Ethical Hacking and Cyber Security

Ethical hacking and cyber security is a discipline that applies the mindset and techniques of an attacker to the challenge of defending digital systems. Ethical hackers, sometimes called penetration testers, use the same tools and methods as malicious actors in order to identify vulnerabilities before they can be exploited, working within a legal and professional framework that distinguishes their work from criminal hacking. Combined with broader cyber security knowledge in digital forensics and secure networking, the discipline provides a comprehensive grounding in offensive and defensive security practice.

At Coventry University, this four-year full-time programme enables you to dive into cyber security, ethical hacking, digital forensics, and secure networking, building practical skills and knowledge for a future-proof career in the field. You will learn to identify and exploit vulnerabilities, conduct penetration tests, analyse digital evidence, and design and assess secure network architectures, all within an evidence-based, professional framework. The programme includes a sandwich year with a year abroad and work placement, giving you direct professional experience in security roles and international exposure to how cyber security is practised in different organisational and regulatory contexts.

Entry typically requires around 136 UCAS tariff points.

Graduates work as penetration testers, security analysts, incident responders, digital forensics examiners, security architects, and in threat intelligence, compliance, and risk management roles across the private and public sectors. Demand for professionals with verified ethical hacking skills is high and growing, and graduates with hands-on technical experience from placements are particularly competitive in the job market.