Scholarships
The scholarships below are open to international students and those applying from England, Wales & Northern Ireland, with a 2.1 or above for a postgraduate course.
Course detail
Start Date
SeptemberDuration
1 year (full-time); 2 years (part-time)Award Title
MSc/PGDipUCAS Code
Apply DirectProgramme Overview
Fully certified by the National Cybersecurity Centre - part of GCHQ - this Master's degree develops the skills and mind set needed to tackle the growing threat of computer hackers. Computer security is a growing concern for organisations of all sizes.
This Master's will put you in the ideal position to pursue a successful and often lucrative career. The industry is currently experiencing a major skills gap and global demand for ethical hackers. It’s not unusual for the salaries of our graduates to start at £35,000-£40,000.
Adopt an offensive approach to cybersecurity
We’re the only university in the UK to offer a Masters programme in ethical hacking. We want to change the way you view cybersecurity to adopt an offensive approach. The best way to beat a hacker is to be able to think like one!
Aimed at Computing/IT/Technology graduates, our MSc Ethical Hacking and Cybersecurity covers a wide range of subjects, including penetration testing, digital forensics, information security management, Malware analysis, port scanning, buffer overflows and password cracking. Our research-active teaching staff are at the forefront of new developments, allowing the programme to evolve to cover the latest techniques and guidelines.
There are two modes of studying this degree. Full-time, on-campus over one year or, part-time distance learning over two years. In recent years, full-time on-campus class sizes have been around 25. This allows for closer relationships with academic staff and fellow postgraduates. The part-time distance option offers a virtual lab for practical work and weekly online sessions to meet staff, fellow students and get help.
How the Course Works
You’ll learn how to evaluate the impact of security problems and recommend improvements to a network’s security within a legal and ethical framework. You’ll also conduct a master’s project within an area of cybersecurity that’ll allow you to build on your existing skills.
Full-time on campus students completing the degree in one year: The academic year consists of three terms with the masters project module completed in term 3.
Part-time distance learning students completing the degree in two years: Year 1 consists of two terms and Year 2 of three terms with the master project module completed in the final term.
Accreditation
This course is fully certified by GCHQ and 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.
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.
Learning
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.
You’re taught using a problem-based learning approach.
For full-time on-campus students, teaching takes place in dedicated classrooms. You’ll spend around 12 hours per week attending classes and around 30 hours a week of private study.
For part-time distance learning students, you'll watch video lectures and and complete practical exercises in your own time. For the latter, you'll work remotely in a virtual lab that recreates the safe controlled environment of the Hacking Lab at the University. You'll enjoy the benefits of being part of the academic community through weekly sessions to meet staff, fellow students, the Ethical Hacking Society and to get help with the practical materials for each module.
Assessment
The taught course will be assessed using a combination of written coursework, presentations and seminars, with a written dissertation at MSc level.
For part-time distance learning students, all assessments and exams would be completed remotely online.
Entry Requirements
Applicants should have a minimum of a lower second-class (2:2) honours degree in the field of computing/technology/engineering. 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.
Modules (Subject to change)
Computer Security (CMP506)
An introduction to issues relating to computer security and ethical hacking, including techniques to improve vulnerabilities and computer defence. You’ll analyse how malicious hackers can gain unauthorised access and explore how to improve security.
Digital Forensics 3 (CMP507)
Provides you with the ability to carry out and critically evaluate computer forensic investigations and appraise forensic software with a view to develop appropriate investigation strategies in the light of emerging digital technologies.
Information and Network Security Management (CMP508)
An examination of the many forms of threats to information systems and appropriate countermeasures. This provides you with an understanding of the architecture and management of modern computer networking and of the security implications of the many possible architectural structures.
Ethical Hacking 4 (CMP509)
Provides you with specialist knowledge and experience of advanced hacking techniques and their countermeasures.
Engineering Resilient Systems Masters (CMP510)
Social and technical approaches to better security resilience in systems through consideration of methods of attack and defence. Module content: Hardware Security Challenges; The Ingredients of Machine Learning; Support Vector Machines for Cyber Security; Neural Networks for Cyber Security; Authentication Design; Principles of Secure Software Development; Language and API Design for Security; Static and Dynamic Analysis; Insider Threat.
Research Methods (1) (GRS501)
An introduction to research methods and statistical analysis. Combines theoretical, historical and statistical concepts with hands-on practical lab sessions using both qualitative and quantitative techniques to put theory into practice.
Masters Project (CMP504)
Select, plan, conduct and write up a research based investigation for the Masters Project. The project will include the selection of appropriate research and experimental methods, the collection and analysis of data/information and the evaluation and communication of findings. The result is a solution appropriate to the project aims and a dissertation.
Swiping Left on Scammers: An MSc Ethical Hacking and Cybersecurity Student's Fight Against Romance Fraud
How hard is it to detect a fraudster on a dating app? Can you tell an online scammer posing as a potential lover from the real-deal? An Abertay University student has used virtual reality to highlight just how difficult this could be for people looking for love online.
