University of Lincoln joins forces with the military for new defence degree

The University of Lincoln has forged a new partnership with the armed forces, creating a Human Resource Management degree for defence.

All commissioned officers and non-commissioned officers of the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force in a personnel administration role will have the opportunity to join the degree programme.

The degree has been created in partnership with The Defence School of Personnel Administration (DSPA) and the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

It will provide participants with the opportunity to complete professional training in defence facilities in DSPA, Worthy Down, Winchester, before finishing studies for a degree at the university via work-based distance learning.

After completing a final year ‘top-up’ degree programme, participants will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management, with the option to gain professional certification as an Associate Member of the CIPD.

The format of the programme provide a pathway to higher education whilst also continuing to serve in the armed forces both at home, at sea and on operations.

The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, the professional body for HR and people development, has aligned the new degree programme to its Associate Member level of professional membership.

Commandant DSPA, Group Captain Adrian Bettridge OBE RAF said: “Military capability is delivered by people. Highly effective human resource management and organisation is an essential requirement for an effective fighting force.

“Consequently, a key part of my long term plan is to ensure that the officers, sailors, soldiers and airmen tasked with delivery of military human resource management are supported in developing their professional skills continually whilst serving their country.

“This is an exciting scheme that will give our people the opportunity to maximise their professional development and gain civilian recognised qualifications while providing the vital support which our Armed Forces need around the world.”

Professor Mary Stuart, Vice Chancellor of the University of Lincoln, said: “Graduates from this course will have the best of both worlds by learning from real-world situations underpinned by the latest academic knowledge. This is delivered in an innovative and flexible way that meets the unique needs of serving personnel.”