For Students
All FAQs
Cyber Skills' courses take place online in the evening via Zoom to facilitate the working professional.
There are no exams. There are two assignments per micro-credential each semester, one in week 6 and the other at the end of the semester.
Pathways are accredited, part-time, online programmes designed with industry experts to develop job-ready cybersecurity skills. Running for two semesters (starting in January or September), each pathway awards digital badges for completed micro-credentials and a final certificate upon graduation.
Micro-credentials are a short, certified course focused on a specific skill or area in cybersecurity, designed to quickly boost your expertise.
Ireland is experiencing a crucial shortage of Cyber Security professionals, which is reflected by an impressive employment rate of 100%. On average, Cybersecurity professionals earn +19% higher than the average Irish salary. The industry is estimated to support up to €2.5bn in annual GVA and the employment of over 17,000 cyber security professionals in the sector by 2030.
Cyber Skills pathways and micro credentials are designed for working professionals looking to upskill in Cybersecurity. When looking at a course that interests you, make sure to check the entry requirements, or contact us to discuss possible options.
We offer a Higher Diploma in Cyber Security Operations. Applications need to be submitted via Springboard+. For applicants that meet the requirements of a level 8 honours degree in any discipline and are returners, formerly self-employed, or unemployed and in receipt of a qualifying DSP, then fees will be covered. Eligible working people wishing to reskill will also be considered with 90% of their fees covered.
There are two intakes, one in September and another in January. Applications are accepted in early September and early January respectively. Once a semester has commenced, applications will open for the next intake.
All Cyber Skills courses are part-time, fully online and take place in the evening.
You will be registered as a student of Munster Technological University (MTU), with full student rights and responsibilities. All programmes are supported by the three partner universities.
As with all MTU programmes, there is a recognition of prior certifications and relevant workplace experience process, further details can be found here.
All awards are accredited by QQI and earn ECTS credits.
An online Cyber Range will be used by all programmes to provide a secure, sandboxed environment for students to try out the skills being taught in a controlled environment. The Cyber Range offers a wide range of opportunities to generate the real-world feel of responding to a cybersecurity crisis. The options include penetration testing, cyber forensics, secure network setup, incident response, secure system setup and vulnerability scanning. The Cyber Range supports individual and team-based activities. The platform is available anytime, anywhere for online cybersecurity activities. The Cyber Range will be used to reinforce the concepts delivered in the lectures through both labs and assignments and enables learners to get hands-on experience of real-world attacks and defenses.
Yes, you will have full access to all main MTU campus facilities, including the library, and will receive an MTU student card.
The HCI Pillar 3 Learner Subsidy funds 80% of Cyber Skills pathways and micro-credentials. For more funding information, see here
Funding is also available through the Tech Industry Alliance Skillnet which offers up to 30% of the total course fee. For more information on Tech Industry alliance Skillnet funding, see here
CyberSkills, has partnered with Tech Industry Alliance Skillnet (TIAS) to offer fully online, flexible, university accredited micro-credentials designed to enable professionals to up-skill and re-skill in cybersecurity.
As part of the partnership, participants from eligible companies will receive a huge subsidy of up to 30% of course fees from TIAS, underscoring its commitment to advancing cybersecurity skills in the IT sector.
Follow these steps to apply:
- Apply for this course through the CyberSkills website
- Enquire with Tech Industry Alliance Skillnet if you are eligible for funding. Click Here to visit their website.
- If you are offered a place on the course, upon accepting, mark your employer to pay as - Tech Industry Alliance Skillnet.
- Enjoy the course!
The Micro-Credential Course Learner Subsidy under the HCI Pillar 3, provides an 80% subsidy rate for courses targeting skills in critical areas such as cyber security. Funding will be available from March 2024 to October 2025.
Applicable only to the Higher Diploma in Cybersecurity, for more information see the Springboard website. The Springboard+ upskilling initiative in higher education offers free and subsidised courses at certificate, degree and master's level. Springboard+ courses are designed to help you gain new skills or to upskill in your current job.
To check your eligibility visit the Springboard website.
Fully funded places are available for learners living or working in the Midlands (Laois, Offaly, Longford, Westmeath). The HCI Micro-credentials subsidy covers 80% of the course fee, with ReSHAPE funding the remaining 20%. Details can be found here
To claim relief on a postgraduate course, you must already have an undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification.
Further information is available on Revenue's website.
| Semester 1 | |
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| Term Start Date | Monday 9th September |
| Reading Week | Tuesday 28th October – Friday 31st October |
| Final week of Lectures | w/c Monday 1st December |
| Semester 2 | |
|---|---|
| Term Start Date | Monday 19th January |
| Reading Week | Monday 16th February – Friday 20th February |
| Easter Break | Monday 13th April - Friday 24th April |
| Final week of Lectures | w/c 28th April |
Documents Required for Application Process
- A copy of your CV detailing relevant work experience and academic qualifications
- A motivational statement outlining your interest in this course*
- Proof of your qualifications, ideally a transcript of your results*
- Proof of English Proficiency (International students only)
- A translated copy of your results (International students only)
(*preferred, but not required)
How to Obtain Your Transcript of Results: The transcript is a detailed record of your marks for each subject issued by your Higher Education Institution. You can request a new copy if needed.
For International Qualifications: If your qualification was awarded outside the Irish State, you need to verify your foreign qualification. Use Qualifications Recognition (http://www.qualrec.ie/) to check if your qualification meets the entry requirements and compare it to the Irish National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).
A Level 8 degree is required for entry to the programme. Level 7 qualifications are considered if there is significant relevant experience.
For International Students
As well as the documents listed above, you will also be required to provide the following:
- Proof of English language proficiency.
- A translated copy of your results (see details below on where to get them).
Proof of English Language Proficiency: Non-native English speakers require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 for entry.
Acceptable tests include:
- IELTS (Academic)
- TOEFL
- Pearson PTE (Academic)
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Email/Url
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When to use?
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| Student IT Support Information | A comprehensive guide to the resources and support offered by MTU IT Services. |
| Canvas |
CyberSkills Learning management tool can be accessed here.
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| Web For Student |
This webpage provides access to login to Web4Student where you can view your final results.
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| MTU Student Portal |
The website is intended for all registered students in MTU and contains useful "how if" and "how to" information for all students. If you have a specific query then this website should be your first port of call.
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| Disability Support Service |
The MTU Disability Support Service (DSS) Cork campus welcomes any student with a learning difference, disability or health condition to apply for supports / reasonable accommodations that they may need for their studies.
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| Withdrawal/deferral Information | Full information on how to withdraw/defer and the fees impacts of withdrawing from a course. |
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Email
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When to use?
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| info@cyberskills.ie |
For general enquiries on Cyber Skills which cannot be answered by lecturer
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| servicedesk@mtu.ie |
IT services provides a host of services to students such as student email, smartcard, Web for Student, Adobe Connect, Canvas etc. If you have any issues with the services they provide then log a ticket using the alias indicated.
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| feesCork@mtu.ie |
If you have a specific issue with regard to fees please the Cork fees office referring to Cyber Skills.
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| transcriptsCork@mtu.ie |
Use this alias to obtain transcripts of your results.
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