Marvin OnumonuThe New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE) has reached an agreement with the UK armed forces to launch a new undergraduate degree in autonomous systems.
The course is set to start in September 2026 and will lead to a masters in engineering in three years, rather than the usual four.
The degree will focus on drone technologies and aims to produce engineers who are broadly trained and highly effective.
The programme supports the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy and Strategic Defence Review, which identified the need to develop skills in priority areas at a faster rate and ensure investment in defence delivers economic benefits in regions like the Midlands and the North.
Minister for the Armed Forces Al Carns, said: “We are in a new era of threat, which demands a new era for defence skills.
“Our Armed Forces must have the skills and experience to tackle the modern-day threats head on – including with engineers who can design, build and operate cutting-edge drone technology to defend our country.
“Through our Strategic Defence Review we are doubling investment in autonomous and uncrewed systems this parliament, putting the UK at the leading edge of innovation in NATO, and training a new generation to keep Britain secure at home and strong abroad.”
Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, said: “Developing skills in autonomous technologies is critical to both defence and the Army.
“Backed by the British Army, NMITE will train the next generation of drone warfare specialists and help make the Army more lethal in an increasingly dangerous world.”
The degree will cover both military and civilian uses of drone technology.
NMITE said graduates will be able to work in commercial and humanitarian fields as well as defence.
James Newby, president and CEO at 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.”
Jesse Norman MP, co-founder and chair at NMITE, said: “This degree marks an important step forward for NMITE.
“It will create huge opportunities for our students, bring significant investment into Herefordshire, and support the county’s new defence ecosystem, for the benefit of local people and businesses, and the nation as a whole.”
The new degree will be led by Alexandru Stancu, who has joined NMITE as professor of mechanical engineering and academic lead.
Stancu has over 25 years of experience in robotics, artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous systems.
He led the robotics and autonomous systems research group at the University of Manchester and founded Manchester Robotics Ltd.
