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Students
Tuition Fee
Start Date
Medium of studying
On campus
Duration
4 years
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Bachelors
Major
Cybersecurity | Information Technology | Security Management
Area of study
Information and Communication Technologies | Security Services
Education type
On campus
Timing
Full time
Course Language
English
Intakes
Program start dateApplication deadline
2024-09-01-
About Program

Program Overview


BSc (Hons) Ethical Hacking

Overview

Demand for qualified ethical hackers and cybersecurity specialists is rising year on year. Study Abertay's Ethical Hacking degree and discover the fascinating field of cybersecurity at the Cyber University of the Year (National Cyber Awards, 2024).


Why study Ethical Hacking at Abertay?

  • Study Ethical Hacking and graduate as an accomplished, in-demand professional. Abertay is right at the forefront of cybersecurity teaching, producing highly skilled professionals.
  • It takes a hacker to catch a hacker. This degree is for you if you get excited by the challenge of outsmarting cyber criminals and want to make a real difference by fighting for security and justice online.

Become a cybersecurity professional

  • This practical degree gives you a rigorous understanding of cybercrime and the technical skills needed to stop hackers.
  • You’ll learn to protect data and information systems, combining computer networking with digital forensics and programming. Along the way you’ll develop key life-long skills like independent and logical thinking, research expertise, and the confidence to communicate clearly.

Ethical Hacking BSc (Hons) - the benefits are clear:

  • One of the leading cybersecurity courses in Europe.
  • Great industry links and internship opportunities.
  • High starting salaries.
  • A strong hands-on, practical education.
  • The first Ethical Hacking degree in the world.
  • Cyber University of the Year (National Cyber Awards, 2024)

Internships and industry projects

  • Our Ethical Hacking students often get high-quality internships (subject to selection) in 2nd-3rd year and 3rd-4th year. This is earlier than most other degrees due to the specialist four year curriculum.
  • Third year students also work in teams on a client brief/project developed by external industry partners. Guided by academic staff, this is where you'll learn to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations.

Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Education

  • Abertay University was among the first eight UK universities awarded Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Education recognition by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) – part of GCHQ.
  • We're recognised as a leader in Scotland in successfully preparing students for employment in the cyber security domain.

Global shortage of skilled professionals = well-paid jobs

  • The worldwide shortage of cyber security specialists means that our graduates usually find jobs easily, with many headhunted before graduation.
  • Our alumni work for prominent organisations such as Scottish Power, NatWest, Skyscanner, GCHQ, NCC Group, Moonpig, Amazon, BT, NCR, Cisco and more.

Real-world industry experience

  • We aim to prepare you for a successful career in the tech sector.
  • You’ll have the opportunity to apply for paid internships with our industry partners (subject to selection). These internships are designed to help you gain real-world skills and enhance your employability.
  • The curriculum includes project briefs provided by business partners, so you'll work on current industry challenges and apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations.

Security-Tay - be part of the largest student cyber conference

  • Securi-Tay is a conference run by Abertay’s Ethical Hacking Society (which we encourage you to join). This is the largest student-run information security conference in the world.
  • Securi-Tay features talks, panel events and workshops from all kinds of industry experts, giving you the chance to learn about the very latest developments in this field.

About your modules

  • All modules shown are indicative and reflect course content for the current academic year. Modules are reviewed annually and may be subject to change.

