Who is this course for
This course is intended for professional software developers and those with past software development experience; prior programming experience is a prerequisite. If you do not have any experience in software development/programming, then you should not apply for this course.

It is open to applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, including Engineering, Science, IT, Mathematics, Psychology, Law, Economics, Business, and Accounting. To apply, you should have a Level 8 qualification (or equivalent) with at least a Second Class Honours from a recognized university or college. If your background is not in a numerate field, you may still be considered if you have relevant IT or technical experience. Applicants with a Level 7 qualification can also apply if they can show they have gained Level 8 skills through at least two years of work experience in IT or a tech-related role. The Programme Director and Programme Board will review applications based on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

It is vital that all applicants meet the stated requirements for a Springboard-funded programme. Interested parties are strongly recommended to carefully review Springboard’s website before applying for any programme.

What will I study?  
The applied nature of this course sets it apart from the competition, aiming to deliver job-ready graduates. This specialised course has been meticulously designed in collaboration with industry partners and informed by feedback from employers (placement providers), and regional skills fora. We engaged with companies such as Genesys, Dell, HPE, Channel Mechanics, TitanHQ, PFH, Sky, Clubforce, Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau Galway and Wieland-Werke AG (Germany), all of whom have previously hosted interns from our various cybersecurity programmes. The strong demand from industry professionals across cybersecurity organisations demonstrates the need for graduates with job-ready specialised cybersecurity skills. Moreover, employers also indicated a need for cybersecurity professionals skilled in managing different types of malicious data (such as phishing and malware) to proactively detect and mitigate cyber threats and implement comprehensive security solutions, thereby validating the AI module in this course. 

Core modules:

• SEMESTER 1 – [10 ECTS] 

1. CYBERSECURITY FUNDAMENTALS (5 ECTS)
2. PROGRAMMING AND TOOLS FOR ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (5 ECTS)

• SEMESTER 2 – [10 ECTS] 

3. WEB APPLICATION SECURITY (5 ECTS)
4. CYBERSECURITY TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES (5 ECTS)

• SEMESTER 3 – [10 ECTS] 

5. CYBERSECURITY PROJECT (10 ECTs)

 

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• Master programming languages, scripting, frameworks, and tools essential for cybersecurity, focusing on secure coding, data protection, and cryptography. 
• Implement foundational concepts such as network security, data protection laws, and cybersecurity frameworks to address cyber threats. 
• Develop secure web applications using advanced coding practices, vulnerability assessment tools, and security frameworks for resilient online systems. 
• Explore AI for cybersecurity applications such as anomaly detection, threat prediction, and process automation to mitigate cyber risks proactively. 
• Design and execute projects addressing real-world, industry-focused cybersecurity challenges while adhering to ethical, legal, and regulatory standards. 
• Validate end-to-end cybersecurity solutions for modern digital environments.

The demand for computing and cybersecurity programmes remains exceptionally strong at both regional and national levels. In our previous ICT Skills Springboard+ conversion course "PG Dip in Cybersecurity and Software Development", we received around 150 applications annually (in last 3 years) for only 50 Springboard-funded seats, which illustrates a strong interest in cybersecurity education. The Irish Government supports education in the Cybersecurity space with the National Cyber Security Strategy 2019 - 2024, providing initiatives and investment to develop cybersecurity skills. As cybersecurity threats escalate globally, cybersecurity upskilling is needed in Ireland. Cyber Ireland (2023) reports that jobs in this sector have tripled from 2,004 in 2019 to 6,707 in 2022. Projections show a 10% annual growth rate, with employment expected to exceed 17,000 by 2030.

The course features a 10 ECTS module titled 'Capstone Cybersecurity Project,' aimed at equipping students for job readiness. This credit-bearing module bridges academic learning with real-world application, allowing students to gain hands-on experience through either a 4-month industry placement (internship) or a capstone project. During the research-driven capstone project, students will develop practical skills in secure software development and vulnerability testing using various industry tools, all under the supervision of an academic staff. Moreover, the course offers industry collaboration by enabling industry partners to actively shape the training and development of participants through dedicated internship opportunities. 

How will I learn?  

Online lectures/labs/tutorials comprise approx. 8 class hours per week during the evenings Monday-Friday. A​ll lectures are pre-recorded and made available online to registered students via the University's virtual learning environment. Some modules include labs which are scheduled in the evening with direct interaction and feedback from the instructor (also via the University's virtual learning environment).  

