Backed by more than £4M in Government funding from the Office for Students, the initiative will create over 370 additional student places over 3 years from September in key engineering disciplines linked to defence and emerging technologies.

These students will benefit from hands-on experience with state-of-the-art facilities, including a dedicated drone arena designed to support the development, testing and operation of unmanned aerial systems. Alongside this, new quadruped robots will give students practical insight into autonomous ground-based systems increasingly used in complex and hazardous environments. These will equip students with the skills needed to design, control and deploy both aerial and ground-based robotic systems.

Students will also have access to flight dynamics platforms to understand how drones and spacecraft move and stabilise, as well as research wind tunnels to test aerodynamic performance. A specialised composites laboratory will support the design and manufacture of advanced lightweight materials used in next-generation vehicles and systems.

These technologies will enhance learning across a range of programmes, including Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Electronic and Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering.

With a strong focus on industry collaboration and employability, students will engage directly with employers, gaining practical experience of real-world applications of drone and robotic technologies.

Skills pipeline for advanced engineering and defence

The £4.3M investment will support the creation of 372 full-time student places over the next three years, strengthening the UK’s future skills pipeline in advanced engineering and defence.

Professor Chris Day, Vice-Chancellor and President of Newcastle University said: “Today, the challenges facing society are evolving rapidly with risks from an increasingly complex and fast-changing global context and technological disruption. We are meeting those challenges with new thinking, stronger partnerships and greater adaptability to equip our graduates with the skills and experience needed to support employers, create their own business ventures and deliver lasting social and economic impact.

“We look forward to welcoming these new students to Newcastle University and supporting them as they build the skills and experience needed for their future careers.”

Find out more about how you can study engineering at Newcastle University

Skilled workers for national security

The announcement by the Government of a total of £80 million to 24 universities and colleges across England, supports delivery of the Government's 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."

Find out more about how you can study engineering at Newcastle University

Read further information on the DfE and MoD announcement.