В Болтоне запущен первый в Великобритании бакалавриат по оборонной инженерии с акцентом на ИИ и аддитивные технологии

A groundbreaking new degree has been launched in Bolton to equip the next generation of students for the defence industry. This comes as the University of Greater Manchester, formerly Bolton, launched its new BEng Advanced Manufacturing Engineering for Defence, the first programme of its kind in the UK. The programme has been developed together with industry experts to help students learn the specialist skills and knowledge they will need for the industry. Programme leader Mahmoud Shafik said: "This exciting new degree has been developed in partnership with industry to ensure our graduates have the skills, knowledge and practical experience employers are looking for. "It is important to note that the programme has been created to meet the demands of future trends and skills needs. "It has been designed with the next five and 10 years in mind and has AI and the digital agenda embedded within it. "The expertise and knowledge graduates take away will equip them for much more than just the defence sector. "They will learn skills for life and have access to the latest AI and 3D printing technology which is invaluable across the whole spectrum of careers in advanced engineering." The university says students will learn from experts and gain hands-on experience with the cutting-edge technologies shaping the future of defence engineering. These will range from aerospace and submarine manufacturing to robotics, autonomous systems and intelligent defence technologies. MBDA VP for manufacturing resources and capability, Garry Booth, said: "This programme represents a significant asset for our local community, and we are delighted to have collaborated closely with the university to align its curriculum directly with our current skills requirements. "Observing this initiative develop and mature has provided valuable insights, ensuring that the University of Greater Manchester degree programmes remain highly relevant to modern industry demands." The four pathways are materials and additive manufacturing, robotics and artificial intelligence, automation and artificial intelligence and instrumentation and artificial Intelligence. Students will spend their first two years developing core engineering knowledge through classroom learning and practical laboratory experience. They can then choose to undertake an optional industry placement year within the defence sector. They can then return for a final year of advanced study or complete the degree in three years through continuous study. Fastech chief operating officer, Alan Pearce, said: "We have been working closely with the University of Greater Manchester for the past two years to help develop this pioneering programme, ensuring it reflects the real skills needed by the UK defence sector. "Drawing on our experience in the USA, we have seen first-hand the importance of developing the next generation of engineers. "This degree will help create a vital talent pipeline to strengthen the UK's future defence capability and advanced manufacturing base." The programme has been created in response to growing demand for highly skilled engineers as the UK seeks to address the national engineering skills shortage. University Centre of Advanced Manufacturing business lead, Dr Joseph Horne, said: "We are proud to be offering one of the UK’s most distinctive engineering programmes, helping students to build rewarding careers while supporting innovation and economic growth. "The team here at the University has a huge amount of expertise and knowledge. "This programme also aligns perfectly with the requirements identified in the Government’s much publicised Defence Investment Plan." Applications for the BEng Advanced Manufacturing Engineering for Defence programme, which starts in September, are now open. They can be made through UCAS, using the University of Greater Manchester institution code.