London(Sandeep Singh Chahal) MP Preet Kaur Gill has highlighted new UK government investment supporting defence-focused higher education programmes, following the selection of the University of Birmingham under the Ministry of Defence’s Strategic Priorities Grant.
The University of Birmingham is among 24 colleges and universities chosen from 112 applicants to share an £80 million funding package aimed at strengthening education and training pathways into the defence sector. The initiative is designed to expand capacity in defence-related academic programmes and improve access to advanced technical training.
According to the announcement, the funding includes £50 million over the next five years to create around 2,400 additional student places across participating institutions. A further £30 million will be allocated to developing new teaching facilities and upgrading equipment, with the aim of supporting modern, skills-based learning aligned with defence industry needs.
The programme will support undergraduate degrees as well as Level 4 to Level 6 apprenticeships, focusing on producing a pipeline of highly skilled graduates prepared for roles in defence engineering, technology, and related strategic fields.
The development is part of a wider UK effort to strengthen workforce readiness in sectors considered critical to national security and long-term industrial capability