An ethical hacking degree at Abertay University has been certified by a UK intelligence and security agency.

The announcement that the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), which is part of GCHQ, has certified the MSc Ethical Hacking and Cyber Security course was made on Friday.

The postgraduate degree helps students develop "the skills and mindset necessary to counter computer hackers".

Topics explored include penetration testing, web hacking, exploit development, digital forensics, network security and information security management.

Head of the division of cyber security at Abertay, Dr Natalie Coull, said NCSC has "a very rigorous process for ensuring that their high standards of quality provision are met".

"I'm delighted this degree has gained such prestigious certification," she said.

"The MSc Ethical Hacking and Cyber Security degree teaches an offensive approach to cyber security, providing detailed knowledge of electronic attacks and how to defend against the methods used to gain access to and exploit a system.

"Abertay is the only University in the UK to offer a master's programme in Ethical Hacking, exploring pertinent ethical and security issues, developing the traits needed for a hacker mindset and instilling an ethos of improving security in the world of computing."