Aston University has secured almost £4 million in funding to expand aerospace engineering and cybersecurity education, reinforcing efforts to address critical skills shortages across the UK’s defence, manufacturing and technology sectors.
The funding forms part of an £80 million national investment programme administered by the Office for Students (OfS) and will support the development of Aston’s new BEng Aerospace Engineering degree alongside investment in specialist computing facilities for aerospace and cybersecurity students.
For IT and cybersecurity leaders across both the public and private sectors, the announcement highlights the growing focus on developing future talent in disciplines increasingly viewed as essential to national security, economic resilience and digital transformation.
The investment will allow Aston University to expand student capacity while providing access to advanced technical training and industry-focused learning environments designed to reflect real-world operational challenges. New high-specification computing facilities will support practical learning in areas including cyber defence, digital security and advanced engineering applications.
The successful funding bid received support from industry organisations, including The Manufacturing Technology Centre, reflecting growing collaboration between academia and employers seeking to address persistent skills gaps across the Midlands and wider UK economy.
The announcement comes amid increasing government and industry efforts to strengthen the UK’s defence and technology capabilities. Earlier this year, the West Midlands Combined Authority and East Midlands County Combined Authority outlined plans to establish the Midlands as a globally recognised defence innovation hub by 2035, supported by a highly skilled workforce.
Professor Claire Lucas, Executive Dean of Aston University’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.”
Skills Minister Jacqui Smith described the investment as an important step in strengthening the UK’s defence workforce, while industry bodies including Make UK and techUK welcomed the move as a way of helping employers access the specialist engineering and cybersecurity talent increasingly required across critical sectors.
The funding further strengthens Aston University’s position in cybersecurity education, following its recognition as Cyber University of the Year 2025 at The National Cyber Awards. For organisations facing mounting cyber threats and growing competition for skilled professionals, the investment signals continued efforts to expand the UK’s long-term cybersecurity talent pipeline.
Image credit: Aston University
