Aston University secures £3.9m to boost aerospace engineering and cybersecurity skills

Aston University has secured almost £4 million in new funding to improve the UK’s aerospace and cybersecurity skills.

The funding is part of an £80 million national scheme distributed by the Office for Students.

The money will be used to support the development and expansion of a new BEng Aerospace Engineering programme and investment in specialist computing facilities to be used by both cybersecurity and aerospace engineering students.

The investment will enable the University to increase opportunities for undergraduates to develop advanced technical knowledge and industry-relevant experience in subjects that are critical to the country’s long-term defence capability and economic resilience.

The successful bid was supported by industry partners, such as The Manufacturing Technology Centre, underlining the relevance of the University’s programmes to employers’ needs across the region and the UK.

The investment comes at a time of increasing focus on building national and regional capabilities in engineering, digital technologies and security-related disciplines.

Earlier this year, the West Midlands Combined Authority and East Midlands County Combined Authority set out a joint plan to position the Midlands as a globally recognised, innovation-led defence ecosystem by 2035, and build a future-ready workforce.

Professor Claire Lucas, executive dean of Aston’s School of Engineering and Innovation said: “This funding is a major vote of confidence in Aston University’s ability to develop the next generation of highly skilled graduates in strategically important disciplines.

“By expanding our aerospace engineering provision and investing in cutting-edge facilities, we can offer students the knowledge, practical experience and industry-focused learning needed to succeed in areas of growing national importance.

“It also reflects the importance of collaboration between universities, government and industry in preparing graduates for the challenges and opportunities of 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.”