University of Warwick awarded £5 million to boost cyber security and engineering training
Ministry of Defence funding will create new student places in skills critical to national security
The University of Warwick has secured approximately £5 million from the Ministry of Defence to expand education and training in areas considered vital to the UK's national security.
The funding, awarded through the Government's Strategic Priorities Grant, will support additional student places in subjects including cyber security, electrical and electronic engineering, manufacturing and mechanical engineering, systems engineering, and a new course in Robotics Engineering with Artificial Intelligence.
The programme has been designed to help meet growing demand for highly skilled graduates in sectors such as cyber resilience, advanced manufacturing, engineering and artificial intelligence.
Students will benefit from a combination of academic study, industry-linked teaching and practical experience aimed at preparing them for careers in strategically important industries.
Professor David Leadley, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) at the University of Warwick, welcomed the investment: "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."
The University of Warwick was one of just 24 institutions selected from 112 applicants in a competitive process overseen by the Ministry of Defence and the Office for Students.
Defence Readiness and Industry Minister Luke Pollard said: "We are creating more opportunities for young people across the UK to learn new skills and secure good, well-paid jobs in defence.
"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."
Skills Minister Jacqui Smith said: "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."