The British Army has partnered with the New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering to launch a new accelerated engineering degree focused on drones and autonomous systems, aimed at strengthening the UK’s domestic skills base in uncrewed technology.
Under the agreement, NMITE will deliver a three-year Master’s in Engineering in Autonomous Systems, rather than the traditional four-year model, with the first cohort due to start in September 2026. The programme is designed to produce broadly trained engineers with specialist expertise in drone technologies, reflecting the speed at which uncrewed systems are evolving and being adopted in modern military operations.
The degree is built around NMITE’s applied, challenge-led teaching model and aligns closely with priorities set out in the government’s Industrial Strategy and Strategic Defence Review. Both documents highlight the need to accelerate skills development in areas critical to defence and security, while ensuring investment delivers wider economic benefits, including in regions outside the UK’s traditional industrial centres.
While developed with defence needs in mind, the programme places strong emphasis on the dual-use nature of autonomous technologies. Graduates are expected to be equipped to work across defence, security, infrastructure, commercial and humanitarian sectors, reflecting the broader application of drone and autonomous systems.
Minister for the Armed Forces Al Carns said the partnership reflected the changing nature of defence. He said the UK is “in a new era of threat, which demands a new era for defence skills”, adding that engineers capable of designing, building and operating advanced drone technologies are essential. He pointed to the Strategic Defence Review commitment to “doubling investment in autonomous and uncrewed systems this parliament” as part of efforts to keep the UK at the leading edge of NATO innovation.
Chief of the Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton said developing expertise in autonomy is critical for the Army and wider defence. He said the programme would “train the next generation of drone warfare specialists and help make the Army more lethal in an increasingly dangerous world.”
NMITE President and CEO James Newby said the partnership demonstrated the institute’s ability to respond quickly to national skills requirements. He said the new degree would “serve defence priorities but also unlock enormous civilian and humanitarian benefits.”
The programme will be led by Professor Alexandru Stancu, who joins NMITE as Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Academic Lead for the degree. Stancu brings more than 25 years’ experience in robotics, artificial intelligence and autonomous systems, including leading roles in academia and industry and over £10 million in secured research funding.
