Key Info

Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security and IT Forensics

NFQ Level 8 major Award Honours Bachelor Degree

Entry route(s):

Course code
LM121
Duration
4 Years
Subject area
Engineering
Course Director
Dr Jacqueline Walker
Email
jacqueline.walker@ul.ie
Tel
(061) 202 780
Admissions:
Tel
+353 (0)61 233755

Students who choose the BSc in Cyber Security and IT Forensics will come from a variety of backgrounds. If you...

- Enjoy learning about computing and networks but also like helping and working with people, you could work as an IT Security Consultant;

- Have an aptitude for solving mysteries and doing a bit of detective work you can become a Security or Forensics Analyst;

- Like the thought of designing and creating things, you may want to pursue a career in secure web design and programming;

- Are business oriented, perhaps you will work in making e-commerce secure.

Why Study Cyber Security and IT Forensics at UL?

Today, at the start of the 21st century, computers, networks and mobile devices are everywhere. We rely on them for our banking, for our shopping, to store and send all kinds of sensitive and important data. But are they safe? When you use an ATM machine, how do you know that your transaction is secure? When you order groceries, how can you trust the system not to give away your credit card details?

In a wireless-connected world populated by computer viruses, spyware, malware and bots, security is vital. As the world is becoming increasingly interconnected using telecommunication networks, Cloud Computing and the internet, there has been a rapid growth in security software and the electronic communications market. Companies, governments and research organisations in Ireland and across the world are actively seeking professionals to design, manage and secure networks and telecommunications systems.

The BSc in Cyber Security and IT Forensics Degree in UL is about teaching you how to build secure systems to protect vital information, like bank details and medical records. You will be equipped with the expertise to be a leader in the on-going mobile networking revolution. You will be taught key concepts in computer and web security, such as: Software Development, Data Forensics, Ethical Hacking, Encryption, Computer Law and Ethics, Cloud Computing fundamentals and security. By the end of this course you will be well placed to build the secure and safe networks and systems of the future, in addition to tackling web and computer-based crime. Our well-equipped and modern laboratory facilities will enable you to acquire practical experience that will make you very competitive in today’s and tomorrow’s job market.

Entry route to Cyber Security and IT Forensics at UL is via LM121 Computer Science Common Entry

Learn more about our courses and upcoming events

What you will study

You will study the modules presented in Year 1 of the Common Entry route to Cyber Security and IT Forensics. The emphasis in Year 1 is on programming, an understanding of its basis, and the study of the physical machine on which programs run. Your study of Cybersecurity modules begins in semester 3 and runs throughout the course – including topics in Cryptography, Data Forensics, Cybersecurity Law and Regulations, and Host and Network Security. As you need to understand the platforms to which cybersecurity measures are applied, you will also study operating systems, networks, and web and mobile technologies throughout the course. Plenty of hands-on practical laboratory experience is provided throughout the course. 

During the final year, you will have the opportunity to apply the skills learned in the previous three years in the specialist security and networking modules by undertaking a final year project which develops skills in design, implementation, testing and reporting. Each student will work with the guidance of an individual supervisor. The final year project will help you to pull together the skills and techniques that you have acquired throughout the course. 

As with other UL courses, a Cooperative Education placement provides 30 weeks of industrial work experience. In this course, Coop takes place in the second semester of 3rd year and through the summer break preceding 4th year. 

 

Semester 1

Semester 2

Introduction to Programming

Software Development

Introduction to Model Driven Development

Games Modelling Design

Fundamentals of Computer Organisation

Computer Systems Organisation

Foundations of Computer Science 1

Analogue Electronics

Discrete Mathematics

Computer Mathematics

Semester 3

Semester 4

Intro to Web & Database Technology 

Introduction to Cloud Computing  

Computer Software 3 

Mobile App Development

Operating Systems

Operating Systems 2

Modern Communications: Fundamentals

TCP/IP Networking

Introduction to Security and Cryptography

Data Security

Semester 5

Semester 6

Summer

Computer Networks: Standards, Protocols and the IoT

Co-Operative Education (including summer)

Outcome-based Learning Laboratory

Distributed Computing with Java

Embedded Software

Cybersecurity Law 7 Regulations

Semester 7

Semester 8

Introduction to Data Engineering and Machine Learning

Mobile & Wireless Communications

Applied Cloud Computing

Host and Network Security

Software Engineering 1

Project Management & Practice

Electronics & the Environment

Data Forensics

Project 1

Project 2

 

 

Entry requirements

Minimum grades

Applicants are required to hold at the time of enrolment the established Leaving Certificate (or an approved equivalent) with a minimum of six subjects which must include: Two H5 (Higher Level) grades and Four O6 (Ordinary Level) grades or four H7 (Higher Level) grades. Subjects must include Mathematics, Irish or another language, and English.