Graduate Octavia Lea has developed ‘HeartGuard VR: A Romance Scam Experience’ as part of their MSc in Ethical Hacking and Cybersecurity. The ‘applied’ game uses virtual reality to highlight the dangers of online romance fraud by allowing users to play as the AI inside a potential victim’s device.
Gamers must weed out the scammers from the real people as messages pour in from dating apps and other messaging platforms. Check out the video below to learn more:
Romance fraud is a growing type of scam which involves criminals luring their victims into false relationships in order to steal their money or personal information. It is one of the most devastating and costly forms of cybercrime, and affects thousands of people across the UK.
Information for International Applicants
Learn more about Abertay's English language requirements, as well as visa information.
English Language Requirements
Explore English language requirements for entry to Abertay University.
Visa Information
All the information you need about visa requirements for studying here at Abertay University.
International Students
Find everything you need to know about applying to Abertay as an international student.
Fees & 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. Visit the links below and scroll down to find the Postgraduate section.
More information
Find out about grants, bursaries, maintenance loans and living costs in our postgraduate taught fees and funding section.
Abertay Postgraduate Taught rUK Scholarship
This £1,000 award is open to all prospective new postgraduate students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
International Postgraduate Abertay Scholarships
This £3,000 award is open to all prospective new international postgraduate students at Abertay University.
Career Opportunities
There’s 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. Our graduates have also set up their own companies offering ethical hacking services.
Some use their existing knowledge of programming, databases, networks or web development to find employment in these fields, with a deep understanding of security issues.
Our graduates have gone on to work for organisations such as:
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Dell Secure Works
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Goldman-Sachs
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NCR
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GCHQ
Others have gone on to set up their own successful information security businesses.
Join us and start your career in ethical hacking and cybersecurity - fascinating, rewarding and hugely in-demand.
Get inspired
Meet some of our Ethical Hacking and Cybersecurity graduates and find out what they've gone on to do.
Shreyas Tewari
Shreyas is a Cybersecurity Analyst for National Grid Electricity Distribution.
Industry Experts: Fortinet and Red Sift
Chris Parker MBE, Director at Fortinet, a global leader in cybersecurity solutions, gave a personal perspective on technology, the industry, and the many opportunities for graduates in the cybersecurity profession.
'Phishing' attacks (aka email impersonation) present the greatest cybersecurity threat at the moment. Blocking phishing emails by analysing their authenticity is the work of cybersecurity company Red Sift. Rois Ni Thuama and Connor Jones spoke about working for Red Sift at their offices in London, Barcelona, Houston, Sydney or from home in Dundee (or wherever you live).
Both businesses are looking for the very best cybersecurity graduates, ones exactly like our Abertay students.
The Hack Lab
You’ll be granted access to our state-of-the-art Hack Lab, which has been created especially for security work. Every PC in the Hack Lab is isolated from the main university network, allowing you to experiment with all aspects of ethical hacking in a safe, controlled environment.
Considering this space is where you’ll be examining how viruses are made undetectable by malicious hackers, or aggressively exploiting flaws in realistic websites or mobile apps, removing the ability to cripple other networks is crucial.
Ethical Hacking Society
You’ll also have the option to join our Ethical Hacking Society (HackSoc) and build industry contacts while studying thanks to the society’s organisation of Securi-Tay, Europe's only student-run information security conference.
Graduate School
Our Graduate School is a dedicated facility providing support, training and professional development opportunities to our vibrant postgraduate community. This is specially designed to promote integration and inculcation of interdisciplinary working in our next generation of researchers.
Postgraduates all study and learn together at Abertay – from Environmental Management to Law, Psychology, Bioscience, Economics and Business, Cybersecurity and Computer Games Development.
Joining as a Postgraduate Student
When you join us as a postgraduate student or researcher, you’ll be joining a community of creative likeminded scholars and will automatically be provided with access to our dedicated study and social spaces – a forum in which you can meet, work and learn with other researchers and postgraduates from across the University.
You’ll benefit from training and professional development opportunities, as well as support with funding applications, placement opportunities, teaching support, public engagement and outreach activity.
Making the Most of Masters
The Making the Most of Masters project provides opportunities for master’s students to undertake work based projects, allowing you to enhance your employability at the same time as studying for your master’s degree.
Working with external organisations and employers, the projects are an integral part of your academic programme, and address real needs within an organisation, meaning you’ll have the opportunity to add valuable experience to your CV.
Explore our Dundee Campus
Abertay is conveniently located on a city centre campus, with all of its buildings within a quarter of a mile of each other. Shops, recreational facilities and the main bus and train stations are a short walk away.
Why Abertay?
We're extremely proud of our students and graduates.
We believe there's no better place to study for a degree that helps you stand out as an exceptional candidate in an increasingly competitive job market. And we will do everything we can to help you do just that.
Living in Dundee
Dundee is a city of contrasts. It's vibrant and cosmopolitan, but also friendly, compact and affordable. Dundee has a rich history of innovation and creativity, and is a growing hub for the digital industries. Find out more about living in Dundee.
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