Ethical Hacking & Computer Security

Intro

Interested in this course?  Why not participate in our MSc Virtual Open Day.  More details can be found on our Skype Live and Interactive and MSc Virtual Open Day web pages.

Why choose this course?

• Provides the core skills to allow you to take positions in a variety of companies where computer security is a major issue
• Graduates will be at the forefront of new developments in security
• Benefit from an active teaching group with a growing reputation based on industry links and Knowledge Transfer projects
• Delivered in a project based, entrepreneurial and enterprise culture

Abertay is the only university in the UK that offers a Masters programme in Ethical Hacking and our students are passionate about their subject area and developing their knowledge. Ethical Hacking is the process of evaluating the security of a computer system by simulating an attack by a malicious hacker. The course is designed to teach students how to think like a hacker, providing them with a deep understanding of security issues and concerns.

We aim to change the way you think! We encourage lively debates about pertinent ethical and security issues. Students develop the hacker mindset, determined to ‘do their bit’ to improve security in the world of Computing.

What you study

From forensic computing to network security, the course covers a wide range of subjects. Within these, you will learn about web hacking, password cracking, malware analysis, port scanning, buffer overflows and much more. You also learn how to report security problems and to make sure you are working within the law! Students also conduct projects with biometric systems and discuss ethics of recent hacking cases that have been reported in the media.

"This is a great course and is everything I expected it to be. I came from a traditional computing background; programming, networks and the normal stuff but I wanted to do some sort of course that would set me out from the crowd and greatly improve my job prospects. I’ve always been interested in computer security and hacking but was disappointed that it wasn’t really covered in my undergraduate degree. I was taught how to be a programmer, but didn’t’ really know how to write secure programs, or why that was important. This course covers everything that I think I’ll need to get a job and most importantly a job I’ll love!" 

How you learn
Teaching is focused on lectures and practical sessions in dedicated classrooms. Lectures are used to present the key concepts while practicals increase your understanding of the subject and allow you to develop your competence in technological and theoretical work. The course is taught using a problem-based learning approach. You will spend about 12 hours per week attending classes and about 30 hours a week of private study.

How you are assessed
The taught course will be assessed using a combination of written coursework, presentations and seminars with a written dissertation at MSc level.

Entry routes

Applicants should have a minimum of an upper second-class Honours degree in the field of Computing. The course is designed for students whose degree comprises a significant component of software development or networking.

Applicants who do not cover the appropriate subjects during their degree will be considered if they have relevant industry experience. This would normally be a minimum of two years experience of working in the area of software development or networking in either a promoted post or with a significant level of responsibility.

• Disclosure Scotland check required
• Applicant interview required

Overseas/EU
All applicants are required to provide certified proof of competence in English Language and the University's minimum requirements are listed here

Course content

More info

Your future
There is an emerging job market for ethical hackers as companies become increasingly aware of security risks. Some large organisations employ security testers and others use contractors to audit their systems. Graduates can set up their own companies offering ethical hacking services.

Graduates from this programme will also be able to use their existing knowledge of programming, databases, networks or web development to find employment in these fields with a deep understanding of security issues.

Professional accreditation
The course is accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, as meeting the educational requirement for CITP Further Learning and partially meeting the educational requirement for CEng/CSci registration.

Download the course leaflet
MSc Ethical Hacking Leaflet - New 

Fees & Scholarships

Fee quoted is the total cost providing that the MSc follows on immediately after the PG Dip element and is completed within the same academic year as started.  Fees may be subject to increase.