Leading Ethical Hacking Courses in the UK

From finance to healthcare, government to IT consultancy, ethical hacking jobs are now one of the most thriving sectors globally. Organisations need skilled professionals to protect their digital assets, giving you a ton of exciting projects where you can flex your hacking muscles.

On an ethical hacking course, you'll get to grips with the ins and outs of hacking techniques, learn the ropes of risk management, and get your head around legal issues. You'll do more than just theory, too. With practical training rooted in real-world situations, you'll learn how to spot and stop cyber threats, helping to secure organisations' digital borders. Ethical hacking lets you legally dig into computer systems, hunting for hidden weaknesses.

Starting a career in ethical hacking isn't just about competitive pay. It also means playing a pivotal role in protecting our digital world. With cyber threats constantly changing, ethical hacking is essential. By studying in the UK, you're not only investing in your future. You're also helping to make our tech-heavy society safer and stronger.

Learn more about studying ethical hacking courses in the UK below, or book a free consultation with SI-UK to begin your application.

Top Universities to Study Ethical Hacking in the UK

- Coventry University

Coventry University's MSci/BSc (Hons) course in Ethical Hacking and Cyber Security will arm you with the crucial skills needed to excel in this rapidly evolving sector.

The ethical hacking course at Coventry will submerge you into the minds of hackers, unravelling their strategies and giving you an in-depth understanding of network infrastructures and robust defence techniques against cyber threats. You won't merely learn about theories; the curriculum centres around hands-on practical teaching. The learning experience is heightened with thrilling hackathon events and the opportunity to join societies of ethical hackers.

Upon graduation, a range of exciting ethical hacking jobs open up. Whether as a security consultant, penetration tester, or security engineer, your options are vast and varied. The course offers comprehensive modules covering everything from cybersecurity fundamentals to programming, networking, digital forensics, and beyond.

In your final year, you'll get a chance to solidify your knowledge, take on a final project under the mentorship of industry professionals, and groom yourself for a flourishing career in the field. Coventry University is a beacon of quality education with a commendable reputation for its robust career prospects and exceptional teaching quality.

• Course to consider: Ethical Hacking and Cyber Security MSci/BSc (Hons)
• Entry requirements: 120 UCAS points, A-level BBB with specific subject requirements. Ethical Hacking and Cyber Security MSci: 128 UCAS points, A-level ABB with specific subject requirements. IB Diploma: BSc (Hons) - 29 points with a specific subject at a Higher level. MSci - 31 points with the specific subject at Higher level.
• International fees: £19,850

- Abertay University

Abertay University's BSc (Hons) Ethical Hacking degree in the UK is tailored to fulfil this increasing demand in the ethical hacking job sector. The ethical hacking course provides an in-depth focus on practical and offensive techniques. You'll learn the tricks of the trade - how hackers penetrate security systems and, crucially, how to fortify against such cyberattacks.

The degree encompasses various topics, from computer networking and digital forensics to programming and data protection. The objective is to equip graduates with a comprehensive skill set, enabling them to tackle cyber threats rapidly and effectively.

Furthermore, Abertay University takes pride in being recognised as an Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Education by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). This prestigious recognition guarantees robust industry connections and high employability rates for graduates.

• Course to consider: BSc (Hons) Ethical Hacking
• Entry requirements: BBBB for Higher (standard entry), ABB for Higher (minimum entry), BCC for A-Level, and 29 Points for International Baccalaureate. Specific subjects include Computer Science, Maths, Human Biology, Biology, Chemistry, Engineering Science, etc.
• International fees: £15,500

Ethical Hacking Jobs in the UK

Ethical hacking opens up many exciting job opportunities in the world of cybersecurity. As organisations increasingly recognise the importance of securing their digital infrastructure, the demand for skilled ethical hackers is soaring. Ethical hacking salaries typically start at £30,000 – £40,000, with a median salary of £50,000 – £65,000. At a senior level, you could earn above £70,000.

• Security Consultant: As a security consultant, you'll advise organisations on the best practices to protect their sensitive data and systems.
• Penetration Tester: Penetration testers, or 'pen testers', play the role of ethical hackers. They attempt to breach an organisation's cybersecurity defences to identify vulnerabilities.
• Security Engineer: Security engineers design, build, and maintain an organisation's IT security systems. They perform regular checks to ensure that the systems remain secure and up-to-date.
• Information Security Analyst: These professionals plan and implement security measures to protect an organisation's computer systems and networks.
• Forensic Computer Analyst: In this role, you'll recover information from computers and storage devices for legal purposes.
• Security Systems Administrator: As a security systems administrator, you'll oversee, install, and troubleshoot an organisation's security solutions.
• Chief Information Security Officer (CISO): A CISO is a senior-level executive responsible for developing and implementing an information security program, which includes procedures and policies designed to protect enterprise communications, systems, and assets from both internal and external threats.

Study Ethical Hacking in the UK

If you want to study an ethical hacking degree, contact SI-UK today for a free consultation on all your available study options.

Ethical Hacking Course FAQ

What are the admission requirements for ethical hacking?

The admission requirements for an ethical hacking course will vary between institutions. Still, you'll typically need strong A-levels or equivalent qualifications, preferably with a focus on IT, computer science, or mathematics.

How much can an ethical hacker earn?

An entry-level ethical hacker could earn somewhere around £30,000 per year. With experience and advanced skills, it's not uncommon for seasoned professionals to earn £60,000 or more annually.

Is being an ethical hacker a good career?

As our reliance on digital infrastructure increases, so does the demand for professionals safeguarding those systems. Ethical hacking offers financial rewards and the satisfaction of knowing that you're playing a crucial role in protecting critical digital assets.

What can I do after a certified ethical hacking course?

Upon completing a certified ethical hacking course, you'll have a broad range of career options available, including roles as a security consultant, penetration tester, forensic analyst, security engineer, or information security analyst. Some graduates may choose to pursue further specialisation with advanced certifications, while others might take roles within cybersecurity teams in various sectors, including finance, healthcare, government, or tech companies.

How many years are there in an ethical hacking course?

A bachelor's degree in ethical hacking typically takes three to four years of full-time study. Postgraduate degrees, such as a Master's, usually take one to two years. Short-term certified ethical hacking courses provided by various organisations can last from a few days to a few months.