Exeter University approves deal with Saudi Arabia to train military officers and officials

The University of Exeter has finalized a confidential partnership with Saudi Arabia’s National Defense University (NDU) in Riyadh to deliver a master’s program in applied security and strategy, beginning in the 2026-27 academic year. The agreement, approved by Exeter’s council in February and endorsed by its senate in March, will see Exeter academics teach approximately 20 senior military officers and government officials annually over three years. The program, previously known as the MA in Strategy and Security (MStrat), has been taught at Exeter since 2012 and includes serving British military personnel sponsored by the UK Ministry of Defence.

The deal comes amid controversy over Exeter’s plans to cut 150 jobs, primarily in humanities, arts, and social sciences, raising concerns about institutional priorities. The Exeter branch of the University and College Union (UCU) has condemned the partnership, calling it an example of pursuing "dirty money" over academic integrity. A UCU spokesperson criticized university management for prioritizing military training for authoritarian regimes over defending teaching in critical disciplines.

The partnership was not publicly disclosed until now, with council minutes referring to it as "Strictly confidential and commercial in confidence." Exeter University defended the collaboration, stating that the program is assessed separately from budget planning and aligns with its academic and ethical standards. The university emphasized that professional military education has long been part of the UK’s defense relationship with Saudi Arabia, including through UK government institutions.

This move follows similar concerns raised earlier this year when the University of Cambridge’s Judge Business School proposed providing leadership development to Saudi Arabia’s defense ministry, which was widely criticized by senior academics. Meanwhile, the UK government recently launched a £182 million Defense Universities Alliance, with Exeter among 35 founding members, to strengthen defense research and skills development.

Exeter University’s spokesperson noted that the program includes British military personnel and Chevening scholars, underscoring its established academic credentials. The UCU, however, maintained its opposition, arguing that such partnerships undermine freedom of speech and human rights protections.

The partnership reflects broader trends in UK higher education, where universities often engage in lucrative consultancy and training contracts with foreign governments. All such proposals undergo vetting for legal, ethical, and security risks before approval.

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