How can you work with the UK Armed Forces whilst still being a Uni Student?

Perhaps you were a cadet, have an interest in the armed forces or you have just completed first year and are looking for something exciting to compliment your studies?

Well, in this post you can find out how you can get involved with the UK’s Armed Forces whilst still studying your degree.

Wherever you are in the UK there may be a scheme applicable to you. The UKs Military University schemes can be divided into three different schemes as highlighted below:

  • Royal Navy - URNU - University Royal Navy Units
  • Royal Air Force - UAS - University Air Squadrons
  • The British Army - UOTC - University Officer Training Corps

The schemes mean that you can get involved on sea, by air or on land.

Whilst the different schemes will provide different experiences due to their specialisations, they all have the same aim.

They intend to provide UK students with a pathway into the Armed Forces following their studies but also provide them with an opportunity to develop their skillsets ready for life out in the world of work.

Students can expect to develop leadership, teamwork and communicational skills but will additionally have the chance to attend trips and meet new people which is great for building connections and professional development.

Students will also get a unique insight into what life is like in the armed forces which is great for students who are unsure about what they want to after their degree. They will learn everything from uniform expectations and how to march !

Some students will also be paid for their time on the scheme and may even have the opportunity to go on deployments dependent on the scheme they choose.

This is such a great opportunity for students who have an interest in the Armed Forces or just want something different to compliment their degree

Check out the schemes below and your nearest base

British Army -UOTC | The British Army (mod.uk)

RAF - University Air Squadrons | Royal Air Force (mod.uk)

Royal Navy - URNU | Royal Navy (mod.uk)

3 Likes

This sounds like such an exciting opportunity! I never thought about combining university life with something as hands-on and unique as military training. Do you know if you need any previous experience with the armed forces to join one of these schemes, or is it open to complete beginners who just want to try something new?

It’s open to complete beginners. There may be fitness tests and certain grade requirements for some of these schemes but no prior experience is required.

1 Like