Skip navigation
Ethical Hacking at Abertay University - UCAS

Course options

2024 - 20252025 - 2026
Apply

Abertay University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework.

Abertay University TEF outcome is still being considered.

Course summary

Launched in 2006, Abertay's Ethical Hacking degree was the first of its kind in the world, and is recognised as one of the UK's leading vocational security programmes. With the demand for qualified ethical hackers and cyber security specialists rising year on year, coupled with high starting salaries, there has never been a better time to study this fascinating field. Abertay’s BSc (Hons) Ethical Hacking is within its renowned School of Design and Informatics and is accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT. You will learn a practical and offensive approach, by deliberately breaking computer systems and building cybersecurity defences. The course combines computer networking, digital forensics and expert development as well as programming. You will learn how to protect data and information systems. Abertay’s Ethical Hacking degree gives you a deep understanding of cybercrime so you have the skills to stop hackers. Our links with Industry and recruitment opportunities are outstanding. Abertay is widely recognised as having been instrumental in building the city of Dundee’s place as a global hub for computing and gaming. Our rankings include: • UK University of the Year 2021 - Teaching Quality (The Times/ Sunday Times Good University Guide) • UK Top 10 - Student Satisfaction & Teaching (Guardian Good University Guide 2021) • UK Top 10 - Student Satisfaction (National Student Survey 2020)

Modules

Year 1 core modules (subject to change over time) - CMP101 Computer Hardware Architecture & Operating Systems; CMP109 Computer Networking 1; CMP104 Programming with C++; CMP110 Introduction to Security; CMP102 Software Design. You will also be required to select one elective module. For detailed module information please check our website.

Assessment method

Acquisition of knowledge is facilitated and fostered through a mixture of lectures, tutorials, practicals, directed reading and student-centred learning. The majority of modules make use of online learning resources. Case studies are used to illustrate real world examples and to provide an opportunity for critical analysis and evaluation. Cognitive skills are consistently promoted and developed by means of lectures, tutorial directed reading, seminars and student-centred learning. Within practical exercises, students are expected to evaluate their own work to ensure that products not only work, but are also fit for purpose. Assessments are designed to develop and assess the achievement of the level of performance expected at each level. Knowledge and understanding is assessed using projects, reports, portfolios and practical assessments. Only approximately 20% of the programme is assessed by examination.

How to apply

31Jan

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
GG45
Institution code:
A30
Campus name:
Abertay Campus
Campus code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1
  • Year 2
  • Year 3

Entry requirements for advanced entry (i.e. into Year 2 and beyond)

Year 2 - Relevant Higher National Certificate or equivalent. Year 3 - Higher National Diploma in Cyber Security

Entry requirements

Standard Qualification Requirements

Applicants should have National 5/GCSE Maths at grade C/4 or equivalent - Lifeskill Maths and Application of Maths NOT accepted in lieu of Maths

Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course

https://www.abertay.ac.uk/course-search/undergraduate/ethical-hacking/

Minimum Qualification Requirements

We may make you an offer at the minimum entry grades if you meet the criteria.

Please click the following link to find out more about minimum qualification requirements for this course

https://www.abertay.ac.uk/course-search/undergraduate/ethical-hacking/

English language requirements

We look for applicants to have achieved an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with no individual test lower than 5.5. Some degrees have higher requirements - refer to the 'entry routes' tab of each degree for more detail.

List of English Language Requirements

https://www.abertay.ac.uk/studying/informationforinternationalstudents/english-requirements/

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
90%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
100%
Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Scotland £1820 Year 1
England £9250 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9250 Year 1
Wales £9250 Year 1
Republic of Ireland £9250 Year 1
EU £15000 Year 1
International £15000 Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

International/EU fees are £15,500 for the following courses:- BA (Hons) Computer Arts BSc (Hons) Computer Game Applications Development BSc (Hons) Computer Games Technology BSc (Hons) Computing BSc (Hons) Computer Science BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Cybersecurity BSc (Hons) Ethical Hacking BA (Hons) Game Design and Production
Ethical Hacking at Abertay University - UCAS