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National recognition reinforces Abertay’s leadership in ethical hacking and cybersecurity education
Abertay University has strengthened its position as one of the UK’s leading institutions for cybersecurity education, with two of its undergraduate programmes achieving recognition from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), a part of GCHQ.
The University’s flagship BSc Ethical Hacking degree has been fully certified by the NCSC, recognising that the programme meets the nationally defined criteria for high‑quality cybersecurity undergraduate education.
In addition, Abertay’s recent addition to its portfolio BSc Computer Science with Cybersecurity has been awarded provisional certification by the NCSC, acknowledging that the degree contains the appropriate structure and specialist content needed to achieve full certification as it progresses through the NCSC review cycle.
These certifications place Abertay among a select number of UK universities whose cybersecurity degrees have been formally recognised by the NCSC, ensuring students receive industry‑aligned teaching that reflects current skills needs in the cyber profession.
The announcement follows Abertay’s recent achievement of being reaccredited by the NCSC and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) as an Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Education (ACE‑CSE) – Gold Award. This is the highest level of recognition available within the UK’s national cyber education framework, acknowledging outstanding commitment to cyber security teaching, research, outreach and strategic leadership across the institution.
In addition to the latest success, Abertay’s MSc Ethical Hacking and Cybersecurity also has fully certified status.
NCSC Deputy Director for Cyber Growth, Chris Ensor said:
The full certification of Abertay University’s BSc Ethical Hacking course and the provisional certification of its BSc Computer Science with Cybersecurity course by the NCSC demonstrates our shared commitment to responsibly developing the cyber security talent pipeline. Offering a NCSC-certified degree helps prospective students make better informed choices about the quality of courses available, and employers can be assured that graduates will have studied relevant material, be well-taught and have valued industry skills.
Abertay has been at the forefront of cybersecurity education for more than two decades. Today, the University continues to collaborate with industry, government and education partners to drive excellence and widen participation in the industry.
Dr Natalie Coull, Head of Cybersecurity and Computing, added:
These national certifications reinforce Abertay’s long‑established leadership in ethical hacking and applied cybersecurity education. We are proud to equip the next generation of cyber professionals with the technical expertise and real‑world experience required by employers, government and society. Our curriculum is rooted in practical learning, industry partnership and continuous innovation and the NCSC certification is an important marker of quality showing that our degrees meet the rigorous national standards set for the UK cyber sector.
NCSC-certified degrees are designed to help:
- universities to attract high quality students from around the world
- employers to recruit skilled staff and develop the cyber skills of existing employees
- prospective students to make better informed choices when looking for a highly valued qualification
Abertay is an anchor for the UK cybersecurity industry, driving applied research, innovation and economic growth through the Abertay cyberQuarter R&D centre, funded as part of the Tay Cities Region Deal. The cyberQuarter works with partners including Systal, NCR Atleos, Cisco, Cylera, Police Scotland and many more, supporting the growth of the cybersecurity ecosystem and providing a central hub for the Scottish cyber cluster.
UK Government Minister for Scotland, Kirsty McNeill said:
This certification from the UK Government's National Cyber Security Centre is a major achievement for Abertay University and a testament to the world-class education being delivered in Dundee. It is vitally important that the next generation of cyber security specialists is equipped with the most advanced skills and industry insight as cyber threats grow increasingly sophisticated. GCHQ certification for university courses is especially welcome as the UK Government invests £120 million in strengthening cyber resilience, alongside up to £16 million to help turn cutting edge innovation into new business.
Jamie O’Hare, lecturer in Ethical Hacking at Abertay added:
From a world-first to now NCSC-certified, Abertay’s Ethical Hacking degree has long held a strong reputation across the UK cybersecurity industry and beyond. This recognition celebrates the staff, students and graduates who have shaped it.
Dundee MSP Michael Marra welcomed the latest certification during a visit to Abertay cyberQuarter. He said:
Abertay University is our global pioneer in ethical hacking and cybersecurity education. It is fantastic to see that leadership recognised once again through National Cyber Security Centre certification. These programmes are equipping students in Dundee with the cutting-edge skills needed to tackle the cyber threats facing businesses, public services and the governments around the world. Abertay is not only producing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals – it is also strengthening Dundee’s position as a key hub for innovation, research and high-value digital jobs. This recognition is a major vote of confidence in the world-class work happening here in Abertay and within the wider cyber cluster growing around the cyberQuarter.
