British Army to develop degree in autonomous systems

The New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE) is developing the degree with the UK Armed Forces.

It aims to prepare students to be ‘broadly trained’, ‘highly effective’ engineers with a specialised focus on drone technologies and is scheduled to commence in 2026.

The degree will lead to a Masters in Engineering (MEng) in three years, rather than the normal four years in traditional universities.

NMITE says the programme is in response to the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy and its Strategic Defence Review, ‘which have both highlighted the urgent need to develop new skills in priority areas, at a faster pace, while ensuring that defence and security investment delivers positive economic impact in left-behind regions’.

It also states, ‘The programme will place a strong emphasis on the dual-use potential of drone technologies.’

Leading the development and delivery of the degree is Professor Alexandru (Alex) Stancu, who has joined NMITE as Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Academic Lead. 

Stancu brings over 25 years of international experience in robotics, AI and autonomous systems, including leading the Robotics and Autonomous Systems Research Group at the University of Manchester and founding Manchester Robotics Ltd.

Minister for the Armed Forces, Al Carns, says, ‘We are in a new era of threat, which demands a new era for defence skills.’

Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, says, ‘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.’

Jesse Norman MP, co-founder and Chair of NMITE, says, this degree will create opportunities for students, bring significant investment into Herefordshire for the benefit of local people and businesses, and the nation.

Students can get in touch to express an interest in applying for admissions in September 2026.