Software Design with Cybersecurity – MSc

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest

Program Overview

The MSc in Software Design with Cybersecurity at Technological University of the Shannon is designed to help you build secure, high-quality software while developing the specialist skills needed to protect modern digital systems. It is ideal for computing graduates who want to combine strong software engineering expertise with in-demand cybersecurity knowledge and progress into advanced technical or security-focused roles.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (Master’s Level – Level 9)
Throughout the programme, you will strengthen your programming and design capabilities through modules such as Object Oriented Programming I and II, while also developing critical thinking and professional skills in Research Methods and Professional Practice. You will gain in-depth knowledge of cybersecurity through subjects including Network Security, Security in the Enterprise, Computer and Cloud Security, and Applied Cryptography, giving you a strong understanding of how to design, implement, and protect secure systems. The programme also includes an Engineering Team Project and a major research project or industry-focused placement, allowing you to apply your learning to real-world challenges.

Focus areas (in a string): Secure software design, network and enterprise security, cryptography, cloud and computer security, professional and team-based engineering practice

Learning outcomes (in a string): Advanced software development skills, ability to design and evaluate secure systems, strong understanding of cybersecurity threats and controls, practical experience applying security principles in enterprise and cloud environments

Professional alignment (accreditation): Level 9 Master’s degree within the Irish National Framework of Qualifications, developed with industry input to meet current software and cybersecurity workforce needs

Reputation (employability rankings): Graduates benefit from Ireland’s strong reputation as a global technology and cybersecurity hub, with TUS computing graduates valued by employers across software development, cybersecurity, and enterprise IT sectors

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

On the MSc in Software Design with Cybersecurity at Technological University of the Shannon, learning is strongly grounded in practice. From the start, you will apply cybersecurity and software design concepts through hands-on programming, security analysis, and team-based problem solving, using the same types of environments and workflows found in industry. Teaching is supported by dedicated computing facilities on the Athlone campus, giving you regular access to professional tools, secure lab spaces, and technical support as you develop, test, and secure software systems. As the programme progresses, experiential learning moves from individual skill-building into collaborative and applied work through projects and optional industry or research pathways:

Engineering Team Project, where students work in groups to design, implement, and secure software solutions, reflecting real-world development and cybersecurity practices
Dedicated computer laboratories and the Student Computer Centre on the Athlone campus, providing networked workstations for coding, testing, and project development
Option to complete an industry-based work placement or a research dissertation, allowing students to apply their cybersecurity and software design skills in a real organisational or research setting
Access to TUS Library services, including digital resources, academic databases, and study spaces to support technical research and project work
Campus-wide IT services, learning platforms, and student systems that support secure access to software tools, collaboration, and project submission

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc in Software Design with Cybersecurity at Technological University of the Shannon are well prepared to move into specialist roles where secure software and cybersecurity expertise are essential. Many progress into careers such as Secure Software Developer, Security Operations Analyst, Security Risk Analyst, and Security Architect, applying their skills across technology, enterprise, and consultancy environments. Supported by strong graduate employment outcomes at TUS, students often transition smoothly from study into professional roles:

Careers and employability support is provided through the TUS Careers and Employability Service, which offers CV and interview guidance, employer networking events, careers fairs, and access to employability initiatives designed specifically for computing and technology students
Graduate employment outcomes at TUS consistently rank among the strongest nationally, with a high proportion of graduates securing employment within nine months of completing their studies, many in highly skilled technical roles within Ireland’s growing technology sector
Industry alignment and partnerships influence programme content and project work, ensuring students develop skills that match current software and cybersecurity needs, with opportunities to apply learning through industry-informed projects or work placements
Accreditation and long-term value come from graduating with a Level 9 Master’s degree within the Irish National Framework of Qualifications, offering strong international recognition and long-term career mobility
Graduation outcomes include the ability to design secure software systems, assess and manage cybersecurity risks, and contribute effectively to enterprise and cloud-based security teams

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this MSc, students may progress to advanced postgraduate research, including PhD studies in areas such as cybersecurity, software engineering, or information systems, either at TUS or at other higher education institutions. Graduates also commonly build on their academic qualification by pursuing recognised professional certifications in cybersecurity and information security to further enhance their expertise and career prospects.