Advanced Manufacturing Engineering for Defence

If you are aiming for a career in defence or advanced manufacturing engineering, this course offers a strong foundation. The BEng (Hons) Advanced Manufacturing Engineering for Defence is a hands-on, industry-focused degree designed to develop skilled defence engineers. It combines theory and practice across advanced and additive manufacturing, digital systems and Industry 4.0, materials and structural analysis, defence communications, non-destructive testing, and sustainable engineering.

Developed in response to the defence sector's need for engineers who can handle both advanced manufacturing and complex systems integration. By studying BEng (Hons) in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering for Defence, you will develop the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to design, develop, and deliver advanced engineering solutions within complex, defence-oriented projects delivered in a way that ensures personalised learning and close interaction with expert staff.

The curriculum covers foundational engineering topics including mathematics, materials science, engineering principles, and electrical and electronic principles. You will also build essential CAD/CAM skills with industry-standard software and apply them to genuine defence engineering problems through team-based projects with industrial focus.

Defence-specific topics include advanced additive manufacturing technologies, defence communications systems, power and propulsion systems, and the application of digital and smart technologies in secure environments. By building on these foundations, you will learn to apply computer-aided engineering (CAE) tools, such as Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), and advanced simulation software, to support analysing the performance, reliability, and safety of defence systems.

Practical learning is a major part of the programme. You will gain experience with CNC machining, power systems, radiofrequency (RF) measurement, polymer and metal additive manufacturing, and other advanced manufacturing techniques. The course introduces Industry 4.0, 5.0 and digital manufacturing concepts, such as predictive maintenance, automation, and data-driven decision-making. You will also work with PLC systems, designing and programming industrial control systems to simulate the automation and monitoring of defence manufacturing processes, giving you the necessary skills to work in the defence/advanced manufacturing industry.

You will be taught by academic staff with strong industrial backgrounds and supported by guest lectures, masterclasses, and live industrial projects, providing insight into defence manufacturing organisations and professional practice. Employability and professional development are embedded throughout, with opportunities for placements and internships to gain real-world experience.

Graduates go on to careers as defence systems engineers, advanced manufacturing specialists, design analysts, and test & evaluation engineers in global defence companies, government agencies, and pioneering engineering firms, where resilience, innovation, and cutting-edge technology are critical.

The University of Greater Manchester puts your needs first, offering a supportive and positive environment so you can achieve your chosen goals. They're all about small class sizes that allow them to know their students by name, courses designed in consultation with industry experts and continued multi-million-pound investment in facilities.

Highlights include:

Bolton One – their £31 million health and sports centre with a modern gym, 15m climbing wall, 25m swimming pool and a competition-level trampoline

National Centre for Motorsports Engineering (NCME) - the only centre in the UK of its kind, staffed by an incredibly experienced team dedicated to preparing students for employment.

School of the Arts – including photography studios, darkrooms, 2D and 3D art workshops and a fully operating theatre.

With their student-focused university approach, the University of Greater Manchester will support your ambitions and ensure you get to enjoy #UniAsItShouldBe.