NMITE and British Army share plans to launch undergraduate degree in Autonomous Systems

The New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE) has announced plans to work with the UK Armed Forces to launch a new undergraduate degree in Autonomous Systems.

Due to launch in September 2026, the new degree will lead to a Masters in Engineering in three years, rather than the usual four.

The new qualification is created in response to the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy and its Strategic Defence Review.

“We are in a new era of threat, which demands a new era for defence skills. Our Armed Forces must have the skills and experience to tackle the modern-day threats head on - including with engineers who can design, build and operate cutting-edge drone technology to defend our country,” explains Al Carns, Minister for the Armed Forces. 

“Through our Strategic Defence Review we are doubling investment in autonomous and uncrewed systems this parliament, putting the UK at the leading edge of innovation in NATO, and training a new generation to keep Britain secure at home and strong abroad.”

The program will put a strong emphasis on the use of drone technologies, aiming to equip graduates to lead innovation in civilian, commercial and humanitarian applications as well as in defence.

“This degree marks an important step forward for NMITE,” adds Jesse Norman MP, Co-founder and Chair at NMITE. “It will create huge opportunities for our students, bring significant investment into Herefordshire, and support the county's new defence ecosystem, for the benefit of local people and businesses, and the nation as a whole.”

Chief of the Defence Staff,  Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton adds: “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.”