Subject requirements

In addition, applicants must hold a minimum grade O2/H6 in Mathematics.

Additional considerations

A Special Mathematics Examination will be offered at UL following the Leaving Certificate results for those students who did not achieve the Mathematics requirement.

We welcome applications from mature students. Mature applicants must apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1 February.

Application information for mature student applicants (PDF)

Entry to this course is gotten through the common entry course, LM121 - Bachelor of Science in Computing Technologies

Non-EU Entry Requirements

How to apply

Where are you applying from? How to Apply
Ireland Irish students must apply to UL via the CAO. More information can be found here. 
The UK  Students who have completed their A-Levels can apply to UL via the CAO. More information can be found on the Academic Registry website. 
The EU EU Students can apply to UL via the CAO. More information can be found on the Academic Registry website.
Non-EU country If you are outside of the EU, you can apply for this degree here.

 

Fees and funding

Student course fees are broken into three components - Student contribution, Student Levy and Tuition Fees.

A number of illustrative examples of fees for this course based on the current fee levels have been set out in the tables below.

An explanation of the components, how to determine status and the criteria involved is provided below the examples as is a list of possible scholarships and funding available.

EU Students with Free fees status in receipt of a SUSI grant

HEA pays Tuition Fees €4,262
SUSI pays Student contribution €3,000
Student pays Student Levy €100
€7,362

EU Students with Free fees status not in receipt of a grant

HEA pays Tuition Fees €4,262
Student pays Student contribution €3,000
Student pays Student Levy €100
€7,362

Students with EU fee status not in receipt of a grant

Student pays Tuition Fees €4,262
Student pays Student contribution €3,000
Student pays Student Levy €100
€7,362

Non-EU Students

Student pays Tuition Fees €20,900
Student pays Student Levy €100
€21,000

Student course fees are comprised of the following components:

Student Contribution

Annual charge set by the government for all full-time third level students. All students are liable unless they have been approved for a grant by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI). Please refer to https://www.studentfinance.ie to determine your eligibility for a grant and for instructions on how to apply. The current student contribution is set at €3000.

Student Levy

All students are liable to pay the Student Levy of €100. Please note the Student Levy is not covered by the SUSI Grant.

Tuition Fees

These are based on Residency, Citizenship, Course requirements.

Review the three groups of criteria to determine your fee status as follows

  1. Residency
    • You must have been living in an EU/EEA member state or Switzerland for at least 3 of the 5 years before starting your course
  2. Citizenship
    • You must be a citizen of an EU/EEA member state or Switzerland or have official refugee status
  3. Course Requirements (all must be met)
    • You must be a first time full-time undergraduate (Exceptions are provided for students who hold a Level 6 or Level 7 qualification and are progressing to a Level 8 course in the same general area of study).
    • You must be undertaking a full-time undergraduate course of at least 2 year’s duration
    • You cannot be undertaking a repeat year of study at the same level unless evidence of exceptional circumstances eg serious illness is provided (in which case this condition may be waived)

Depending on how you meet these criteria your status will be one of the following -

  • Free Fee Status: You satisfy all three categories (1, 2 and 3) and therefore are eligible for the Higher Education Authority’s Free Fees scheme.
  • EU Fee Status: You satisfy the citizenship and/or residency criteria but fail to satisfy the course requirements and are liable to EU fees
  • Non EU Fee Status: You do not meet either the citizenship or residency criteria and are therefore liable to Non EU fees.

