Bournemouth University has secured 2.8 million pounds ($3.7 million) in funding from the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) to launch two new degree programs focused on defense and security technologies.
The initiative will establish a Bachelor of Science in Cyber Defence Intelligence and a Bachelor of Engineering in Autonomous Systems, reflecting growing demand within the defense sector for expertise in cyber resilience, AI, and autonomous technologies.
Both programs are scheduled to begin accepting students for the academic year starting in September.
“At a time when our national security and defence technology face more advanced threats than ever, these new courses will provide a major opportunity for the next generation of cyber professionals to contribute actively to national resilience,” stated Professor Alison Honour, Vice-Chancellor and CEO of Bournemouth University.
New Training Facilities
Funding will also support the development of two hubs designed to provide practical training in cyber defense and autonomous technologies across multiple domains.
Students enrolled in the Cyber Defence Intelligence program will train at a new facility located within the MoD’s BattleLab at Dorset Innovation Park.
The center will allow students to practice detecting and responding to simulated cyberattacks against defense-related networks and infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the Autonomous Systems program will be supported by a specialized laboratory at Bournemouth University’s Talbot Campus.
The facility will focus on autonomous technologies across air, land, and maritime domains, including artificial intelligence-enabled drones.
Students will have access to an outdoor testing area, a dedicated water tank for maritime systems, and infrastructure designed to replicate adverse weather conditions and signal disruption scenarios.
The new courses build on Bournemouth University’s broader cybersecurity initiatives.
Last year, the university announced the Cyber Security Competence Centre supported by 2.3 million pounds ($3.1 million) in government funding, including a hub designed for cyberattack simulation and training.
