A new defence-focused drone degree designed to prepare the next generation of military engineers has been unveiled, as the UK steps up efforts to counter growing battlefield threats highlighted by the war in Ukraine.
The New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE) in Hereford will open enrolment from September 2026 for the pioneering undergraduate programme, which aims to fast-track students into careers working with advanced military drone technology.
The announcement comes as Minister for the Armed Forces Al Carns MP visited the Hereford campus, where he saw how a £240,000 investment from the British Army will fund the three-year course. Each year, the programme will train 15 civilian students alongside up to five serving soldiers, creating a pipeline of specialist drone engineers for both military and civilian roles.
Lessons from Ukraine shape the course
The conflict in Ukraine has underscored the rapidly evolving nature of warfare, with uncrewed aerial systems now playing a decisive role on the battlefield. Defence officials say the UK must not only develop specialist capabilities to counter drone threats, but also ensure it has the legal powers and technical expertise to protect sensitive military sites.
The new degree aligns with measures introduced in the Armed Forces Bill last week, which strengthen Defence’s authority to deter, detect and defeat drone incursions across the Defence Estate.
It also supports the ambitions set out in the Strategic Defence Review, which aims to make the British Army ten times more lethal through the use of artificial intelligence, drones and autonomous systems.
Building Britain’s defence talent pipeline
By focusing on advanced STEM skills, the course is intended to address critical workforce shortages while positioning the UK as a leader in next-generation military technology. The programme also contributes to the Prime Minister’s target for two-thirds of young people to be studying degrees or completing gold-standard apprenticeships by the age of 25.
As part of this wider strategy, the Government is establishing five Technical Excellence Colleges dedicated specifically to Defence skills.
Drawing on lessons learned from Ukraine, the UK has also committed to developing a world-leading autonomy sector, with plans to double investment in autonomous systems during this Parliament.
‘The reality of modern warfare’
Speaking during his visit, Armed Forces Minister Al Carns MP said drones are now reshaping combat:
“In Ukraine, drones are causing more casualties than artillery, that’s the reality of modern warfare. This degree gives young engineers a fast track to careers at the cutting edge, protecting Britain and powering growth in places like Hereford.”
He added that graduates would strengthen the Armed Forces while also driving innovation in civilian and commercial drone technology, helping to build British capability “from battlefield to business”.
Faster route into specialist careers
Students enrolling on the Master of Engineering course will complete their qualification one year faster than through traditional university routes, allowing quicker access to highly specialised roles in defence and industry.
The programme also brings significant investment to Hereford, a region increasingly described by officials as Britain’s emerging “military Silicon Valley”.
Minister for Skills Jacqui Smith MP said the degree exemplifies the Government’s approach to skills and growth:
“This groundbreaking degree is exactly the kind of innovative skills provision our country needs, providing pioneering training for ambitious young people while boosting jobs in defence.”
NMITE chief executive James Newby said the course reflects both the urgency and opportunity facing the sector.
“This degree equips the next generation of engineers with skills that matter now, delivering real impact in defence, security and regional growth. The prospect of local young people building their futures with us is incredibly exciting.”
Expressions of interest are now open for students wishing to join the first intake starting in September 2026.
