MSc in Network and Information Security
Course Overview
Take the next step in your career and become a network and information security specialist
This Level 9 MSc in Network and Information Security aims to equip students with the necessary skills to pursue an interesting career in this specialist area.
Why Study Network and Information Security at Griffith College?
Designed specifically to address a growing need in the industry, the MSc in Network and Information Security at Griffith College is a one-year programme which aims to enable students to develop robust and efficient network security plans, strategies and solutions. Delivered on a full and part-time basis, as a graduate of this course, you will:
- Obtain specialist knowledge and skills essential for a career in network security.
- Establish an analytical mindset necessary for independent academic and professional research.
- Gain a practical understanding of how to identify industrial requirements of computer network security and analyse security risks.
- Develop a team player attitude necessary to communicate problems, ideas and solutions to all levels of the industrial team.
- Build upon your knowledge of supporting topics in the area of network and information security.
- Fantastic job prospects with a 100% employment record from a sample of 35 graduates from our class of 2017
A study released in 2023 by the Irish branch of Experis, the Tech Recruitment specialists, found that:
- While there is a general challenge in filling IT positions, the shortage is particularly pronounced in the field of Cybersecurity.
- 79% of organisations reported difficulty in hiring IT Staff, with demand for talent far exceeding supply.
- 43% of the companies surveyed intend to increase their IT Staffing budget in the next 12 months.
- Some of the top companies hiring Cybersecurity professionals, include Dell Technologies, Fidelity Investments, Hewlett Packard, and State Street.
Further information from this insightful study can be found here, Cybersecurity - July 2023 (volcanic cloud)
Intake Dates
- Limerick - Full-Time - September 2025
Course Details
Duration: One year full-time
Please Note: The duration for full-time students who commence the programme in Semester 2 will be 1.5 years
The programme contains eight taught modules and a final Dissertation / Dissertation by Practice. Four modules are taught per semester and then you’ll complete a project over a period of twelve weeks. The overall programme is one calendar year long.
Core Modules
This course aims to provide the learner with the knowledge of the techniques of attacks and protection of computer networks. This course of study gives the learner a mastery of a variety of methods used in attacking or protecting networks.
This module aims to provide the learner with the knowledge and understanding of the legal and ethical issues surrounding information and information security, privacy and data protection. The module gives the learner an understanding of Irish and international information relating laws. The learner also focusses on the legal and ethical aspects of computer crimes and their investigations, and issues relating to intellectual property. The module does not aim at have the learner becoming an expert in legal matters but will make the learner aware of legal responsibilities and be able to recognise when a lawyer is required.
This module introduces the learner to the latest strategies and measures for protecting IT infrastructure against faults and security risks. The learner will understand what the latest threats are, and how the threat environment is evolving. This module studies the frameworks, standards, guidelines and best practises that organisations face in legal & regulatory requirements with respect to IT infrastructure security.
With a sound foundation in the principles of Infrastructure Security, the learner will focus on Ethical Hacking, and its role in the protection of IT Infrastructure. The role of ethical hacking is extensively studied, providing the necessary understanding to develop a skillset and competence with hacking concepts like footprinting, scanning, enumeration and penetration testing.
This module aims to provide the learner with a mastery of the core aspects of computer communication security. This module gives the learner a mastery of security models, policies and mechanisms, encryption and decryption, confidentiality, integrity, authentication, cryptography and secure communication, digital signatures, certificates and coding. The learner will gain in depth knowledge of the classical techniques as well as state of the art approaches of cryptography.
This module introduces the learner to the concepts of computer forensics. They encounter various techniques used in digital forensic investigations and the tools required for these investigations. Learners also gain an exposure to the practical digital evidence gathering process. Current trends in Computer Forensics, such as network and cloud forensics are introduced through the use of academic papers.
This module aims to give the learner an understanding of the issues relating to the management of information security in modern industry. It explores the roles, policies and procedure applied in information security. The module further explores the specific role that software systems play in the threat against information security.
