The University of Liverpool has been awarded nearly £6M to train over 190 additional engineering students over the next five academic years and invest in new, state-of-the-art teaching facilities.
The funding was announced today (Tuesday, 9 June) by the Ministry of Defence and Department for Education as part of an £80M funding package to boost defence-related and technical skills.
Professor Laura Harkness, Pro-Vice Chancellor and Head of the Faculty of Science & Engineering said: "The University's highly regarded School of Engineering is already a very popular choice with both undergraduate and postgraduate applicants. We are delighted that this funding will enable greater numbers of talented students to benefit from Liverpool's world-class teaching and research environment, preparing them for a range of roles in the defence sector and beyond."
Liverpool plays a leading role in the innovative, international Conceiving, Designing, Implementing, Operating (CDIO) educational framework to produce the next generation of engineers, and is hosting the 22nd International CDIO conference later this month. Its Active Learning Lab was developed in response to this framework, providing significant flexible laboratory and design teaching space, specifically for use by engineering students, with manufacturing robots and rapid prototyping teaching facilities. This funding will enable further investment in these spaces, as well as the development of additional facilities.
Professor of Aerospace Systems, Mike Jump, who led Liverpool's bid for the award, said: "This is a fantastic result and a real testament to the breadth of defence-related expertise that we have here at Liverpool. Securing this funding was a real team effort and I am incredibly proud of what we achieved together. I look forward to seeing the real difference this funding will make to our students and to the wider sector."
The government has committed to increase spending on defence to 2.5% of GDP from April 2027. The £80M Strategic Priorities Grant is the largest single investment within the government's £182M Defence Industrial Strategy skills package, with £50M allocated for additional student places and a further £30M for teaching facilities. It follows the Strategic Defence Review's recommendation to boost the pipeline of skilled workers who can contribute to the UK's national security.
Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP said: "We are creating more opportunities for young people across the UK to learn new skills and secure good, well-paid jobs in defence. This funding will see 24 superb universities and colleges offer more students places to learn these skills of the future.
We know our outstanding Armed Forces are only as strong as the industry that stands behind them, and through this investment we're strengthening our national security and helping drive defence as an engine for growth."
Minister for Skills Jacqui Smith said: "A strong defence sector needs a strong skills pipeline. This investment will help thousands more people gain the qualifications needed for rewarding careers in defence, working to protect our national security and boost our economic growth.
"By expanding access to high-demand courses in the defence sector, we are creating new opportunities for learners across the country while helping employers access the skilled workforce they need.
"This is a clear example of education and industry working together to deliver growth, strengthen Britain's defence capability and support the jobs of the future."
