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.
Accreditation

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, Architectural Technology, Human Biology, Biology, Chemistry, Engineering Science, Geography or Physics. Graphic Communication is NOT a Technical Subject. |
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 |
A-Level |
BCC |
One of the following: Computer Science, Maths, Human Biology, Biology, Chemistry, Engineering Science, Environmental Science, Geography or Physics |
Irish Highers |
A2B2B2B2 or H2H3H3H3 |
One of the following: Computer Science, Maths, Human Biology, Biology, Chemistry, Engineering Science, Geography or 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 |
BTEC HNC |
D |
Creative Media Production, Graphic Design or Interactive Media |
Qualification Type |
Grade Requirements |
Essential Subjects |
Advanced Higher |
ABB |
Computer Science and one from Maths, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Design & Manufacture, Graphic Design or Engineering Science |
A-Level |
ABB |
Computer Science and one from Maths, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Design Technology or Engineering |
BTEC Extended Diploma |
D*DD |
IT (Networking and Systems Support) |
HNC/HND |
A |
Our Entry from College pages list approved HNC/HND courses |
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.
More information
Find out about grants, bursaries, tuition fee loans, maintenance loans and living costs in our undergraduate fees and funding section.