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Introduction
As noted in the UK's National Security Strategy we live in a world that "is both more secure and more vulnerable". There are no imminent threats of major hostile attack on our own territory, although in order to maintain our own security we must respond and assist in such conflicts elsewhere in the world.
We are a very open society and our day to day lives rely heavily on an increasing number of networked systems that may be vulnerable to attack. In addition we are seeing direct terrorist attacks, or threats of attack, on both people and critical infrastructure such as major transport assets.
Responding to the full range of modern security challenges requires a strategic approach and an understanding of the capabilities of the various defence systems. We must understand the layers of complexity coming both from the international arena and the interactions of various human and technological systems to deliver an effective and appropriate response.
Module overview
The course provides delegates with a broad overview and high-level understanding of the implementation of systems engineering principles and practices in the defence environment.
The course starts with a study of the global threats to national and international security, and an overview of UK government policy towards defence. By understanding this context we can look at the way in which procurement decisions are made.
Having understood the need for defence, the course moves on to examine how to define the capability required from defence systems, how to make a wide variety of complex defence systems work together to provide an overall defence capability, and the need to plan for long system lifecycles.
An exploration follows of the air, land and sea defence systems that provide the defence capability. The challenges of delivering these defence assets from a systems engineering perspective is discussed, as well as the role of space systems in defence.
The threats from non-conventional sources are studied through an examination of security systems architecture to defend against intruder, explosive and biological attack. Similarly the course seeks to understand the threats posed by cyber attacks and the mechanisms to defend against these.
The course finishes with an overview of how the military provides assistance to civil authorities, and a discussion around wider issues relating to defence.
The course is supported by experts from industry and defence research institutions.
Teaching mode
The module usually runs anually and is taught through a mixture of lectures, interactive discussions and group exercises which facilitate networking among peers.
Accreditation
This module is 15 credits. It is an optional module on the MSc Systems Engineering Management, the MSc Technology Management and the MSc in Management of Complex Projects. It is also a core module for the PG Cert in Defence Systems.
