About Ethical Hacking And Cyber Security Msc/pgdip in Abertay University
Provisionally certified by the National Cyber Security Centre - part of GCHQ - this Masters 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 Masters will put you in the ideal position to pursue a successful and often lucrative career. It’s not unusual for the salaries of graduates from this programme to start at £35,000-£40,000. The industry is currently experiencing a major skills gap and global demand for ethical hackers is expected to rise to six million by 2019.
We’re the only university in the UK to offer a Masters programme in ethical hacking. We want to change the way you view cyber security so adopt an offensive approach. The best way to beat a hacker is to be able to think like one!
Aimed at Computing/IT graduates, our MSc Ethical Hacking and Cyber Security 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.
In recent years, class sizes have been around 10-15 people, and they’re unlikely to go higher than 20. This allows for closer relationships with academic staff and fellow postgraduates.
Abertay 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 a fascinating, rewarding and hugely in-demand industry.
Academic qualification equivalents
- Successful completion of a bachelor degree.
English language requirements (one of the below):
- IELTS: 6.0 (with no band less than 5.5)
- TOEFL iBT: 78 (L-17, R-18, S - 20 and W - 17)
- PTE: 54 (all components at 51)
Abertay University Highlights
Foundation Year |
1994 |
Type of University |
Public |
Location |
Urban |
Percentage of Undergraduates |
89% |
Graduate Prospects |
94% |
Acceptance Rate |
29.04% |
Mode of Application |
Online |
Type of Courses |
Full time/Part-time |
Abertay University Average Tuition Fees And Other Expenses
International applicants are always encouraged to have an estimate of the expenses required to study in a foreign land before enrolling at any institute abroad. A basic estimate of the expenses comprising cost of living in the UK is as compiled below.
Tuition fee*
Course |
Fee for International students (in pounds) |
Undergraduate programmes |
15,500 / 14,000** |
Postgraduate taught degrees |
16,000 |
PhD/ MPhil/ MbR in Food, Environment, Sport, Science, Engineering |
14,750 |
PhD/ MPhil/ MbR in Ethical Hacking, Computing, Nursing, Computer Games, Computer Arts |
13,750 |
PhD/ MPhil/ MbR in Economics, Accountancy, Counselling, Marketing, Management, Sociology, Psychology, Business |
12,750 |
Pre-sessional English programme (5 weeks) |
1100 |
Pre-sessional English programme (9 weeks) |
2200 |
*One must note that the tuition fees are different for Scottish and EU students and students from England, North Ireland and Wales.
**Note that the tuition fee may vary for different courses.
Other expenses
Entity |
Estimated cost (in pounds) |
Accommodation |
300 – 400 per month |
Electricity and gas |
30 – 50 per month |
Telephone bills |
15 – 20 per month |
Travel (student railcard) |
30 per year |
TV licence |
147 per year |
Abertay University Application Process
Basic Admission Requirements
- Offer letter
- Referees
- Personal statement
- Minimum 65% in boards or equivalent A-levels or IB
- Specific requirements of countries.
- Visa
- Proof of proficiency in the English Language: The minimum score required for application with the university are as follows:
English Proficiency Test |
Minimum Score |
IELTS |
6.0 |
TOEFL |
78 |
Pearsons(PTE Academic) |
54 |
WAEC/NECO |
C6 |
International Bacc |
English B at S5 or H5( if pursuing English A then the result is not needed) |
Cambridge B2 First |
Cambridge Grading Scale-169 |
Cambridge C1 Advanced |
Cambridge Grading Scale-169 |
Cambridge C2 Proficiency |