Modules

  • Year 1 Core Modules
    • Computer Networking 1 - CMP109
    • Fundamentals of Development and Security - CMP111
    • Computer Hardware Architecture and Operating Systems - CMP101
    • Programming with C++ - CMP104
    • Software Design - CMP102
    • Abertay 101 - Being Successful at Abertay - ABE101
  • Year 1 MySuccess Modules - Term 1
    • Successful Writing at Abertay - ABE102
    • Digital Skills for University and Beyond - ABE103
    • Dundee and Me - ABE104
    • Research and Enquiry Skills for the Digital Age - ABE105
    • How to Sell Your Idea - ABE106
    • Planning Your Future Career - ABE107
    • Welcome to the CommuniTAY - ABE108
    • Wellbeing Tools and Tricks - ABE109
    • Numbers for Everday Life - ABE111
  • Year 2 Core Modules
    • Data Structures and Algorithms 1 - CMP201
    • Secure Web Development - CMP204
    • Penetration Testing - CMP210
    • Data Structures and Algorithms 2 - CMP202
    • Digital Forensics 1 - CMP209
  • Year 2 Microcredentials - Term 2
    • Being Successful at University (For 2nd year entrants) - ABE201
    • Co-create (Negotiated Studies) - ABE202
    • Anti-Racism in Professional Communications - ABE203
    • Mind Your Language: Text Mining and Qualitative Approaches to Language Analysis - ABE204
    • AWS Academy Machine Learning Foundation - ABE205
    • Sustainability 101 - ABE206
    • Food for Thought - ABE207
    • Optimising your Professional Written Communication - ABE208
    • Mythbusters: Separating Breakthroughs from Fake News - ABE209
    • The Future in Work - ABE210
    • Social Enterprise: What, How and Why? - ABE211
    • Artificial Intelligence and Society - ABE212
    • My AI: Past, Present and Future - ABE213
    • Numbers for Success - ABE215
    • Creative China: Culture, Regulation and Business - ABE216
    • Creativity Matters: Engaging Resources for Wellbeing - ABE217
  • Year 3 Core Modules
    • Professional Project Planning and Prototyping - CMP308
    • Computer Networking 2 - CMP314
    • Web Application Penetration Testing - CMP319
    • Software Development for Mobile Devices - CMP309
    • Professional Project Development and Delivery - CMP311
    • Advanced Ethical Hacking - CMP320
  • Year 4 Core Modules
    • Digital Forensics 2 - CMP416
    • System Internals and Cybersecurity - CMP408
    • Honours Project Proposal and Execution - CMP400
    • Honours Project Dissertation - CMP403
    • Engineering Resilient Systems 1 - CMP417

How the Course Works

  • How do hackers break into computer systems? Is it easy to breach a corporate network and steal secrets? What steps can organisations take to prevent attacks? These are just some of the questions the degree will answer.
  • You’ll learn how to take a practical approach to cybersecurity by deliberately breaking systems and circumventing security defences.
  • You'll learn the skills you need to:
    • Understand the process behind hacking attacks.
    • Develop appropriate countermeasures.
    • Gain the technical knowledge to undertake security audit testing on computer networks and systems.
    • Communicate effectively to all levels.

Learning and Assessment

  • You’ll learn through a blend of lectures, tutorials, practical work and reading.
  • The majority of modules make use of online learning resources.
  • Real world case studies of major attacks and data breaches are used provide the opportunity for critical analysis and evaluation in class.
  • During practical exercises, you’ll be expected to evaluate your own work to make sure the products you develop are functional and fit for purpose.
  • Knowledge and skill are assessed through project work, reports, portfolios and practical assessments. Approximately 20% of the programme is assessed by examination.

Academic Accreditations & Partnerships

  • This degree has been accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT.
  • Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by BCS.
  • An accredited degree entitles you to professional membership of BCS, which is an important part of the criteria for achieving Chartered IT Professional (CITP) status through the Institute.
  • Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees, and an accredited degree is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords.
  • Abertay is a Crest academic partner. CREST builds trust in the digital world by raising professional standards and delivering measurable quality assurance for the global cybersecurity industry.

Entry Requirements

  • Please note: All applicants must have a pass in Maths - National 5 grade C or GCSE grade C/4 or equivalent.
  • National 5 Lifeskills Maths and Application of Maths NOT accepted in lieu of Maths.
  • Please visit our College Qualifications pages for suitable College courses.
  • Republic of Ireland applicants, click on the UK tabs and scroll down to find your Entry Requirements.
  • See information about studying and applying to Abertay for International students.

Entry to Year 1

  • Qualification Type | Grade Requirements | Essential Subjects
    • Higher (standard entry) | BBBB | One of the following at Grade C: Computer Science, Maths, Human Biology, Biology, Chemistry, Engineering Science, Geography, Physics or NPA in Cybersecurity
    • Higher (minimum entry) We may make you an offer at the minimum entry grades if you meet the criteria. Find out if you're eligible for minimum entry (see below). | ABB | One of the following at Grade C: Computer Science, Maths, Human Biology, Biology, Chemistry, Engineering Science, Geography, Physics or NPA in Cybersecurity
    • A-Level | CCC | One of the following: Computer Science, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Design & Technology, Digital Technology, Engineering Science, Environmental Science, Geography, Physics
    • T Level | Pass with C or higher in Core Component | Digital Production, Design & Development (Pearson) or Digital Business Services (NCFE) or Digital Support Services (NCFE) or Digital Production, Design & Development or Digital Support Services or Digital Business Services
    • Irish Highers | H3H3H3H3 | One of the following: Computer Science, Maths, Human Biology, Biology, Chemistry, Engineering Science, Geography, Physics
    • International Baccalaureate Diploma Based Programme (IBDP) | 28 Points | One of the following: Computer Science, Maths, Human Biology, Biology, Chemistry, Engineering Science, Geography, Physics or Analysis & Approach at S5 or H4
    • International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP) | We encourage applications with the IBCP but understand that your combination of qualifications may differ depending on where you are studying. | We accept the International Baccalaureate Careers-related Programme (IBCP). Any subject requirements must be met as per our published IB Diploma requirements.
    • BTEC Extended Diploma | MMM | Creative Media Production, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Engineering, IT
    • AHEAD | - | Successful completion of the relevant stream of our AHEAD programme
    • SWAP | ABB | Access to Physical Sciences, Access to Engineering
    • SQA HNC/HND | B | Our College Qualifications pages list approved HNC/HND courses

