MSc Ethical Hacking and Cybersecurity

Practical Master's degree fully certified by the National Cyber Security Centre - part of GCHQ.

Course detail

Start Date

September

Duration

Full-time: 12 months or part-time: 24 months

Award Title

MSc/PGDip

UCAS Code

Apply Direct

Programme 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. The part-time option is available to UK applicants only.

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.

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.

We accept a wide range of qualifications from applicants around the world. Please select your country from the list below to view Postgraduate entry requirements. If your qualification is not listed, please contact admissions@abertay.ac.uk

Select Your Country

Academic Requirements

Applicants who do not cover the appropriate subjects during their degree will be considered if they have relevant industry experience.

English Language Requirements

All courses at Abertay University are taught in English. If your first language is not English, you will need to demonstrate that you meet our English language requirements.

Please see English Language Requirements for the full list of accepted qualifications and further details.

For more information on the application process, tuition fees and scholarships, studying in Scotland, and to contact our International Team, please visit our International Students page.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a minimum Diplomë e Nivelit të Pare/Bachelor degree score of 7.5 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a minimum Specialist/Bachelor degree score of 70% or 3.0 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a minimum Bachelor degree / Fachhochschuldiplom / Diplom (FH) score of 3.0 (on the 5-point scale) in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a minimum Bakalavr/Diplomu score of 70% in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Bachelors Degree of 4 years or more with a minimum score of 60% or 2.6 GPA (on a four point scale). Degree must have been awarded from the following institutions (including affiliated colleges):

  • North South University
  • Independent University, Bangladesh
  • American International University, Bangladesh
  • East West University
  • Ahsanullah University of Science & Technology
  • University of Asia Pacific
  • BRAC University
  • Daffodil International University
  • United International University
  • International University of Business, Agriculture and Technology (IUBAT)
  • Bangladesh University of Professionals
  • University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh
  • Jagannath University
  • National University
  • University of Dhaka
  • Port City Chittagong University
  • Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET)
  • Jahanginaga University (JU)
  • Southeast University
  • Eastern University
  • Bangladesh University of Business & Technology
  • Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET)
  • Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology (DUET)
  • Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET)
  • University of Rajshahi (RU)
  • Chittagong University (CU)

Or a Bachelor of Science in Egineering with a minimum score of 55% or 2.2 GPA (on a four point scale), awarded by Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) or awarded 2012 onwards by a private university and accredited by IEB with independent research as part of the course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Specialist degree or Master's degree with a minimum score of 7 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Licentiaat / Licencié with a minimum score of 12 or 60% in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a minimum Licenciado/Título score of 65% in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree (5-6 years) with a minimum score of 70%, or a Master's degree with a minimum score of 60%, in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants studying a Titulo de Licenciado, Titulo de Bacharel or Titulo de (subject area) will be required to pass with 6.0 (on a 10 point scale), in a related subject where required.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree with a minimum score of 4.0 (out of 6) in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Master's degree with a minimum score of C+, 65% or 2.5 (on a 4-point scale) in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants wil typically require one of: a 4-year Bachelor Degree/Licence; Diplome d’Etudues Supérieures de Commerce; Diplôme d'Ingénieur; Maîtrise / Master sans thèse; with a minimum score of 11, or a GPA of 2.7 (on a 4-point scale) in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree/Baccalauréat with a minimum score of 2.5 (4-point scale), 62% or C+ average in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Qualification: PG Diplome d’Etudes Approfondies / PG Diplome d’Etudes Superiures Specialisees / PG Matrise with Independent Research/Project

Applicants will typically be required to pass the PG Diplome d’Etudes with a minimum of 13 (on the 20 point scale) in a relevant subject.

20 Point Scale:
1st Classification: 17
2:1 Classification: 15
2:2 Classification: 13

Applicants who do not cover the appropriate subjects during their degree will be considered if they have relevant industry experience.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically be required to pass the Grado de Licenciado in the essential subject with a 5.5 GPA (7-point scale).

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum 70% in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Licenciado/Título/Maestro with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Baccalaureus / Baccalaurea or Diploma - Visoko obrazovanje (4-6 years) with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Título de Licenciado/ Arquitecto/ Doctor/Ingeniero/Máster with a minimum GPA of 3.5 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum score of 6.0 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bakalář degree with a minimum score of 2.0 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree / Candidatus Philosophiae / Professionsbachelor with a minimum score of 7 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Título de Licenciado or Título with a minimum score of 70% in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree (from a university) with a minimum GPA of 65% in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Licenciado, Título or Título de Maestro/Maestria with a minimum score of 6.5 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bakalaurusekraad (Bachelor degree) or Rakenduskõrgharidusõppe Diplom (Professional Higher Education Diploma) with a minimum score of 3 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants from an Ethiopian university will typically require a Master's degree with a minimum score of 2.75 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree / Kandidaatti / Kandidat with a minimum score of 1 (4-point scale) or 2.5 (5-point scale) in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Diplôme d'Ingénieur / Licence / Grade de Licence / Licence Professionnelle / Grade de Licence Professionnelle with a minimum score of 12 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree or Specialist degree with a minimum score of 70% in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor or Fachhochschuldiplom / Diplom (FH) with a score of 3.5 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5 (4-point scale), or 50% in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Ptychio (AEA or TEI) degree with a minimum GPA of 6.0 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Graduate Diploma or Master’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (4-point scale) in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor Degree (Honours) with a minimum GPA of 2.6 or Lower Second Class (2:2) in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Alapfokozat (Bachelor degree) or Egyetemi Oklevél (University Diploma) with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Baccalaureus / Bakkalárpróf with a minimum GPA of 6.0 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Bachelor of Arts / Science / Commerce (with Independent Research)
Applicants will typically be required to complete a Bachelor of Arts / Science / Commerce with an average pass of 55-60% or 5.5-6.0 GPA (on the 10 point scale) if Independent Research is included.


