Demand for engineers with expertise in this area continues to outstrip supply, posing a risk to national security, industrial resilience and economic growth. This is because RF technologies underpin many of the systems people rely on, from wireless communications, radar and satellite navigation to medical imaging and critical infrastructure such as power grids and water systems.
That’s why BAE Systems’ Digital Intelligence business is teaming up with NMITE to train the next generation of experts by providing the initial investment required to launch the MSc and helping to fund the first two years of the programme.
“Radio frequency engineering underpins both our national security and our modern way of life - from secure communications and advanced sensing to healthcare, transport and next-generation wireless networks. But the demand for highly skilled radio frequency engineers continues to exceed supply."
“This new programme addresses that shortage – helping to develop the next generation of engineers by combining academic teaching with practical industry experience to support the long-term capability and resilience of the UK’s engineering ecosystem.”Andrea ThompsonGroup Managing Director, BAE Systems Digital Intelligence
“This partnership between BAE Systems and NMITE is an excellent example of how industry and education can work together to build vital engineering skills."
“Initiatives like this support high-value careers, strengthen our regional economy and help ensure the UK has the technical expertise it needs for the future.”Jesse NormanFounder and Chair of NMITE and MP for Hereford and South Herefordshire
The new programme combines academic study with industrial experience to equip graduates with the multidisciplinary skills required to design, integrate and deploy the next generation of wireless technologies. This will prepare students for careers spanning defence, aerospace, national security, law enforcement, telecommunications, healthcare and transport amongst others. The two organisations have been working to ensure the curriculum reflects current industry practice, as well as emerging trends.
“Having successfully launched our MEng in Autonomous Robotics degree in partnership with the British Army in December 2025, this MSc reflects NMITE’s mission to develop highly capable engineers through close collaboration with industry. It ensures graduates are equipped to make an immediate impact across defence, communications, healthcare, advanced manufacturing and many other sectors that increasingly depend upon sophisticated wireless technologies.”
“Working with BAE Systems enables us to create a Master’s programme that is both academically rigorous and deeply connected to the needs of modern industry. Students will benefit directly from engagement with practising engineers and exposure to genuine technical challenges throughout the programme.”James NewbyPresident and CEO of NMITE
Moving forwards, BAE Systems will continue to support the programme’s delivery through guest lectures, collaborative research, masterclasses and mentoring, giving students the opportunity to learn from engineers and technical leaders in the field.
More about the course
The MSc forms part of a broader strategic alliance between BAE Systems’ Digital Intelligence business and NMITE to strengthen engineering education, accelerate innovation and develop the specialist skills needed to support the UK’s future prosperity, security and technological leadership.
The MSc will equip students with advanced knowledge of RF engineering, wireless communications, sensing technologies, spectrum engineering and secure wireless systems. Graduates will develop the multidisciplinary skills required to design, integrate and deploy the next generation of wireless technologies for applications including secure communications and advanced sensing to healthcare devices, autonomous systems, critical national infrastructure and future telecommunications.
How is BAE Systems’ Digital Intelligence supporting the course
The collaboration extends well beyond financial support. Engineers and technical specialists from BAE Systems’ Digital Intelligence business worked alongside NMITE to shape the curriculum, ensuring it reflects both current industrial practice and emerging technological trends. The business also provided the initial investment required to launch the MSc and will help to fund the first two years of the programme, including funding for an academic position, while the degree establishes long-term sustainability.
The company will also continue to contribute to programme delivery through guest lectures, technical masterclasses, industrial projects, mentoring and wider academic engagement.
While applications aren’t yet open for entry, prospective students interested in learning more about the programme can register here for updates.
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