More information about fees can be found on the Finance website

These scholarships are available for this course

Title Award Scholarships Available
Johnson and Johnson WiSTEM2D Programme

These scholarships are available for all courses

Your future career

Employability skills from this degree

  • Pragmatism and the practical skills to turn a concept into reality 
  • Written and oral communication 
  • Teamwork 
  • Project management 
  • Professionalism and the ability to work to an ethical code 
  • Using specialist knowledge creatively and innovatively to solve problems 
  • Designing and testing secure networks 
  • Securing devices and data, and data forensics 
  • Programming and software development  
  • Operating systems (e.g. Linux) 
  • Distributed and cloud computing 
  • Integrating sensors and devices securely with the internet and the cloud 
  • Developing mobile devices and applications 
  • Knowledge of relevant cybersecurity law and regulations 

Further Study Options

Job titles for graduates with this degree

  • Network security analyst/consultant 
  • Computer security analyst/consultant 
  • Cybersecurity engineer 
  • Security Delivery specialist 
  • IT/Networking Project Manager 
  • Network administrator/manager 
  • Computer programmer/software developer 
  • E-commerce/web developer 
  • Cloud developer 
  • Cloud security specialist 

Student profiles

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Ashutosh Yadav

Ashutosh Yadav

I'm currently working as an Atlassian Consultant for VMotion IT Solutions - a software solutions and services company in Limerick.

Every day is different as I'm working with enterprise clients all over Ireland and advising them on best practices regarding software development, ITSM (IT Service Management Software) and security.

My job requires a lot of client interaction whether it be on-site or remote via teams/zoom calls. Technical skills and soft skills go hand in hand here and I believe I've acquired these critical technical skills during my studies at the University of Limerick.

I personally found the Cloud Computing, Computer Forensics and Host & Network Security modules quite engaging as they are very much up-to date with the technology in the real-world, such as AWS, which I found extremely beneficial when transitioning that knowledge into practice in the working world as we also had the opportunity to acquire industry leading certifications as part of our studies.

These modules stood out to me as they were very hands-on and offered a chance to really put the theory into practice, like creating our own exploits to try and encourage us to think outside the box.

It's important to stand-out as a graduate these days as employers are on the look-out for individuals that can back-up their learning with real-life experience and I found that this course set me up for success from the very beginning.


 

Mike Vriesema

I am currently working as a Security Delivery Specialist at Accenture, a global professional services company. Throughout my journey here, I've been immersed in a diverse array of projects, all of which have been centred around bolstering security for our clients. These experiences have been enriched by the skills I cultivated during my time at UL's comprehensive course.

My time at Accenture has not only provided invaluable exposure but also a platform for continuous learning. Starting out, I must admit, I felt a tad unprepared, but I was pleasantly surprised by how seamlessly my academic knowledge from UL integrated into the industry landscape.

During my Co-Op tenure at Kemp Technologies in Limerick, I had the privilege of honing my soft skills and deepening my understanding of networks. A highlight of this period was the creation of my very own extensive virtual lab, crafted from scratch to facilitate hands-on practice.

My academic journey at UL, specifically in Cyber Security & IT Forensics, laid a robust groundwork across various pivotal aspects within the security and technology realms. The course is designed to be forward-looking, in sync with the latest trends, and aligned with the ongoing global security landscape.


 

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Mike Vriesema
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Mateusz Tyrkiel

Mateusz Tyrkiel

My official job title is Associate Cyber Security Engineer with Northern Trust - a large financial services company.

My job is filled with a variety of tasks across multiple different platforms such as, on-premise datacenter management, Azure cloud and Google Chronicle. It can also vary from creating a data flow solution from a source application or machine to be ingested into the Azure SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) software, creating a custom written Python or PowerShell solution to manipulate data, or to work alongside the Blue Team during alert investigations. Day-to-day variety is what I particularly enjoy which is what my course placed emphasis on through teaching networking concepts, programming, forensics, team-work and project management.

My placement was actually within Northern Trust as well during which I got the chance to experience the accounting solutions engineering team which showed me how project management is carried out within companies. This also led me to the place I am today as I was invited to return as a full-time employee after my graduation.

During my studies, I had sparked an interest in electronics, specifically the hardware side which led me to doing an FYP around a “Thermal Vision” device with communications over a low-power wireless network. The interests developed and the skills learnt as a result of doing this course were a reason behind my journey to where I am today.