder Engagement 

• Skilled in translating technical risks into clear, actionable insights for senior decision-makers.
• Confident in presenting cybersecurity policies to diverse audiences, including non-technical stakeholders. 

Teamwork & Leadership 

• Experience in collaborative problem-solving through group projects and simulations.
• Demonstrates initiative, creativity, and leadership in applied learning environments. 

Ethical & Professional Judgement 

• Commitment to professional codes of conduct and responsible digital citizenship.
• Awareness of legal and ethical considerations in data protection and information governance. 

Technical Adaptability 

• Familiarity with industry-standard cybersecurity tools and frameworks.
• Hands-on experience with virtual labs, cloud platforms, and ethical hacking environments. 

Project & Risk Management 

• Proficient in managing cybersecurity projects from planning to execution.
• Capable of balancing technical, legal, and strategic priorities in high-pressure scenarios. 

Minimum Entry Requirements  

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 are available here.  

English Language Entry Requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, an English language proficiency of IELTS score of 6.5 is required (with no less than 6.5 in Writing and no less than 6.0 in any other band) or equivalent.  

More information on English language test equivalency are available here.  

Supporting Documents

You will be required to provide supporting documentation as part of your application. You can check here what supporting documents are required for this course.   

You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Please review the entry requirements set out in the section above.  

You will be required to upload supporting documentation to your application electronically. See the section above on entry requirements for further information on the supporting documentation required for this course.  

Closing Dates 

For this programme, there is no specific closing date for receipt of applications. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and course quotas will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle.  

Notes 

• You will need an active email account to use the website and you'll be guided through the system, step by step, until you complete the online form.
• Browse the FAQ's section for further guidance.  

Fees for Academic Year 2025/2026

Course Type	Year	EU Tuition	Student Contribution	Non-EU Tuition	Levy	Total Fee	Total EU Fee	Total Non-EU Fee
Masters Full Time	1	€11,500		€21,000	€140		€11,640	€21,140

For 25/26 entrants, where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 3.4% per annum for continuing years fees.

Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,000 towards your tuition (2025/26).  You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee.  A P1 grant is where SUSI will pay tuition up to a maximum of €6,270. SUSI will not cover the student levy of €140.

Note to non-EU students: learn about the 24-month Stayback Visa here. 

Postgraduate Excellence Scholarships

This scholarship is valued at €1,500 for EU students applying for full-time taught master's postgraduate courses. You will be eligible if: 

• You have been accepted to a full-time taught master's course at University of Galway,
• You have attained a first class honours (or equivalent) in a Level 8 primary degree.  

An application for the scholarship scheme is required (separate to the application for a place on the programme). The application portal for 2025 is now open and available here. Applications will close on the 30th September 2025. Full details available here.  

Global Scholarships

University of Galway offers a range of merit-based scholarships to students from a number of countries outside of the EU. Visit here for schemes currently available.  

Business Merit Scholarships 

J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics is committed to attracting high calibre students from around the world. We are offering Merit Scholarships across all of our Taught Master's programmes. To be eligible candidates must have achieved a H1 (or international equivalent) in their primary degree and scholarships are offered on a competitive basis. All candidates who meet these criteria and have accepted a place on the programme are automatically considered for a scholarship. Scholarships are awarded up to 50% of the programme tuition fees. Click here to learn more  

Application Process 

Students applying for full time postgraduate programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Our application portal opens on the 1st October each year for entry the following September.  

Further Information 

Please visit the postgraduate admissions webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process.