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UK Ethical Hacking Courses

Discover the fascinating field of cybersecurity by becoming an ethical hacker

An ethical hacking course in the UK is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to identify and prevent cybersecurity threats. An ethical hacking degree provides students with a comprehensive understanding of computer systems and networks, as well as the tools and techniques used by hackers to exploit them. 

An ethical hacking degree typically covers a range of topics related to information security and penetration testing. Some of the common topics covered in such courses include:

  • Introduction to ethical hacking: The basics of ethical hacking, including its definition, scope, and various types of hacking, including white hat hacking and grey hat hacking.
  • Reconnaissance and footprinting: Techniques for gathering information about a target system or network, such as network mapping, port scanning, and vulnerability scanning.
  • System hacking: Methods for gaining unauthorised access to a target system, such as password cracking, privilege escalation, and backdoor installation.
  • Web application hacking: Techniques for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications, such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and session hijacking.
  • Network hacking: Techniques for exploiting vulnerabilities in network protocols, such as ARP spoofing, DNS spoofing, and man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks.
  • Wireless network hacking: This covers techniques for exploiting vulnerabilities in wireless networks, such as Wi-Fi cracking and rogue access points.
  • Social engineering: Techniques for manipulating human behaviour to gain access to a target system or network, such as phishing, pretexting, and baiting.
  • Penetration testing methodology: The process of conducting a penetration test, including scoping, reconnaissance, vulnerability assessment, exploitation, and reporting.
  • Tools and techniques: The use of various hacking tools and techniques, such as Metasploit, Nmap, Burp Suite, and Wireshark.
  • Legal and ethical issues: The legal and ethical issues associated with ethical hacking, including relevant laws and regulations, ethical considerations, and professional standards.

Ethical hacking courses are assessed based on various criteria, including academic performance, practical skills, and knowledge of relevant concepts and techniques. The assessment process typically involves coursework, exams, and practical projects. 

In addition to these assessments, ethical hacking degrees may also require students to undertake industry certifications, such as Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) or Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP). These certifications are highly regarded in the industry and demonstrate a student's proficiency in ethical hacking.

Ethical Hacking Tuition Fees

On average, international students can expect to pay between £14,000 and £20,000 per year for an undergraduate degree and between £16,000 and £25,000 per year for a master's degree.

Ethical Hacking Course Duration

Ethical hacking degrees in the UK typically last for three years for an undergraduate degree and one year for a master's.

Types of Ethical Hacking Course

BSc Ethical Hacking

On an undergraduate ethical hacking degree in the UK, students will study a range of subjects, including computer programming, network security, cryptography, and web development. They will also learn about the legal and ethical implications of hacking and how to work within a team to solve complex cybersecurity problems.

MSc Ethical Hacking

A master's in ethical hacking course builds on the knowledge gained in an undergraduate course and focuses on advanced topics such as penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, and incident response. This degree is designed for students who want to specialise in cybersecurity and pursue a career in this field. It may also include a research project or dissertation.

Ethical Hacking Jobs

Ethical hacking professionals in the UK can find work in a range of sectors, including finance, healthcare, government, and technology. Common career paths include penetration testers, cybersecurity analysts, and information security consultants.

Ethical Hacker Salary

The average ethical hacker salary for new graduates in the UK is around £25,000-£35,000 per year, while experienced professionals such as penetration testers can earn upwards of £60,000 per year.

Ethical Hacking UK Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for ethical hacking degrees at UK universities vary, but most institutions will require applicants to have A-levels in relevant subjects such as computer science, mathematics, or physics. Some universities may also consider applicants with relevant work experience or vocational qualifications. Additionally, a strong interest in cybersecurity and an aptitude for problem-solving are essential qualities for success in this field.

Where can I study Ethical Hacking in the UK?

To learn more about the universities that offer ethical hacking or cyber security related computer science courses in the UK, find details on the top ten ranking Computer Science and Information Systems universities in the Guardian University Guide 2024 below:

  1. University of Oxford
  2. University of Cambridge
  3. University of St Andrews
  4. University of Edinburgh
  5. Imperial College London
  6. University College London
  7. Liverpool Hope University
  8. Lancaster University
  9. University of Dundee
  10. Durham University

Study Ethical Hacking in the UK

If you want to study ethical hacking in the UK, arrange your free consultation today. Don't forget the Premium Service will guarantee you at least one offer from a UK university!

Ethical Hacking FAQ

People who have a strong interest in computer systems, cybersecurity, and problem-solving skills can pursue a career in ethical hacking. A good ethical hacker should have a strong understanding of various programming languages, network protocols, and operating systems. They should also have excellent communication skills to communicate technical issues to non-technical stakeholders.

Some of the popular ethical hacking courses are Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and CompTIA Security+.

The salary of an ethical hacker varies based on experience, location, and employer. According to PayScale, the average salary of an ethical hacker in the US is around $83,000 per year, and in the UK, around £35,000 per year.

The seven types of hackers are White Hat, Black Hat, Grey Hat, Blue Hat, Red Hat, Green Hat, and Script Kiddies.

  1. White Hat hackers are ethical hackers who work to protect computer systems and networks.
  2. Black Hat hackers are unethical hackers who work to exploit computer systems and networks for malicious purposes.
  3. Grey Hat hackers are a mix of ethical and unethical hackers.
  4. Blue Hat hackers are security professionals who work for Microsoft.
  5. Red Hat hackers are experts in penetration testing.
  6. Green Hat hackers are hackers who are new to the field and are learning.
  7. Script Kiddies are inexperienced hackers who use pre-written scripts to hack computer systems and networks.

An ethical hacking course typically covers topics such as network security, web application security, system hacking, social engineering, wireless network security, cryptography, and malware analysis. The course provides practical knowledge of ethical hacking tools and techniques used by professional, ethical hackers to identify vulnerabilities and protect computer systems and networks from malicious attacks.

Breckett Front  My consultant was very helpful and motivating. She helped me every step of the way, even when the deadline was so close. I feel I could not have done it without her. I'd highly recommend this service to any and all of my many friends interested.  Breckett Front

Brishti Basu Biosciences at Coventry University