Defence Undergraduate Scholarship Scheme- Engineering
AWE
If you’d like to be considered for this opportunity we encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment as if applications are high the role will close before the closing date given.
Ready to shape the future and make history? Join AWE
We're AWE, and we're not your average workplace. Our teams are helping to safeguard the nation through cutting-edge science, engineering and technology. From delivering the UK's next nuclear warhead to developing innovative solutions that help keep the world safe, our work is challenging, meaningful and unlike anything else.
Build your future with the Defence STEM Undergraduate Scheme (DSUS)
If you're looking for more than a degree, the Defence STEM Undergraduate Scheme offers a unique opportunity to gain real-world experience alongside some of the UK's leading engineers, scientists and technical specialists.
Through the scheme, you'll combine your university studies with practical industry experience across 2 Summer Placements, developing the skills, knowledge and professional networks that will help launch your career within Nuclear Defence.
What you'll gain
- Two paid summer placements with AWE during your degree. (Summer of 2027 and 2028)
- The opportunity to work on projects with real-world impact.
- Mentoring and support from experienced engineers and technical experts.
- Exposure to some of the UK's most complex engineering and scientific challenges.
- Fast-track consideration for a place on AWE's graduate programme upon successful completion of your studies and placements.
- Financial support towards your degree through tuition fee funding (up to £9,250 per year) and an annual bursary (up to £5,000).
Learn from experts. Work on meaningful projects.
During your placements, you'll be immersed in an environment that delivers critical national programmes and innovative technical solutions.
As part of each 9-week summer placement, you could possibly explore:
- How AWE supports the UK's Continuous At-Sea Deterrent (CASD).
- The engineering and science behind nuclear warheads.
- Advanced manufacturing processes and cutting-edge facilities.
- Design, development and delivery of complex engineering solutions.
- The lifecycle of nuclear technologies and efforts to reduce nuclear threats.
Every placement is designed to help you build your technical capability, professional confidence and understanding of the career opportunities available at AWE.
A pathway to your graduate career
The Defence STEM Undergraduate Scheme is designed to support your development throughout university and beyond. Successful students will have the opportunity to progress onto AWE's graduate programme, providing a clear route into a rewarding long-term career where you can continue to learn, develop and make a meaningful contribution from day one.
Eligibility
We're looking for ambitious students studying a degree in disciplines such as:
- Electronic Engineering
- Computer Science
- Software Engineering
- Data Science
- Systems Engineering
Applicants must:
- Be a UK national with a UK passport.
- Have lived in the UK for a minimum of 10 years.
- Be able to obtain and maintain the required security clearance.
- Be a first-year student, or a second-year student studying a four-year degree programme AND due to graduate in 2029
- Be able undertake 2 Summer Placements between 1st July and 31st August in both 2027 and 2028 which will be held on an AWE site for the entire period.
- Be able to relocate to Aldermaston or the surrounding area OR be within a manageable commuting distance as you will be required to be on site every day of your placement.
- Be able to prove they are on track to achieve a minimum of a 2:2 for each year you are in receipt of funding.
If you are a final-year student, please register your details for our Evolve Graduate Programme.
Selection Process
- Submit your application.
- Complete our online assessments (practice tests provided).
- Attend a final-stage Assessment Centre.
Why wait for the future? Create it with AWE.
This is more than an undergraduate scheme. It's an opportunity to learn from industry experts, gain valuable experience through two summer placements, and build a pathway to a graduate career working on some of the UK's most important scientific and engineering challenges.
Questions? Contact the Early Careers Team at EarlyCareers@awe.co.uk.
Next steps:
Everyone who works at AWE brings unique skills and perspectives to the table. We recognise that great people don’t always ‘tick every box’. That’s why we focus on your potential, your fit with our values, your transferable skills as well as your experience. Even if you don’t meet every point above, but you feel that this role and AWE are a great fit for you, please go ahead and apply, we’d love to receive your application.
Important things you need to know:
- We encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment if applications are high and the role therefore closes.
- You will need to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role. This will be funded by AWE. The nature of our work does mean you need to be a British Citizen who has been resident in the UK for the past 5 years in order to apply for SC clearance and 10 years for DV.
- We want you to feel comfortable and able to shine during our recruitment process. Please let us know on your application form if you need any adjustments/accommodations during the process.
- Our interviews typically take place over Teams and for most roles are a 1 stage process.
Our ambition is to create workplaces where we recognise and celebrate differences, encourage diverse contributions and our employees feel able to be themselves at work. We strive to create a genuine culture of openness and inclusion and encourage diverse applicants. Any inclusion information you provide will be stored in accordance with GDPR and kept separate from your application form and CV, and the information will not be shared with anyone involved in interviewing or making hiring decisions.
Please note that you must be a British Citizen to apply for a role with us.