Bachelor of Arts / Science / Commerce (NO Independent Research)
Applicants will typically be required to complete a Bachelor of Arts / Science / Commerce with an average pass of 65-70% or 6.5-6.9 GPA (on the 10 point scale) if Independent Research is NOT included.


Bachelor Degree in Professional Subject*
Applicants will typically be required to complete a Bachelor Degree in a Professional Subject with an average pass of 55-60% or 5.5-6.0 GPA (on the 10 point scale).

*Professional subjects include: Agriculture, Architecture, Business Administration, Business Management, Business Studies, Computer Applications, Engineering, Homoeopathic Medicine and Surgery, Law, Nursing, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy and Technology.

Applicants who do not cover the appropriate subjects during their degree will be considered if they have relevant industry experience.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor Degree Sarjana I (S1) with a minimum GPA of 2.5 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor Degree with a minimum score of 13 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Master's degree with a minimum GPA of 65% in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a 2.2 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Diploma Accademico di Primo Livello, Diploma de Mediatore Linguistico, Laurea, or Licenza de Accademia de Belle Arti with a minimum score of 94 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree with a minimum GPA of 55%, 2.0, or grade C in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree or Advanced Diploma with a minimum GPA of 60% or 2.2 (4-point scale) in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree with a minimum GPA of 65% or 2.5 (4-point scale) in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree/ Bakalavr or Specialist Diploma with a minimum GPA of 70%, 2.3 (4-point scale), or 3.6 (5-point scale) in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree with a minimum GPA percentage of 50% in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree with a minimum GPA of 2.6 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree or Specialist Diploma with a minimum GPA of 3.6 (5-point scale) in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bakalaura Diploms with a minimum score of 6 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree/Licence with a minimum GPA of 2.8 (4-point scale), score of 12 (French 20-point scale), or 70% in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bakalauro Diplomas with a minimum overall score of 7 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor (Honours) degree with a minimum overall score of 14 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically be require a Master's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.4 (4-point scale), 4.5 (6-point scale) or 50% in a subject related to their chosen course. Applicants with a professional Bachelor's degree may be considered, though this must be in a related subject area.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor (Honours) degree with a minimum score of 55% (lower second classification) in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants studying a Titulo de Licenciado or Titulo Profesional de (subject area) will be required to pass with 7.0 (on a 10 point scale).

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Diploma de Licenta (Bachelor degree) or Diploma de Magistru (Master's degree) with a minimum score of 8.0 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Grau de Licenciado/a with a minimum score of 14, or Grau de Maestre with a minimum score of 12 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor Honours degree / Professional Bachelor degree (competed after 2009) or Master's degree with a minimum score of 60% or grade C in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will require either:

  • A four-year Bachelors degree with a minimum score of 60% in a related subject from one of the following universities: Kathmandu University, Pokhara University, Tribhuvan University, Agriculture and Forestry University, Purbanchal Universite, Lumbini Buddhist University, Mid Western University, Far Western University, Nepal Sanskrit University, or
  • A Masters degree following a three-year Bachelors degree with a minimum score of 60%.

Applicants with non-standard qualifications will be considered on an individual basis, determined by prior study, work experience, professional qualifications and references.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree with a minimum grade of 6 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5 or 50% in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelorgrad (Bachelor degree) or a Candidatus/a Magisterii with a minimum overall grade C in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.3 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree (4-5 years) with a minimum GPA of 2.6 or 60% in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.0 or 70% in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Grado Académico de Bachiller or Título de Licenciado / Título (Profesional) with a minimum score of 12 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree from a well-ranked university with a minimum GPA of 2.0 (5-point scale), 2.5 (4-point scale), or 82% in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Licencjat / Inżynier with a minimum score of 4 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Licenciado with a minimum score of 14 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.7 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Diplomă de Licenţă (Bachelor degree) with a minimum score of 7 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree (Honours) with a minimum score of 12/20 or 60% in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.75 (4-point scale), 3.25 (5-point scale), or 73% in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Diplomirani (Bachelor's degree) with a minimum GPA of 7 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor (Honours) degree with a minimum GPA of 2.7 (4-point scale) or 3.5 (5-point scale) in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bakalár (Bachelor's degree) with a minimum GPA of 2.0 (4-point scale) or 72% in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Diploma o pridobljeni univerzitetni izobrazbi (University Degree) with a minimum GPA of 7.0 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor (Honours) degree or Professional Bachelor degree with a minimum score of 60% in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Título Universitario Oficial de Graduado / Título Universitario Oficial de Licenciado with a minimum GPA of 6.0 (10-point scale) in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree (Special or Honours) at 2:1 classification or 3.3 GPA minimum in a related field.

