The University of Warwick has been awarded approximately £5 million by the Ministry of Defence to expand education and skills training in areas critical to national security, including cyber security and engineering.
The programme responds to growing national demand for highly skilled graduates in strategically important sectors including cyber resilience, advanced manufacturing, engineering, and artificial intelligence.
Supported by Government funding through the Strategic Priorities Grant, Warwick will offer additional student places across a range of areas including:
- Cyber Security
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering
- Systems Engineering
- A new course on Robotics Engineering with Artificial Intelligence
Students on these courses will benefit from Warwick's combination of rigorous academic standards, real-world application, and industry-linked teaching - helping equip graduates with the technical expertise and workplace knowledge needed for highly skilled careers.
Commenting on the skills funding award, Professor David Leadley, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research), University of Warwick, said: "This significant investment from the Ministry of Defence will help Warwick deliver the advanced skills that students want, employers need, and on which the UK relies.
"It will enable us to expand high-quality education in cyber security and engineering while strengthening partnerships with Government, industry, and regional stakeholders across the West Midlands.
"Through our research, teaching, and collaboration with industry and Government, Warwick is helping develop the engineers, technologists, and cyber specialists needed to support innovation, economic growth, and national security."
Warwick was one of 24 universities selected from 112 applicants through a highly competitive process overseen by the Ministry of Defence and the Office for Students.
Announcing the award, 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."
