Ethical Hacking and Cyber Security

Dive into cyber security, ethical hacking, digital forensics and secure networking. Learn practical skills, gain knowledge and build towards a future-proof cybersecurity career.

This course could be the right fit for aspiring cybersecurity professionals, tech enthusiasts and problem-solvers who want practical skills in ethical hacking, network security and digital forensics. Gain industry-relevant expertise through labs, and real-world projects to launch your career. With this course, you could benefit from opportunities for hands-on learning, industry placements and an integrated master's degree (subject to meeting progression standards).

Key course highlights

• Practical ethical hacking: learn penetration testing, web security and exploit development in dedicated hacking labs.

• Security and forensics: master risk management, secure network infrastructures, incident response and digital evidence analysis.

• Industry-aligned learning: apply skills through 'Capture the Flag’ challenges, simulations and collaborative projects.

Key Course Benefits

• Join a thriving community of ethical hackers with opportunities to participate in societies and live ‘hackathon’ type events*
• Previous graduates have gone on to become security consultants, security engineers, penetration testers and other sector-specific roles.
• Practical, hands-on approach to teaching, where you have the chance to demonstrate the theoretical aspects of the course through real-world examples
• Dedicated specialised learning environment - the Ethical Hacking Lab**

*UK and international opportunities 
Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or International opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

This course includes a sandwich (placement year) option.

For the most update to date course details, please visit our website.

Course Modules

Year One

In the first year, the curriculum is shared across related courses allowing you to gain a broad grounding in the discipline before going on, in the second and third years, to specialist modules in your chosen field.

Modules

• Cyber Security Fundamentals – 30 credits
• Legal and Ethical Factors in Cyber Security – 30 credits
• Networking and Computer Architecture – 30 credits
• Introduction to Programming – 30 credits

Year Two
In year two, you will continue to develop the skills and knowledge you’ve learnt.

• Digital Forensics – 30 credits
• Ethical Hacking – 30 credits
• Networking – 30 credits
• Security Operations – 30 credits

Placement Year
There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement* can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee* of £1,250. For more information, please go to the fees and funding section. During this time, you will receive guidance from your employer or partner institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement.

Final Year
Year three aims to bring you to the level to enter the world of work by consolidating your knowledge and skills from year one and two. You could also work on a large final project in an area of your interest, with the support of a mentor and your Academic Personal Tutor.

Modules

• Project - 30 credits
• Secure Network Design and management – 30 credits
• Digital Security Audit and Risk Management – 30 credits

Optional Modules (choose one of the following):

• Advanced Digital Forensics – 30 credits
• Advanced Ethical Hacking and Exploit Development – 30 credits

Additional Year
The additional fourth year master's option will deepen your knowledge and expertise.

Modules:

• Applied theory of Cyber Security and Secure Design – 30 credits
• Network Security and Incident Response – 30 credits
• Cloud Infrastructure and Operations – 30 credits
• Security of Connected Systems – 30 credits

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated. Before accepting any offers, please check the website for the most up to date course content. For full module details please check the course page on the Coventry University website.

*For further information please check the course page on the Coventry University website