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AI, Biometrics and Smart Systems

  • Study Mode: Part Time
  • Location: High Wycombe
  • Duration: 5 Weeks
  • Start Date: February 2025

This course explores AI's role in defending against cybercrime, covering AI protection of data and systems, rule-based decision-making, machine learning, as well as legal and ethical considerations. Gain practical skills and critical insights to develop advanced, AI-driven security solutions.

Why study AI, Biometrics and Smart Systems at BNU?

This Short course is run in ‘block mode’ over the course of five weeks. The first week is an intensive lab-based workshop comprising ten three-hour sessions, blending theoretical and practical elements. Over the next four weeks, we hold a weekly, evening, online surgery. In these surgeries, you will be invited to participate in online discussions. This will reinforce theoretical concepts and help put theory into practice, with the tutors. It will also allow you to seek further guidance on assessments as required.

This teaching method is designed to cause a minimum amount of disruption to your full time work.

This course incorporates guidance from the Communications-Electronics Resilience Group (CESG), a group within the UK Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), as well as the Chartered Institute for Information Security’s Information Resilience Skills framework.

Stay ahead with a curriculum that covers the latest advancements in AI and cybersecurity, including, machine learning, Speech processing, intelligent behaviour, and biometric access controls. This ensures you are equipped with up-to-date knowledge and skills that are highly relevant in today’s tech-driven world.

What facilities can I use?

You will have access to the university facilities as a student of BNU, which entitles you to some benefits, such as access to our 24/7 library with free study space and free laptop loans. Our AppsAnywhere service provides you with online access to the software you need to complete the course.

As a student of BNU you will have access to our student union, with free trips, societies and events for you to get involved in. We also have support services such as counselling, cost of living support, free laptop loans and CV writing. Our new restaurant serves food with a discounted rate and is only open to students and staff.

What will I study?

In this module, you will explore key aspects of Artificial Intelligence and their relevance to security systems. You’ll learn how AI can be used to help combat cybercrime by protecting data and systems, and you'll cover the advantages and limitations of AI in computer security.

You'll study fundamental AI principles like rule-based decision-making and probabilistic reasoning. You will delve into concepts such as machine learning and intelligent behaviour to understand how they mimic human decision-making processes. You'll also examine technologies like biometric access controls, learning about false rejection and acceptance rates.

Importantly, you'll explore the legal and ethical issues surrounding AI technologies, such as the implications of biometrics and the shift of control to smart systems. This will help you understand the broader societal impact and the importance of responsible AI development.
 

How will I be taught and assessed?

On this short course you will be studying this module as part of the MSc Cyber Resilience degree, which will help ensure a good learning environment. This short course is taught in ‘block mode, over the course of five weeks. The first week is an intensive lab-based workshop comprising ten three-hour sessions, blending theoretical and practical elements. Over the next four weeks, we hold a weekly, evening, online surgery. In these surgeries, you will be invited to participate in online discussions. This will reinforce theoretical concepts and help put theory into practice, with the tutors. It will also allow you to seek further guidance on assessments as required.

Our supportive academics are experienced industry professionals and will guide you through problem-based learning via case studies and classroom-based exercises throughout the course.

You will also benefit from guest lecturers, helping you to understand current practices and prepare you for working life as a cyber security professional.

The majority of assessments come from coursework or team projects appropriate to the module. These often involve writing essays or reports, constructing artefacts, or taking practical examinations. They are designed to test your ability to apply and discuss key concepts.

What are the tuition fees

Home
  • Home, Academic Year 2024 - 2025: £1,200 per year *
  • Home, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £1,250 per year *

Following the Government’s announcement of 4 November 2024, we will be increasing our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for UK students to £9,535 per year from the start of the 2025/26 academic year. Our part-time fees for UK undergraduate students will increase to £7,145 per annum. Please visit , on the Government’s website, for more information about the changes. 

Tuition fees for Home undergraduate students (including with foundation year) may increase in subsequent years for both new and continuing students in line with an inflationary amount determined by the Government.   

Tuition fees for both new and continuing international students may be subject to an inflationary increase based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the 12-month period to 31 January each year.   

Tuition fees for postgraduate courses and CPD may be subject to an inflationary increase based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the 12-month period to 31 January each year. This increase will apply to both new and continuing students.   

We understand, and really appreciate, the significant financial commitment our students make when they choose to study at BNU. We take our responsibilities to our students very seriously, and are ambitious for each to reach their full potential and succeed in their chosen career. Our fees help us to continue providing our students with a high-quality education, and to invest in the services and facilities which create an excellent student experience at BNU. 

The following factors will be considered by the University when we set the annual fees: measures of inflation such as the retail price indices; projected increases in University costs; and any changes in the level of funding for teaching received from the Government.

Additional course costs and financial support

Most courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees.
You could benefit from financial support through a bursary or scholarship during your time as a student. For more details visit our financial support, bursaries and scholarships section.

Questions about fees?

If you have any questions about the fees above, contact our Enquiries team by calling 0330 123 2023 or emailing advice@bnu.ac.uk.

What are my career prospects?

Studying this course could help you succeed in any of the following careers:

  • Cybersecurity Analyst
  • AI Research Scientist
  • Machine Learning Engineer
  • Biometric Systems Developer 
  • Ethical Hacker/Penetration Tester

Course leader

Headshot of a smiling Gavin Butler, stood facing, and looking directly into, the camera
Gavin Butler
  • Senior Lecturer
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