Cyber Security - MEng

During this programme, you will:  

• Gain a deep understanding of cyber threats and vulnerabilities in sectors such as banking, e-commerce and telecommunications. You will use programming, cryptographic and forensic methods to analyse threats and security measures. 

• Master digital forensics to detect, prevent and counter cybercrimes, and help employers maintain secure, adaptable systems to protect enterprises and users.  

• Understand vulnerabilities in e-commerce and mobile applications and navigate a variety of communications and networking infrastructures. Showcase your skills with a completed engineering project - a valuable asset for job applications.  

• Build in-demand expertise in data preservation, biometric techniques, and security protocols to succeed in the competitive technology and cybersecurity job market. 

Key Information:   

• Complete full-time in one year 

• Delivered on campus 

• Modules taught during autumn and spring semesters 

• Submit a major engineering project at the end of the summer semester 

• Full-time students take 5 core modules in autumn and 5 in spring 

Autumn Semester:  

• Cryptography & Security Fundamentals (EE6011) introduces you to current threats and vulnerabilities, the main security services you would use in industry, and how cryptography and cryptanalysis can provide and strengthen those security services.  

• Cryptographic Mathematics (MA6011) provides you with the ability to handle public key cryptography and analyse conventional key ciphers.  

• Converged Networks (EE6003) provide students with a detailed understanding and appreciation of the many IT and OT networking and communication concepts, standards and protocols. 

• Advanced Programming (EE6161) covers advanced features of program design and analysis, group programming and large project implementation. 

• Software Engineering (EE6421) apply the object-oriented approach to software development and enhance your individual and team working skills through an individual investigative project, exercises and a team project. 

Spring Semester: 

• Log Files and Event Analysis (CE5022) evaluate log files and learn tools to extract associated valuable data for detecting cyber threats and system performance issues. 

• Biometrics (EE6022) introduces you to biometrics such as fingerprint, iris, face, or voice recognition but also gait and keystroke, their performance and reliability, the systems that rely on them and the methods of using biometric data.  

• Communication & Security Protocols (EE6032) gives you an understanding of security protocol design, techniques, and methods as used for information and system security in wireless networks, e-commerce, smart cards, e-voting, etc.
• Network & Host Security (EE6042) teaches you security attack and defence techniques so you can advise on vulnerabilities and design secure networks. 

• Master of Engineering Project1: Planning and Research Methods (EE6010) guides students on how to conduct project planning and research methods so that they are ready to undertake a significant design and implementation project. 

Summer Semester: 

• Master of Engineering Project 2: Project Design & Implementation (EE6073) is the second step in your project, when you will design and implement an engineering solution to your selected problem, supported by an academic supervisor.  

Books and journal articles needed for the course will be available online through the UL Glucksman Library.  

For more information on each module, you can search the faculty, school and module code on UL’s Book of Modules 

• Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree (NFQ Level 8) with at least a second-class honour, grade 2 (2:2) in the following disciplines: engineering, computing, mathematics, science, or technology.  

• Applicants from other disciplines who had a significant mathematics or computing element in their course will be considered.  

• Applicants from non-numerate disciplines will only be considered if they can provide evidence of three years of experience in a computing discipline on their CV. 

Other Entry Considerations: 

We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet the standard entry requirements, as long as you can show that you have the knowledge, skills, and experience needed for the programme. 

At UL, we value all kinds of learning and support different ways to qualify through our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy. 

International students:  

• For details on country-specific qualifications visit postgraduate entry requirements for international students. 

Checklist of Documents: 

• *Academic transcripts and certificates
  • UL graduates only need to provide their student ID.
• Copy of your birth certificate or passport
• English translation of your qualifications and transcripts
• A copy of your CV 

English Language: 

• English Language Competency certificate 

• For details on accepted language qualifications visit English Language Requirements  

Guidelines on Completing your Application  

• To make sure we can review your application quickly, please:
  • Upload all documents. Your application can’t be reviewed until we have all the documents on the checklist.
  • Title the documents you are uploading. For example, "Personal Statement", "Undergraduate Transcript", "Postgraduate Transcript", "English Language Certificate" etc.
• *If you are waiting to graduate, submit your application with the documents you have to date, you don’t need to have finished final exams before applying. 

EU - €8,200

Non-EU - €20,400

Annual fees are billed by semester. Once registered, students may be eligible to apply for a monthly payment plan.  

Further information on fees and payment of fees is available from the Student Fees Office website. All fee related queries should be directed to the Student Fees Office (Phone: +353 61 213 007 or email student.fees.office@ul.ie) 

Funding 

Find further information on funding and scholarships.

This course can lead to the following  sectors and careers:  

• Security policy
• Digital forensic analysis 
• Academic research 

Deepak Venkatasuresh graduated from our Masters in Information and Network Security  

“I graduated from the Masters in Information and Network Security in 2022 and now work as a Digital Forensic Analyst at Deloitte. 

I chose UL because it has the best cryptography module in Ireland, and the rest of the course looked really interesting. In the end, it was the forensic module that helped me most in my career I was able to clear my interview thanks to the knowledge I gained from that module. 

My time at UL was amazing. The faculty were always supportive, and the student community was friendly and inclusive. I loved that all the Indian festivals were celebrated it helped me feel at home. If I had the chance, I’d move back to Limerick. The people there are so polite and welcoming.” 

Still Curious?  

The team regularly host and take part in webinars to support future students. If you would like to learn more or ask questions at an online information session, click below.     

Online Information Sessions 

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MENG. INFORMATION AND NETWORK SECURITY - GRADUATE PROFILE

Name : Deepak Venkatasuresh

Course & Year Graduated: MEng. Information and Network Security 2022

From: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Why did you choose UL?

UL has the best cryptography module in Ireland. The content of all the other modules seemed very interesting. When I spoke to some alumni of UL they all gave me good reviews.

What did you like best about your time at UL (and Limerick)?

I had an amazing time in UL. It has a very friendly and inclusive population. All the Indian festivals were celebrated there which helped me not to miss home. If I had the chance I would love to move back to Limerick as the people there are very polite and sweet.

What have you been doing since you graduated?

I am working as a Digital Forensic Analyst at Deloitte.

In what way did your course prepare you for your career?

The Forensic module has been very handy in my job. I was able to clear my interview because of all the knowledge I gained from that module.

Any advice for people thinking about coming to UL and doing this programme?

I would say that Limerick is much better than Dublin and UL is a great place with a mixture of awesome faculty who help a lot and all the parties that helps us relax!