BSC HONS Hacking University
Course detail
START DATE
SeptemberDURATION
4 yearsAWARD TITLE
BSc (Hons)UCAS CODE
GG45Programme Overview
Demand for qualified ethical hackers and cybersecurity specialists is rising year on year. Study our Ethical Hacking degree and discover the fascinating field of cybersecurity.
How do hackers get into corporate security systems? How do they ‘steal’ computer data? Can you build the right defences and stop hackers in their tracks? Find out how on our Ethical Hacking degree course.
We are right at the forefront of cybersecurity, producing highly skilled, in-demand graduates. You’ll develop a practical and offensive approach, by deliberately breaking computer systems and building cybersecurity defences.
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 and professionally.
Document it and do it again!
The course combines computer networking, digital forensics and expert development as well as programming. You will learn how to protect data and information systems. Our Ethical Hacking degree gives you a deep understanding of cybercrime so you have the skills to stop hackers - fast.
Ethical Hacking BSc (Hons) - the benefits are clear:
One of the leading cybersecurity courses in the UK.
The first Ethical Hacking degree in the world.
Great industry links and recruitment opportunities.
High employment rate on graduation.
Excellent starting salaries.
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. Our Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Education offers opportunities through our teaching, research and knowledge exchange activities, including work experience and placements, for students, staff and graduates to excel in cyber security and to have a positive impact on the world around us.
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. 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.
Modules
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 programme will answer.
Abertay students learn how to take a practical and offensive approach to cyber security by deliberately breaking systems and circumventing security defences.
This degree arms you with 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.
Ultimately, our Ethical Hacking degree, which is accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, provides you with a deep understanding of how illegal computer attacks can be performed and how they can be stopped.
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 that products 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 Partnerships

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 Entry from College 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) | ABBB | 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 | BCC | One of the following: Computer Science, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Design & Technology, Digital Technology, Engineering Science, Environmental Science, Geography, Physics |
| Irish Highers | H2H3H3H3 | One of the following: Computer Science, Maths, Human Biology, Biology, Chemistry, Engineering Science, Geography, Physics |
| International Baccalaureate | 29 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 | DMM | 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 | A | Our Entry from College pages list approved HNC/HND courses |

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.
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.
If you expect to receive passes in three Scottish Highers (grades A-C) and have either ...
- been in care
- participated in a targeted aspiration-raising programme such as LIFT OFF, LEAPS, FOCUS West, or Aspire North
- no family background of going to university
- attended a school or lived in an area where not many people go to university
... we encourage you to submit an application.
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.
- Undergraduate student fees - Scottish Students
- Undergraduate student fees - UK Students (outside Scotland)
- Undergraduate student fees - EU & International Students
More information
Find out about grants, bursaries, tuition fee loans, maintenance loans and living costs in our undergraduate fees and funding section.
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. There are some listed below or you can visit the Undergraduate scholarship pages.
Abertay RUK Scholarship: Games/Computing/Cyber
A scholarship for prospective undergraduate games, computing and cybersecurity students applying from England, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Abertay International Scholarship
This is an award of up to £12,000 for prospective international undergraduate students.
The Robert Reid Bursary
Two £1,000 awards for students who have overcome challenges to attend university.
Unistats
Unistats collates comparable information in areas students have identified as important in making decisions about what and where to study. The core information it contains is called the Unistats dataset (formerly the Key Information Set (KIS)).



















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