12 January 2026

This initiative aligns with the UK’s increasing investment in uncrewed platforms and reflects a broader shift in defence priorities toward advanced autonomous technologies.

The innovative program will be delivered through NMITE’s project-based learning model, emphasizing practical problem-solving over traditional lectures and exams. Students will engage with real-world challenges related to drone design, construction, and operation, with a curriculum that also covers foundational engineering principles. The course aims to produce graduates who are prepared for both military and civilian applications, including infrastructure inspection, logistics, environmental monitoring, emergency response, and humanitarian work.

This partnership is part of a strategic effort to address the UK’s skills gap in autonomous systems, supporting regional economic development and aligning with government policies outlined in the UK Industrial Strategy and recent defence reviews. The UK Ministry of Defence, led by Minister for the Armed Forces Al Carns, highlighted the importance of cultivating cutting-edge engineering expertise to meet modern threats. Carns emphasized that investment in autonomous and uncrewed systems will advance the UK’s position within NATO and ensure national security.

The British Army’s backing underscores the military’s focus on drones for surveillance, logistics, and combat roles. Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, stressed that developing skills in autonomous technologies is vital for future defence capabilities. He noted that training a new generation of drone warfare specialists will enhance the Army’s effectiveness in an increasingly complex global security environment.

While the program is rooted in defence, NMITE also envisions drones as versatile tools with civilian and humanitarian applications. The curriculum will incorporate potential uses in infrastructure inspection, logistics, environmental monitoring, emergency response, and disaster relief, reflecting the dual-use nature of modern autonomous systems.

NMITE President James Newby highlighted the institute’s agility in responding to national needs. “This partnership demonstrates NMITE’s ability to adapt quickly and develop innovative degrees that serve both defence and civilian sectors,” he said. The university, based in Hereford, has enrolled over 220 students since its inception and works with more than 80 industry partners, utilizing purpose-built facilities to deliver applied engineering education.

To lead the new program, NMITE appointed Professor Alexandru (Alex) Stancu, a distinguished expert in robotics, AI, and autonomous systems, with over 25 years of experience. Stancu previously led the Robotics and Autonomous Systems Research Group at the University of Manchester and has secured over GBP £10 million in research funding. His work spans both academic research and deployment of drone technologies in defence and civilian contexts.

The local economy is expected to benefit from the initiative, with regional leaders viewing it as part of a broader effort to boost Herefordshire’s defence and technology ecosystem. Member of Parliament Jesse Norman expressed optimism, stating that the degree would create new opportunities for students, attract investment, and strengthen the local defence industry.

NMITE plans to open expressions of interest from prospective students ahead of the 2026 intake and will announce further details about the curriculum, industry collaborations, and bursary options as the launch approaches. The partnership underscores the UK’s commitment to developing cutting-edge skills in autonomous systems, vital for both national security and economic growth.