The New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE) has formalised a significant agreement with the UK Armed Forces to establish a new undergraduate degree in Autonomous Systems. The programme, which is scheduled for its first student intake in September 2026, will address the growing demand for advanced engineering skills within the defence sector.
Based at NMITE’s campus in Herefordshire, the course will offer an accelerated Masters in Engineering (MEng) qualification, achievable in three years. The curriculum is being designed to produce highly skilled engineers with a specific specialisation in drone technologies and their application.
This initiative directly supports key objectives outlined in the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy and the Strategic Defence Review. Both policy documents have identified an urgent national requirement to accelerate skills development in priority areas such as autonomous systems. The partnership also aligns with the government’s levelling-up agenda, aiming to ensure that defence investment delivers tangible economic benefits to regional economies.
Minister for the Armed Forces, Al Carns, noted that the government is doubling its investment in autonomous and uncrewed systems during this parliament, positioning the UK at the forefront of this technology within NATO. The primary objective is to cultivate a new generation of engineers capable of designing, building, and operating advanced drone technology to meet modern security threats.
Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, reinforced the strategic importance of this skill set, stating that developing expertise in autonomous technologies is critical for the future of the British Army and the wider defence community.
The programme will have a strong emphasis on the dual-use potential of these technologies, preparing graduates to drive innovation not only for defence but also for civilian, commercial, and humanitarian applications. This approach is expected to foster greater collaboration between the defence industry and other sectors, creating new opportunities for supply chain companies.
Leading the academic development of the new degree is Professor Alexandru Stancu, who has been appointed as Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Academic Lead at NMITE. Professor Stancu brings over 25 years of international experience in robotics, AI, and autonomous systems from institutions including the University of Manchester.
His appointment underlines the high calibre of the programme and its focus on cutting-edge research and real-world application, ensuring that graduates will be equipped to meet the complex challenges facing the UK defence industry.
James Newby, President and CEO of NMITE, said:
“This partnership demonstrates NMITE’s unique ability to move quickly to meet national skills needs. We are proud to be shaping this innovative new degree in Autonomous Systems, one that will not only serve defence priorities but also unlock enormous civilian and humanitarian benefits.”
Image courtesy of NMITE.
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Post written by: Christian Doak
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