Launch of Ethical Hacking degree voted Abertay's top change-maker

The launch of the world’s first Ethical Hacking degree has been named Abertay University’s top change-maker, after a public vote.

Almost 600 people took part in The First of the Abertay’s Firsts poll, which was launched as part of an innovative project delving in to the institute’s 130-year history.

Among the other 25 candidates on the shortlist were Britain’s first maritime engineer Victoria Drummond, Environmental Scientist Rebecca Wade, philanthropist Kalam Choudhury and the launch of the world’s first Computer Games degree.

Abertay launched its Ethical Hacking degree in 2006, and the course has gone on to become internationally renowned.

ABOVE: Dr Rebecca Wade, who finished second in the poll

Graduates are in high demand, and several are currently working for GCHQ, the Government Communications Headquarters.

Professor Gregor White, Dean of Abertay’s School of Design and Informatics, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that Ethical Hacking has been named the top change-maker in Abertay’s history.

“It’s particularly pleasing since this vote took not only Abertay’s 25-year history as a university into account, but also its prior history as a technology institute .”

“Throughout its history, Abertay has been a very forward thinking university and Ethical Hacking is a perfect example of that." - Hope Busak, Abertay Public Engagement Officer

Abertay Public Engagement Officer Hope Busak added: “Throughout its history, Abertay has been a very forward thinking university and Ethical Hacking is a perfect example of that.

“The degree has gone from strength to strength since it launched, and has become one of the leading cyber security courses in the UK.”

The vote was part of an ongoing two-year project funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund; Abertay 25: Dundee’s Change-makers – Our Contribution to Technology and Industry.

Volunteers and around 250 local school pupils assisted with the research work.

For more information about studying Ethical Hacking at Abertay, visit: https://www.abertay.ac.uk/course-search/undergraduate/ethical-hacking/