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Defence STEM undergraduate scheme

Defence STEM undergraduate scheme

Study an approved engineering-based course at university of your choice prior to joining the Royal Navy as an Engineer Officer.

How it works

You can apply to receive generous annual bursary payments as well as having tuition fees covered throughout an approved and relevant Bachelors degree in an approved engineering subject. You can apply from your final year before University, up to the end of year 2 of a Bachelors course. You need to hold the required GCSE / Nat 5 results, and be on track to achieve the appropriate UCAS points. 

Study an approved engineering-based course at a university of your choice before joining us as an Engineer Officer.

What you’ll get

  • £5,000 per year bursary 
  • University tuition fees paid up to a maximum of £9,535 per year
  • Opportunity to earn training pay as a member of the associated University Royal Naval Unit (URNU). This covers up to 45 days per year, which gives approximately £2,000 
  • Guaranteed place on Royal Navy Initial Officer Training at Britannia Royal Naval College on completion of study 
  • Chance to enjoy all aspects of university life whilst laying the foundations for a successful career as an engineering officer 
  • Chance to enjoy all aspects of university life. While laying the foundations for a successful engineering career that makes use of your qualifications and skills 
  • A fulfilling and challenging career as an Air, Marine or Weapon Engineer Officer working in the Fleet Air Arm, Surface Fleet or Submarine Service

What you’ll need

  • At least grade 6/B in Maths and English Language at GCSE or Nat 5. An additional 3 other GCSEs or Nat 5s at minimum grade 4/C
  • 96 UCAS points
  • Ready to, or already commenced, study of an approved Bachelors degree course at a UK university. Some approved subjects include Mechanical Engineering, Marine Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, and Robotic Engineering

How to apply

Step 1

Submit an application

Once you’ve registered your interest, we’ll be in touch to discuss your options

Step 2

Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA)

You’ll be tested on: Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning, Work Rate, Spatial Reasoning, Electrical Comprehension and Mechanical Comprehension.
To prepare, you can practise the DAA

Step 3

Interview

A formal interview to talk through your suitability for the role. This is normally conducted using your own device over the Shine video platform

Step 4

Admiralty Interview Board (AIB)

This stage is unique to officers and takes place in two parts. A Pre Recorded Interview (PRI) is an online assessment which assesses your motivation to join the Royal Navy as an officer and your awareness of the Royal Navy. The Group Planning Exercise (GPE) is the second stage of the AIB and is an online competency based assessment which will take place on a separate day to the PRI. It will be conducted in a virtual group environment and you will be assessed on your contribution to the team based on your individual performance

Step 5

Candidate Preparation Course (CPC)

This is a four-day induction to life in the Royal Navy, which includes assessments of your Fitness and your Medical eligibility, it is a pass or fail course

Step 6

Complete your undergraduate studies

Step 7

Start Training

Once you’ve passed a Security Check, you’ll be offered a place at BNRC

Engineer Officer roles

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