COURSE CURRICULUM

The Ethical Hacking degree at Abertay University is a specialised program designed to develop professionals equipped to defend against and outsmart cyber threats. In Year 1, students build foundational knowledge in key computing areas through six core modules. These include Programming with C++, Computer Networking, Software Design, Fundamentals of Development and Security, and Computer Hardware Architecture and Operating Systems. These modules provide essential technical skills, while the Abertay 101 module supports academic success and smooths the transition into university-level study.Year 2 introduces more specialised topics with five core modules. Students study Data Structures and Algorithms in two sequential modules, along with Secure Web Development, Penetration Testing, and Digital Forensics 1. This year builds the technical foundation for ethical hacking, teaching students how systems can be exploited and secured through hands-on practice in lab environments.Year 3 deepens this expertise through six focused modules. Students work on a two-part Professional Project that covers planning, prototyping, development, and delivery, mirroring real-world project workflows. Core subjects such as Computer Networking 2, Web Application Penetration Testing, Software Development for Mobile Devices, and Advanced Ethical Hacking allow students to apply their skills in complex, simulated cyber environments.In the final year, students consolidate their learning through five advanced modules. Digital Forensics 2 and System Internals and Cybersecurity explore complex areas of analysis and system security. The Honours Project, split into proposal and execution stages, allows students to research and deliver an in-depth investigation or solution to a cybersecurity problem. The Engineering Resilient Systems module teaches how to design systems that are secure and robust under attack.Throughout the degree, students gain practical experience with real-world tools and technologies. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in penetration testing, digital forensics, cybersecurity consultancy, and broader roles within the cybersecurity industry, with a strong ethical and technical foundation.