Applicants will also be required to have undertaken Independent Research.

Applicants with non-standard qualifications will be considered on an individual basis, determined by prior study, work experience, professional qualifications, and references.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor (Honours) degree with a minimum score of 60% in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a good Bachelor's degree / Kandidatexamen / Yrkesexamen with a majority of credits at G in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Diploma/Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 4.0 (6-point scale), 6.0 (10-point scale), or 3.0 (reverse 5-point scale) in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 60-70% in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Specialist Diploma or Master's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.8 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 50% in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.6 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5 (4-point scale) or 65% in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Yokary bilim Hakynda Sahadatnama (Diploma of HE) with a minimum GPA of 4.0 (5-point scale) in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Specialist degree or Master's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5 (4-point scale) or 4.0 (5-point scale) in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.6 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.7 in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Diplomi (Specialist Diploma) with a minimum GPA of 70% in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Master's degree with a minimum GPA of 56%, or grade C+ in a subject related to their chosen course.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Applicants will typically require a Bachelor Honours degree with a minimum GPA of 60% in a subject related to their chosen course.

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. This option is available to UK applicants only.

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.

Crest logo - Abertay is a Crest academic partner.

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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.

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.

Scotland's first Adobe Creative Campus

All Abertay students have access to Adobe Express, empowering you to enhance digital skills with industry-leading tools.

In late 2024, Abertay proudly became the first institution in Scotland to achieve the designation of Adobe Creative Campus.

The Adobe Creative Campus programme is an initiative involving a select group of colleges and universities dedicated to empowering staff and students across all disciplines with essential digital skills for success in both the workplace and the classroom.

Adobe Creative Campus

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.

Find out more

Visa Information

All the information you need about visa requirements for studying here at Abertay University.

Find out more

International Students

Find everything you need to know about applying to Abertay as an international student.

Find out more

Fees and Funding

Please note: this course will run over 16 months full-time and 28 months part-time if you begin your studies in January.

The tuition fees you’ll pay and the funding available depend on factors such as your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you’re studying. If you’re studying a postgraduate taught (PGT) degree, your fee status will be classed as one of the following:

  • Scotland

  • England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland

  • International

Fee Status

Your fee status is typically based on the country where you’ve lived on a regular, non-temporary basis for the three years prior to the start of your course.

We’ll confirm your tuition fees once you’ve applied.

International

International includes applicants from EU countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled Status in the UK. (Students from the Republic of Ireland are not included.)

Annual Tuition Fees

Fee Status

2025/26

2026/27

Scotland

£7,900

£7,900*

England/Wales/N Ireland/Rep of Ireland

£10,400

£10,400*

International

£17,000

£19,950**

*Tuition fees for 2026/27 are still under review and may be subject to change.

**Eligible international students will automatically receive a scholarship worth between £3,000-£7,000 over the duration of their course.

The total programme fee is the same whether you study full-time or part-time; part-time students simply spread the same cost over two years.

More information

Find out about grants, bursaries, maintenance loans and living costs in our postgraduate taught fees and funding section.

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.  

Abertay Postgraduate Taught rUK Scholarship

This £1,000 award is open to all prospective new postgraduate students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Abertay International Scholarship

An award of up to £3,000 per year for up to a maximum of four years, for prospective new international undergraduate and postgraduate taught students.

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:

  • Dell Secure Works

  • Goldman-Sachs

  • NCR

  • 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.

Find out more

Paulina Ruh

Paulina is a Digital Forensic Analyst and Incident Responder for Ankura.

Find out more

Isabel Hoekstein

Isabel is a Cybersecurity Automation Engineer for the CME Group.

Find out more

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 located at the heart of the University, providing support, training and professional development opportunities to our vibrant postgraduate community and researchers. 

Learn more about our Graduate School

Join us as a Postgraduate

When you join us as a postgraduate student or researcher, you’ll join a community of creative like-minded scholars. You will be working in 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.

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.

Our Campus

Why Abertay?

We're proud of our students and graduates, and we believe there's no better place to study if you're looking for a degree that helps you stand out as an exceptional candidate in an increasingly competitive job market.

Why Abertay

Living in Dundee

Dundee is a city of contrasts. It's vibrant and cosmopolitan, but also friendly, compact and affordable. The first UK city to be awarded UNESCO City of Design status, Dundee has a rich history of innovation and creativity, and, in recent years, has become a hub for the digital industries.

Living in Dundee & Scotland

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