Key Info
Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security and IT Forensics
Entry Route(s):
Please note - The BSc in Mobile Communications and Security has undergone a restructuring and is now more Cyber Security and IT focused. Given this, the title has changed to the BSc in Cyber Security and IT Forensics. LM121 students entering in September 2021 will have the new programme title as an option in Year 2 when they make their final course selection.
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 consultant;
- Have an aptitude for solving mysteries and doing a bit of detective work you can follow the security and forensics track;
- Like the thought of designing and creating things, you may want to pursue a career in web design and programming;
- Are business oriented, perhaps you will work in e-commerce.
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
Read about our students' experiences:
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. Throughout the following 3 years, the focus areas will include: Computer Programming/Software, Operating Systems and Data Forensics, Communications and Networking, and Data/Network Security. Plenty of hands-on practical laboratory experience is provided throughout the course.
Your study of Computer and Network Security modules begins in semester 3 and runs throughout the course – including topics in Cryptography, Computer Forensics, Computer Law and Ethics and Host and Network Security. Finally, you will also study Web, Internet and Mobile technologies 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. You will also undertake 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.
To find out more, go to Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering | UL - University of Limerick
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Semester 1 |
Semester 2 |
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Introduction to Programming |
Software Development |
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Introduction to Model Driven Development |
Games Modelling Design |
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Fundamentals of Computer Organisation |
Computer Systems Organisation |
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Foundations of Computer Science 1 |
Analogue Electronics |
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Discrete Mathematics |
Computer Mathematics |
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Semester 3 |
Semester 4 |
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Intro to Web & Database Technology |
Introduction to Cloud Computing |
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Computer Software 3 |
Mobile App Development |
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Operating Systems |
Operating Systems 2 |
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Modern Communications: Fundamentals |
TCP/IP Networking |
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Introduction to Security and Cryptography |
Data Security |
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Semester 5 |
Semester 6 |
Summer |
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Computer Networks: Standards, Protocols and the IoT |
Co-Operative Education (including summer) |
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Outcome-based Learning Laboratory |
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Distributed Computing with Java |
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Embedded Software |
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Computer Law, Investigation & Ethics |
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Semester 7 |
Semester 8 |
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Introduction to Data Engineering and Machine Learning |
Mobile & Wireless Communications |
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Applied Cloud Computing |
Host and Network Security |
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Systems Analysis & Design |
Project Management & Practice |
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Electronics & the Environment |
Computer Forensics |
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Project 1 |
Project 2 |
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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. |
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| 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 |
Filters |
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 | €96 |
| €7,358 |
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 | €96 |
| €7,358 |
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 | €96 |
| €7,358 |
Non-EU Students
| Student pays | Tuition Fees | €17,104 |
| Student pays | Student Levy | €96 |
| €17,200 |
Student course fees are comprised of three 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 curent student contribution is set at €3000.
Student Levy
All students are liable to pay the Student Levy of €96. 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
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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
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Citizenship
- You must be a citizen of an EU/EEA member state or Switzerland or have official refugee status
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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
| Title | Award | Scholarships Available |
|---|---|---|
| All Ireland Scholarships - sponsored by J.P. McManus | €6,750 | 125 |
| Cooperative Education Award | 1 medal per faculty | |
| Elaine Fagan Scholarship | €5,000 | 5 |
| Financial Aid Fund | ||
| Higher Education Grants & VEC Grants | ||
| Paddy Dooley Rowing Scholarship | €2,500 | |
| Plassey Campus Centre Scholarship Programme | ||
| Provincial GAA Bursaries Scheme | €750 | |
| Stuart Mangan Scholarship | ||
| The Michael Hillery and Jacinta O’Brien Athletics Scholarship | Various benefits equating to over €7,000 in value | |
| UL Sports Scholarships | Varies depending on level of Scholarship | Multiple |
Your Future Career
Employability skills from this degree
- Designing and testing networks, computer software and security
- Programming and software development skills
- Using specialist knowledge creatively and innovatively to solve problems
- Developing for the Internet of Things—from sensors to cloud
- Developing mobile devices and applications
- Sensors, analog and digital circuits and systems
- Pragmatism and practicality to turn a concept into reality
- Written and oral communication
- Teamwork
- Project management
- Professionalism and the ability to work to an ethical code
- Operating systems (e.g. Linux)
- Computer forensics and law
- Distributed and cloud computing
The year after graduating with this degree
The University of Limerick Graduate Outcomes Survey (GOS) is a detailed review of the employment outcomes of UL graduates conducted annually by the University and supported by the Higher Education Authority (HEA). The survey forms part of a nationwide review of the employment outcomes of Irish University Graduates. The table below illustrates a five-year trend for UL graduate employment levels and location the year after graduation.
| Employed in Ireland | Employed abroad | Further study | Not available | Seeking employment | No. of responses | Total no. of graduates | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50% | 0% | 33% | 0% | 17% | 6 | 7 | 2014 |
| 72% | 0% | 17% | 0% | 11% | 18 | 18 | 2015 |
| 82% | 9% | 0% | 0% | 9% | 11 | 11 | 2016 |
| 92% | 0% | 8% | 0% | 0% | 13 | 16 | 2017 |
| 100% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 7 | 7 | 2018 |
Further Study Options
- MEng in Computer and Communications Systems
- MEng in Information and Network Security
- Research Masters or PhD
Job titles for graduates with this degree
Graduates progressing directly into employment take up a wide variety of roles. The following provides a sample of initial roles listed on the Graduate Outcomes Survey by graduates approximately one year after graduation:
- Associate Cloud Engineer
- Associate Technical Support Engineer
- Embedded Software Engineer
- Graduate Software Engineer
- IT Consultant
- Sales Technician
- Software Engineer
- Technical Implementation Consultant
- Technical Remote Specialist
- Technical Support Engineer
Graduate Profile
Dermot Butterfield
My official job title is Development Analyst with BearingPoint Ireland - a consulting practice with a large development group. The best thing about my job is the variety. Since I started here I have worked on 2 completely different projects. Each project was so different that it was almost like starting a new job each time. There are a number of ways in which this job relates to my degree. My job can vary so much from project to project that it is necessary to have a broad spectrum of skills. I feel that I gained these vital skills during my time at UL. Most employers no longer look for graduates with just one skill. My degree gave me a great foundation in programming along with many other abilities, all of which I have applied in my new job.
I did my placement at Intel Communications Europe, Shannon. During the 8 months, I spent there, I worked on a diverse range of projects that showed me just how much I had learned and how it could be applied in the ‘real world’.
I also developed my own programs. In one case I developed a software tool that was implemented in every lab in the global Intel structure, for which Intel gave me an award. My CoOp was the defining moment of my time in UL.
Evan Beaulieu
I went on Co-Op to FireEye in Cork. FireEye provide cybersecurity systems. My role was that of Customer Support Intern and my tasks involved helping the customers of FireEye with their IT issues around malware. The company gave me an insight into IT security and I gained a lot of knowledge that we then only covered in our final semester of 4th year. Having already learned some of the material in the workplace meant I was able to pick up the information much quicker and focus more on my other modules. I particularly enjoy the modules on network security, like Cryptography and Computer Forensics.
I like the practical aspect of the course. All of the main modules have purpose to them and I have been able to apply my knowledge in setting up internal networks and CCTV recording with Raspberry Pi’s. Along with these practical skills, I also gained skills in communication and teamwork during my Co-Op. The experience has really prepared me for my future career as I am returning to the company to take up a full-time role after I finish my final year.
