University to launch defence technology courses

New courses to train students in national security and defence technology threats are set to be launched by Bournemouth University.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has given the university about £2.8m to develop courses, which will include the creation of two new facilities for students to gain practical experience in realistic settings.

The Cyber Defence Intelligence and Autonomous Systems courses are due to start in September.

Professor Alison Honour, vice-chancellor of Bournemouth University said, the courses would allow "the next generation of cyber professionals to contribute actively to national resilience".

Students on the cyber defence intelligence course will learn how to detect and respond to simulated cyber threats in a new dedicated centre at the MoD's BattleLab at the Dorset Innovation Park, near Wool.

The university will also develop a specialist lab on its Talbot Campus where students on the Autonomous Systems course will learn about developments in drone technology, including AI-powered systems.

This facility will include an additional outdoor space which includes a specialised water tank so that the course can cover autonomous vehicles for land, air and sea deployment.

A covered zone will also be created to simulate the effects of adverse weather conditions and signal disturbance.

Professor Christos Gatzidis, pro vice chancellor dean for the Faculty of Media, Science and Technology at BU said students would gain technical knowledge needed to "protect the UK's critical infrastructure, strengthen the country's defence capabilities and ensure the UK can lead the development of new, intelligent technologies".

"By investing in these emerging fields, the university is preparing graduates not only for highly sought-after careers, but also to play a vital role in addressing some of the most pressing strategic challenges facing the nation today."

The institution is are among 24 universities and colleges across England awarded a share of £80m to boost student places and improve facilities for defence-related courses.