This module aims to provide the learner with an understanding of the issues involved in the design and analysis of telecommunication networks, as well as knowledge of such systems in terms of physical implementation, protocols, routing algorithms, management. The learners will gain in depth knowledge of core topics, and state of the art architectures and emerging trends. This module also focusses on IP6 and QoS in communication networks.
This module serves to significantly deepen the learner's research skills, both in relation to the module related assignments and later in the completion of a dissertation/dissertation by practice. Specifically, it extends the ability of self- directed learners by equipping them with the appropriate vocabulary for reflecting on, critiquing and evaluating their own work and that of others. Throughout the module, learners are required to engage in a number of research methodologies and current research issues and trends in computing science. The module also addresses the need for good project management skills and techniques for the successful delivery of any project.
Each learner is required to perform and complete a dissertation project worth 30 ECTS credits for fulfilment of the Masters programme. The starting point of the dissertation begins in week one of semester 1 in the Research Methods Module and will carry on through Semester 1, Semester 2 and finally the full dissertation in Semester 3. There is a full process that all learners must adhere to and progress through to complete the Dissertation.
Course Contacts
Brendan Fogarty
- Limerick
How to Apply
Entry Requirements
Candidates applying for this course should have a 2.2 Level 8 Honours degree or above in Computing Science, or a 2.2 Higher Diploma in Computing or related discipline or international equivalent and/or relevant work experience.
English Language
Griffith College is accepting the online Duolingo English Test (DET) as valid proof of English proficiency. For more information, please visit here.
How to Apply
To apply for the MSc in Network and Information Security please submit an online application.
A member of our admissions team will then be in contact with you to request to following documents:
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A copy of your undergraduate degree transcripts
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A copy of your passport or driving licence
Fees
For purposes of fee calculation, residence is counted from time of application.
Please note that not all study modes may be offered at all times; for confirmation, refer to the Intake dates on the Overview tab.
Tuition Fees
Study Mode: Full-Time
Limerick
EUR 8,150.00
Study Mode: Full-Time
Please refer to the Irish/EU Living Abroad Fees section.
Study Mode: Full-Time
Limerick
Non-EU living in Ireland: EUR 9,500.00
Non-EU living abroad: Please refer to our Non-EU Tuition Fees section.
Non-EU students: a Student Services and Administration fee of EUR200 is payable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted below.
An Academic Administration Fee of EUR250.00 and a 2% Learner Protection Charge is applicable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted. The fees relate to Year 1 fees only.
Flexible payment options
Students wishing to pay their fees monthly may avail of our direct debit scheme. Please view our Fees information page for more information and assistance.
Sponsorship
Is your company paying for your course?
They will need to complete a Griffith College Sponsorship Form and send this to the Student Fees Office:
- Post: Student Fees, Griffith College Dublin, South Circular Road, Dublin 8
- Email: accounts@griffith.ie
2% Learner Protection Charge
All QQI accredited programmes of education and training of 3 months or longer duration are covered by arrangements under section 65 (4) of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 whereby, in the event of the provider ceasing to provide the programme for any reason, enrolled learners may transfer to a similar programme at another provider, or, in the event that this is not practicable, the fees most recently paid will be refunded.
QQI Award Fee
Please note that a QQI Award Fee applies in the final year of all QQI courses. To find the relevant fee for your course level, please see the Fees page.
Progression
Academic Progression
On completion of the Level 9 MSc in Network and Information Security, students may progress onto a range of Level 10 Doctoral programmes on the National Qualifications Framework. The Postgraduate QQI validation means that your qualification is recognised not only in Ireland and Europe but throughout the world.
Career Progression
Through the MSc in Network and Information Security, you will have gained valuable professional experience, specialised in a key emerging field and developed many technical skills. There is a wide range of career options for our graduates including:
- Information Security Architect
- Information Security Risk Lead
- Cyber Security Manager
- Computing Consultant
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- Information Security Engineering
- Microsoft Solutions Engineer
- Senior Software Engineer
- Academic Research
- Web Developer