Efforts are made to ensure that these live labs are accessible and at times that permit people in full-time employment to fully participate.

How Will I Be Assessed?

Throughout the course, your progress is assessed through various continuous assessments, including reports, assignments, presentations, and quizzes.

Course queries:
computerscience@universityofgalway.ie   

Programme Director(s):

School of Computer Science
College of Science & Engineering

E: computerscience@universityofgalway.ie    

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).  

Recognition of prior learning is facilitated automatically during the application phase.   

Important: This is a Springboard+ course and admission is conditional on meeting Springboard+ requirements available here: 

This course is intended for professional software developers and those with past software development experience; prior programming experience is a prerequisite. If you do not have any experience in software development/programming, then you should not apply for this course. It is open to applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, including Engineering, Science, IT, Mathematics, Psychology, Law, Economics, Business, and Accounting. To apply, you should have a Level 8 qualification (or equivalent) with at least a Second Class Honours from a recognized university or college. If your background is not in a numerate field, you may still be considered if you have relevant IT or technical experience. Applicants with a Level 7 qualification can also apply if they can show they have gained Level 8 skills through at least two years of work experience in IT or a tech-related role. The Programme Director and Programme Board will review applications based on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

English Language Entry Requirements
More information on English language test equivalencies are available here.

Supporting Documents
You will be required to provide supporting documentation as part of your application via the Springboard website; all applicants will submit a Letter of Interest, current CV, and full Academic Transcripts for all years of all previous studies.

Please review this course's 'Entry Requirements' before applying.

Applicants will submit a Cover Letter, CV and Full Academic Transcripts and be assessed according to the following competencies:

1. Current employment status
2. Analytical and Technical suitability
3. Self-motivation/Proactive approach
4. Interpersonal and Communication Skills
5. Outside Interests and Achievements  

A transparent scoring mechanism will be used. Candidates may be interviewed based on their relevant background and experience. Gender-balanced interview panels will consist of an academic member, an industry representative, or a representative from the Career Development Centre. A dedicated admin resource will screen eligibility centrally.

Application by itself does not guarantee participation. In accordance with Springboard+ regulations, applications from the unemployed, returners to the workplace, and those who have not undertaken a Springboard+ programme previously must be prioritised when allocating places on the course.

Closing Dates

Please review the course details on the Springboard website

Course Type	Year	EU Tuition	Student Contribution	Non-EU Tuition	Levy	Total Fee	Total EU Fee	Total Non-EU Fee

The full fees for AY26/27 are €4,100 per student. Under Springboard+, students who are in employment pay 10% of the fee i.e. €410.00, with the remaining 90% of their course fees covered by Springboard+. Students who are not in employment (where eligible) or those who apply as Returners, have 100% of their course fees covered by Springboard+.

Unemployed applicants are urgently advised to note the following on https://springboardcourses.ie/eligibility (navigate from the EU applicants/Non-EU applicants tabs as applicable to the expandable link for "Unemployed" applicants): It is important to discuss your intention to apply for a Springboard+ course with your DSP Employment Personal Advisor before making an application. Only they can confirm that taking a course will not affect your DSP payment.

Course providers cannot advise applicants on such matters, please discuss all such queries with your DSP Employment Personal Advisor or other DSP staff member directly before applying via https://springboardcourses.ie/ .

*** For full information regarding eligibility for Springboard+ funding, please refer to the following link: https://springboardcourses.ie/eligibility ***

It is vital that all applicants meet the stated requirements for a Springboard-funded programme. Interested parties are strongly recommended to carefully review Springboard’s website before applying for any programme:
https://springboardcourses.ie/faq
https://springboardcourses.ie/eligibility
https://springboardcourses.ie/eligibility/eu
https://springboardcourses.ie/eligibility/noneu
https://springboardcourses.ie/howToApply

Eligibility for a place on any Springboard-funded course is set by Springboard/HEA and their funders, including the Govt. of Ireland and the EU. Course providers have no discretion in this matter and are contractually obliged to always adhere to Springboard's regulations for participation in their programmes, which includes funding eligibility criteria.

*** Full details on Springboard funding eligibility criteria are available here: https://springboardcourses.ie/eligibility/ ***

Visit: https://springboardcourses.ie/