- Funding will also help build new teaching facilities to support the capacity growth over the next decade
- The scheme is run by the Office for Students, who are working with the Ministry of Defence and the Department for Education to provide funding to support defence-related skills courses
- Boost to technical skills will meet UK industry needs, bolster national security, and deliver on the Strategic Defence Review and Industrial Strategy
The University of Sheffield has been awarded over £2 million of government funding to deliver more than 300 extra places on civil and mechanical engineering undergraduate courses over the next four years.
The University is one of 24 universities and colleges across England to be awarded a share of £80 million funding for the 2026-27 to 2030-31 academic years, as part of a scheme led by the Office for Students (OfS), who are working with the Ministry of Defence and the Department for Education to support defence-related skills courses.
In addition to the funding to provide more places on Civil Engineering and Mechanical Engineering programmes, Sheffield has also been allocated more than £750,000 in capital funding to develop new, cutting-edge teaching facilities and upgrade laboratory and teaching infrastructure.
Professor Conchúr Ó Brádaigh, Vice-President and Head of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Sheffield, said: “Engineering is fundamentally about solving real-world challenges, and this investment allows us to substantially upgrade our laboratory and teaching infrastructure.
“By expanding our hands-on facilities for mechatronics, advanced surveying, and complex design projects, we are transforming how our students learn. They won't just study engineering principles in theory – they will work in large, collaborative teams to design and build active solutions to complex problems.
“This funding ensures Sheffield graduates are fully equipped with the real-world technical expertise, and forward-thinking skills needed to drive innovation and lead the way in building a smarter and greener future.”
The OfS grants will help provide the defence industry with the future workforce it needs and give more young people the chance to secure well-paid careers. For instance, workers in the defence nuclear sector earn a wage premium of on average approximately 20 per cent above the national average wage, based on a MOD survey of the main industry organisations.
Funding is focused on engineering and computer science, including cyber security, robotics, autonomous technology, aerospace engineering and advanced manufacturing, where defence has some of its greatest skills needs.
The announcement delivers on the 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.”
The funding will support the creation of new undergraduate degrees in areas such as Cyber Defence Intelligence and Autonomous Systems and increase defence-related industry placements and projects. In the coming years, this will create a pipeline of skilled graduates in the UK defence sector and enable more joint projects between academic institutions and defence industries.
The MOD is the largest provider of apprenticeships in the UK, supporting over 24,000 apprenticeships last year. This is the largest single investment within the £182 million Defence Industrial Strategy skills package, demonstrating the government’s commitment to ensuring the defence sector has the workforce it needs for the future.
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.”
The investment comes as part of the government’s Strategic Priorities Grant and boosts places for students from across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, helping to build skills and drive growth across the country.
The competition, run by the Office for Students, was designed to connect education more closely to the UK defence sector’s skills needs.
Vivienne Stern, MBE, Chief Executive of Universities UK, said: “Universities are central to building the skills needed for a new era of UK defence, drawing on their world-leading teaching, research, and partnerships with industry.
“We welcome the outcomes of the £80 million Strategic Priorities Grant competition to strengthen the skills pipeline. With over 100 applications to participate, universities are ready to step up to deliver for the country, providing opportunities for young people and supporting the industry‑aligned talent that the UK defence sector relies on.
“It is critical that the wider Strategic Priorities Grant continues to support high-cost subjects that are vital to the UK’s needs.”
