Program Duration: 2 Years (4 Semesters)
Awarding Institution: Banutu Business College
Program Level: Higher National Diploma (HND)
Program Purpose
The HND in Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security program prepares students to become competent professionals capable of addressing complex challenges in modern computing, data protection, and digital intelligence. This interdisciplinary program combines artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics, and cybersecurity principles to equip students with both the theoretical understanding and hands-on technical expertise required in a rapidly evolving digital world. Students will learn how to design, secure, and manage intelligent systems while developing an ethical mindset and leadership capacity to apply technology for sustainable development in Africa and beyond.
Program Objectives
– Understand the core principles of artificial intelligence and cyber security.
– Design, develop, and implement AI-driven solutions to real-world problems.
– Identify, analyze, and mitigate cyber threats using modern defense techniques.
– Apply ethical hacking, digital forensics, and secure software development methods.
– Integrate AI and cybersecurity for smart infrastructure, financial systems, and public safety.
– Use data analytics and machine learning for intelligent decision-making.
– Demonstrate leadership, ethics, and responsibility in technology-driven organizations.
– Conduct applied research in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
– Develop entrepreneurial solutions in AI and digital protection.
– Engage in continuous professional development and lifelong learning in emerging technologies.
Key Concepts To Be Learned
– Foundations of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
– Computer Networks and Cyber Security Fundamentals
– Data Science and Analytics
– Neural Networks and Deep Learning
– Cloud Computing and Security
– Ethical Hacking and Digital Forensics
– Information Assurance and Risk Management
– Blockchain Technology and Secure Systems
– AI for Cyber Threat Detection
– Programming for AI (Python, R, TensorFlow)
– Internet of Things (IoT) and Smart Systems Security
– Artificial Intelligence Ethics and Policy
– Research Methods and Capstone Project
Program Structure (4 Semesters)
| Year | Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
| Year 1 | Semester 1 | AICS 101 | Introduction to Artificial Intelligence | 3 |
| Year 1 | Semester 1 | AICS 102 | Fundamentals of Cyber Security | 3 |
| Year 1 | Semester 1 | AICS 103 | Programming for AI (Python & R) | 3 |
| Year 1 | Semester 1 | AICS 104 | Computer Systems and Networking | 3 |
| Year 1 | Semester 1 | AICS 105 | Mathematics for Computing | 3 |
| Year 1 | Semester 1 | AICS 106 | Communication and Professional Skills | 2 |
| Year 1 | Semester 2 | AICS 201 | Machine Learning Fundamentals | 3 |
| Year 1 | Semester 2 | AICS 202 | Network and Information Security | 3 |
| Year 1 | Semester 2 | AICS 203 | Data Analytics and Visualization | 3 |
| Year 1 | Semester 2 | AICS 204 | Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing | 3 |
| Year 1 | Semester 2 | AICS 205 | Web and Application Security | 3 |
| Year 1 | Semester 2 | AICS 206 | Research Methods in Computing | 3 |
| Year 2 | Semester 3 | AICS 301 | Deep Learning and Neural Networks | 3 |
| Year 2 | Semester 3 | AICS 302 | Digital Forensics and Incident Response | 3 |
| Year 2 | Semester 3 | AICS 303 | Cloud Computing and Security Management | 3 |
| Year 2 | Semester 3 | AICS 304 | Internet of Things (IoT) and Smart Systems | 3 |
| Year 2 | Semester 3 | AICS 305 | Internship / Industry Placement | 4 |
| Year 2 | Semester 4 | AICS 401 | AI for Cyber Threat Detection and Response | 3 |
| Year 2 | Semester 4 | AICS 402 | Blockchain and Emerging Technologies | 3 |
| Year 2 | Semester 4 | AICS 403 | Cyber Law, Ethics, and Policy | 3 |
| Year 2 | Semester 4 | AICS 404 | Leadership and Innovation in Technology | 3 |
| Year 2 | Semester 4 | AICS 405 | Capstone Project / Research Thesis | 4 |
Career Opportunities
Graduates will be prepared for careers as:
– AI Engineer / Data Scientist
– Cyber Security Analyst / Ethical Hacker
– Machine Learning Engineer
– Network and Systems Security Specialist
– Cloud Security Administrator
– Digital Forensics Investigator
– Information Security Consultant
– Research Analyst in AI and Cybersecurity
– AI Ethics and Policy Advisor
– Entrepreneur in Emerging Technologies
Progression Pathway
Graduates may advance to a Bachelor’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Computer Science, or Data Science, or pursue professional certifications such as:
– Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
– CompTIA Security+
– Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
– TensorFlow Developer Certificate
– AWS Certified Machine Learning