Surrey awarded funding to expand defence-relevant skills in engineering and computer science

Future leaders who will help keep the United Kingdom safe are set to be trained at the University of Surrey, after it was awarded £4.3 million to expand its provision of defence-relevant skills in engineering and computer science. The funding will support new degree programmes at Surrey, major investment in facilities and deepening partnerships with industry.

The funding, awarded through the Office for Students’ £80 million defence-related skills competition, will allow Surrey to expand its Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Astronautics and Space Engineering programmes, and open new courses in Mechanical and Electronic Engineering and Spacecraft Engineering. Each programme offers an integrated route into defence-related careers, shaped by research from Surrey’s Institute for People-Centred AI and the Surrey Space Institute.

The programmes have been co-designed with partners and align with Surrey’s Local Skills Improvement Plan, which identifies advanced technical skills in manufacturing and engineering as a regional priority. All students will have access to industry-focused projects, guest lectures and OfS-funded summer internships.

By 2031, the initiative will significantly increase pathways in autonomy, space and mechatronics.

The pace at which AI is developing is changing what defence demands of engineers and computer scientists. The skills required today are not the same as those required five years ago, and the gap between the two is only widening. We need graduates who can think differently about complex, autonomous systems, and who are ready to apply that thinking from day one. This funding allows us to build programmes that meet that need directly, working alongside the partners who understand it best. Our goal is to equip more students with the advanced digital and technical capabilities that the UK economy and its security depend on. Professor Stephen Jarvis, President and Vice-Chancellor

To support the expanded programmes, Surrey will build a new Robotics and Simulation Laboratory. The new facility will house unmanned ground vehicles, humanoid and quadruped robots and enable larger student cohorts to undertake team-based, defence-relevant practical work. Alongside this, Surrey’s nano/microsatellite facilities will be upgraded. Both the laboratory and the upgraded facilities will also support an expanded continuing professional development (CPD) offer for working engineers and professionals.

This funding allows us to develop graduates with the breadth of skills to meet the demands of an ever-evolving landscape. Alongside our programmes, our new Robotics and Simulation Laboratory will give students direct, hands-on experience with advanced autonomous systems, building the practical skills and confidence for careers in defence, space and beyond. Professor Helen Treharne, Head of School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering; Professor in Computer Science SFHEA, FBCS

Our ambition through these new programmes is that every engineering graduate leaves Surrey ready to design intelligent, resilient systems. Professor Nicholas Hills, Head of the School of Engineering, Professor of Computational Engineering

The OfS defence-related skills competition was funded by the Ministry of Defence.

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. Minister for Skills, Jacqui Smith

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 Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP

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Featured Academics

Prof Stephen Jarvis

President and Vice-Chancellor

Prof Helen Treharne

Head of School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering; Professor in Computer Science SFHEA, FBCS

Prof Nicholas Hills

Head of the School of Engineering, Professor of Computational Engineering

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