Entry to Year 2

  • Qualification Type | Grade Requirements | Essential Subjects
    • Advanced Higher | ABB | 3 Higher subjects at grade 4 to include Computer Science and one from Maths, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Design & Manufacture, Graphic Design, Engineering Science
    • A-Level | ABB | Computer Science and one from Maths, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Design & Manufacture, Graphic Design, Engineering Science
    • BTEC Extended Diploma | D*DD | IT
    • International Baccalaureate Diploma Based Programme (IBDP) | 34 Points | Computer Science and one from Maths:Analysis & Approach, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Design & Manufacture, Graphic Design, Engineering Science plus one other Higher
    • HNC/HND | B | Our College Qualifications pages list approved HNC/HND courses
    • International Baccalaureate Diploma Based Programme (IBDP) | See next column | If you are taking HNC/HND with one or more Higher Levels IB subjects, your offer will be similar to our BTEC + A Level offer (see 'BTEC National Diploma / Diploma') but with an HL requirement of 6 for A, 5 for B, or 4 for C.

International Entry

  • UGPGPreparation
  • We accept a wide range of qualifications from applicants from across the world. Please select your country from the searchable list below to view different qualification entry requirements. If you have different qualifications to those listed, please contact us using the form below.

Academic Requirements

  • All courses at Abertay University are taught in English. If your first language is not English, you will need to demonstrate that you meet our English language requirements.
  • Please see English Language Requirements for the full list of accepted qualifications and further details.

Fees and funding

  • The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you depends on factors such as your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying.

Scholarships

  • We offer a range of scholarships to help support your studies with us.
  • As well as Abertay scholarships for English, Welsh, Northern Irish and international students, there are a range of corporate and philanthropic scholarships available. Some are course specific, many are not.

Discover Uni

  • The Discover Uni dataset (formerly Unistats) is an official source of information about higher education. It collates comparable information in areas students have identified as important in making decisions about what and where to study.

Not sure if you're eligible for entry?

  • If you have the potential and motivation to study at university, regardless of your background or personal circumstances, we welcome your application.
  • We understand some people have faced extra challenges before applying to university, which is why we consider the background in which your academic grades have been achieved when making an offer.

Support for Ukrainian students

  • We're keen to offer help to Ukrainian students who may wish to transfer from their existing institution in Ukraine or to register with us as new students for intake in September. There will be no tuition fees charged for the duration of the degree programme, as those with refugee status are treated as ‘Home/Scottish’ students and will also have access to the Student Awards Agency for Scotland bursary and student loans. Our Recruitment Team can help guide applicants.
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Abertay University


Overview:

Abertay University is a public university located in Dundee, Scotland. It is known for its focus on applied learning and its strong industry links. The university offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including online master's degrees.


Student Life and Campus Experience:

Abertay University is located on a city-center campus, with all buildings within walking distance. Students have access to the Bernard King Library, which offers four floors of open plan study space and printed resources. The university also offers a range of sports facilities and clubs.


Key Reasons to Study There:

*


Applied Learning:

Abertay University emphasizes practical skills and industry relevance in its programs. *

Industry Links:

The university has strong connections with businesses and organizations, providing students with opportunities for internships, placements, and networking. *

City-Center Campus:

The university's location in Dundee offers students access to a vibrant city with a range of cultural attractions and amenities.


Academic Programs:

Abertay University offers a variety of academic programs, including: *


Undergraduate:

Forensic Science, Computer Game Applications Development, Business, Law, Social Science, Applied Sciences, Design, and Informatics. *

Postgraduate Taught:

A range of master's degrees in various fields. *

Postgraduate Research:

Opportunities for PhD and other research degrees.


Other:

Abertay University is a charity registered in Scotland. The university has received several awards and accreditations, including: * University of the Year for Teaching Quality * Athena SWAN Charter * Race Equality Charter Mark * Cycle-friendly Employer * Living Wage Employer * Employer Recognition Scheme * Outstanding Workplace Award

Total programs
91
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