Security is embedded in everything you’ll do on this practical degree.
This vocational 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.
Understand the processes behind hacking and cyber attacks.
Work out how illegal hacks can be stopped.
Create real-life countermeasures and fixes.
Shut down security hacks quickly.
Communicate your plans effectively and professionally.
Document it and start again.
Along the way you’ll develop key life-long skills like independent and logical thinking, research expertise, and the confidence to communicate clearly.
Our graduates usually find jobs easily, with many headhunted before they have even graduated. Why not apply now and join them?
One of the leading cybersecurity courses in Europe.
A strong hands-on and technical education.
The first Ethical Hacking degree in the world.
Great industry links and recruitment opportunities.
High employment rate on graduation.
Excellent starting salaries.
Our Ethical Hacking students often get high-quality internships 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 companies. This means in term one you prepare a proposal, then in term two you deliver the finished project. You'll be guided by academic staff who meet with teams once a week to monitor workload and progress.
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. Our Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Education offers opportunities through our teaching and research and knowledge exchange activities for students, staff and graduates to excel in cyber security and to have a positive impact on the world around us.
Visit our Dundee campus and find your place at Abertay University.
Our 2024 undergraduate Open Days will be held on ...
Saturday 28 September 2024
Saturday 2 November 2024
... and you're invited!
Click below to book your place.
Securi-Tay is run by Abertay’s Ethical Hacking Society which we encourage you to join.
The largest information security conference in Scotland, Securi-Tay features talks and workshops from industry experts, giving you the chance to network and learn about the very latest industry developments. There are international attendees, speakers, and business sponsors as well as great networking opportunities.
You’ll have full access to our custom-built Hack Lab.
Every PC in the Hack Lab is isolated from the main university network, so you can experiment with all aspects of ethical hacking in a safe, controlled environment. You’ll be aggressively exploiting flaws in realistic websites and networks, so removing the ability to cripple the university network is crucial!
The worldwide shortage of cybersecurity 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.
They often become security testers, but some work in defensive roles in network management and software development or have set up their own ethical hacking consultancy businesses.
All modules shown are indicative and reflect course content for the current academic year. Modules are reviewed annually and may be subject to change. If you receive an offer to study with us we will send you a Programme document that sets out exactly which modules you can expect to take as part of your Abertay University degree programme. Please see Terms and Conditions for more information.
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.
Our Ethical Hacking degree provides you with a deep understanding of how illegal computer attacks are performed and how they can be stopped.
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.
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.
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.
| Qualification Type | Grade Requirements | Essential Subjects |
| Higher (standard entry) | BBBB | One of the following: 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: 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 | Merit | 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 | 28 Points | One of the following: Computer Science, Maths, Human Biology, Biology, Chemistry, Engineering Science, Geography, Physics or Analysis & Approach at S5 or H4 |
| 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 |
| Qualification Type | Grade Requirements | Essential Subjects |
| Advanced Higher | ABB | 3 Higher subects 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 | 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 |
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.
If you expect to receive passes in three Scottish Highers (grades A-C) and have...
been in care, or are a young carer yourself
attended a school or lived in an area where not many people go to university
are eligible for free school meals
are a young person estranged from your family
are a government-recognised refugee or have asylum seeker status
are a registered pupil with sustained engagement in a targeted aspiration-raising programme such as LIFT OFF, LEAPS, FOCUS West or Aspire North
... we encourage you to submit an application.
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.
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.
Find out about grants, bursaries, tuition fee loans, maintenance loans and living costs in our undergraduate fees and funding section.
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. There are some listed below or you can visit the Undergraduate scholarship pages.
A scholarship for prospective undergraduate games, computing and cybersecurity students applying from England, Wales or Northern Ireland.
This is an award of up to £12,000 for prospective international undergraduate students.
Two £1,000 awards for students who have overcome challenges to attend university.
Meet some of our Ethical Hacking graduates and find out what they've gone on to do.
Dan is currently a Principle Consultant and OT/ICS Sub-Capability Lead at PA Consulting.
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