Ethical Hacking and Computer Security

Advertisement

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

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.

Applicants should have a minimum of a lower second-class (2:2) 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. * Criminal record check required English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6 CAE score: (read more) Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) is part of the Cambridge English suite and is targeted at a high level (IETLS 6.5-8.0). It is an international English language exam set at the right level for academic and professional success. Developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment - part of the University of Cambridge - it helps you stand out from the crowd as a high achiever. 60 (Grade C) TOEFL iBT® test: 80 IMPORTANT NOTE: Since April 2014 the ETS tests (including TOEFL and TOEIC) are no longer accepted for Tier 4 visa applications to the United Kingdom. The university might still accept these tests to admit you to the university, but if you require a Tier 4 visa to enter the UK and begin your degree programme, these tests will not be sufficient to obtain your Visa. The IELTS test is most widely accepted by universities and is also accepted for Tier 4 visas to the UK- learn more.

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, subject to Committee approval in early 2010 and confirmation once the first cohort has graduated.