The British Armed Forces have agreed to develop a new undergraduate degree in autonomous systems in partnership with the New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE).
The Hereford-based university will begin welcoming students to the new degree in September 2026. The programme has been launched in cooperation with the military to respond to international threats with the most advanced technology available.
The course will place an emphasis on the dual-use of drone technologies, supporting civilian life and defensive capabilities.
“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,” said Minister for the Armed Forces Al Carns.
“Through our Strategic Defence Review we are doubling investment in autonomous and un-crewed 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.”
Development and delivery of the degree will be led by Professor Alexandru Stancu, a specialist in robotics, AI and autonomous systems. Stancu led the Robotics and Autonomous Systems Research Group at the University of Manchester and founded Manchester Robotics Ltd.
“This degree marks an important step forward for NMITE,” added Jesse Norman, a Conservative MP and co-founder and chair of 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.”
