Degree type: BSc (Hons)
UCAS Code: GG45 BSc/EHC
Duration: 4 years (full-time)
How do hackers break into computer systems? Can they get into your computer? Is it easy to break into a corporate network and steal their secrets? During this course, you will be given information about the latest tools and techniques to break into systems. You will be shown how to break into web servers, steal information and how to remotely control someone’s computer.
So this course will teach me hacking skills? There is an expression: “It takes a thief to catch a thief”.
The basic aim of this course is to provide a graduate with knowledge of how illegal computer attacks can be performed and how they can be stopped. In the same way that police detectives need to know how thieves can steal, computer systems administrators need to know what hackers can do. They also need to know how to test their system security and how to trace any security breaches when they do occur. Only then can illegal activity really be stopped.
Abertay is the first university to offer an undergraduate course with the word hacking in its title. The course has been based on groundbreaking research and collaboration with computer security companies.
You will study ethical hacking, computer networking, TCP/IP architecture, client and server systems, network management, encryption, penetration testing, forensic computing, mobile technology, ethics and the law.
The School of Computing and Engineering Systems is an approved CISCO local academy and there may be an opportunity to gain CISCO qualifications alongside your studies. These industry level qualifications will enhance your CV when applying for employment after graduating.
Year 1
Introduction to ethical hacking; basics of the PC and networking; introductory programming; personal web pages; database fundamentals.
Year 2
Further study of ethical hacking; networking principles; programming and web standards.
Year 3
Ethical computer hacking; computer networking and security; project management and team working; internet application design; professional development.
Year 4
Forensic computing; penetration testing; network management; mobile phone technology; industrial project.
How you learn
You will spend around 15 hours per week in lectures, tutorials and computing lab-based activities. Lectures are used to present the key concepts, theories and techniques throughout the course. Tutorials and lab-based activities increase your understanding of the subject and allow you to develop your competence and confidence in technological and theoretical work.
During the course you will also be required to actively participate in discussion groups, lectures, practical tutorials and private study.
How you are assessed
There is a mixed assessment strategy used on the course. Many modules are assessed through coursework – which may be continuous and may include student-led presentation. Modules in later years of the course use a mixture of coursework and formal examination.
Higher BBBB; A Level CCC; ILC (H) BBBBB; UCAS Tariff 240 points*
*See UCAS Tariff Guidance below
Essential subjects: Technology-related subject
Interview required
Criminal records check required
UCAS Tariff Guidance
Although there is no limit to the number of points that you can accumulate, for entry to Abertay you must have qualifications at an appropriate level (SCQF 6/NQF 3); you cannot count the same or similar qualifications twice; Standard Grades, Intermediate 2s, GCSEs and key/core skills cannot be counted; and D grades at SQA Higher and Advanced Higher are not counted.
Applicants who have taken either SQA Highers or A Levels must offer at least three Highers or two A Levels for degree entry (or two Highers or one A Level for DipHE entry). If you have studied a subject at two different levels, the most advanced will be taken into consideration; e.g. if you studied both Higher Biology and Advanced Higher Biology, then only the Advanced Higher will be counted.
Overseas
USA Applicants - US High School Diploma along with either AP or SAT scores. If the US High School Diploma is offered with AP scores then at least two, but preferably three subjects at AP (two of which should be technology related, e.g. computing, physics) at minimum grade 3. If the US High School Diploma is offered with SAT scores, then a minimum of 600 in writing, critical reading and mathematical elements of the SAT Reasoning Test and a minimum of 600 in the relevant SAT Subject Tests (with the subjects being technology related is required).
All applicants are required to provide certified proof of competence in English Language. The University's minimum requirements are IELTS 6.0 (with no band lower than 5.0), TOEFL CBT 223, TOEFL 563, TOEFL IBT 85 or a suitable equivalent qualification.
Mature
Applications from mature students are assessed on the same criteria used for school leavers, e.g. SQA Highers or GCE A Levels, where relevant school leaving qualifications exist. For those without standard entry qualifications, consideration is given to experience gained as well as professional qualifications and other forms of learning that could provide evidence of ability to benefit from a particular course.
The successful completion of approved access courses (such as those offered by Dundee College in association with the universities of Abertay, Dundee and St Andrews) provides significant evidence of ability to benefit from study at Abertay.
For further advice please use our Ask a Question section.
Career
A potentially large job market is emerging for graduates from this course. Currently, many auditors are insisting that companies must get their network 'penetration tested' for legal purposes.
The Data Protection Act means that any network manager must take reasonable steps to protect personal data. Any company with 'financial' considerations are also bound by banking acts. This increase in the job market for graduates is likely to continue for the foreseeable future. There is also a large job market for network management staff.
Professional accreditation
The course is accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, as meeting the educational requirement for CITP and partially meeting the educational requirement for CEng registration subject to Committee approval in 2010 and confirmation once the first cohort has graduated.
BSc (Hons) Ethical Hacking & Countermeasures - Further Information
