STEM University in Milton Keynes

A STEM-focused university is being developed in Milton Keynes and is backed by Microsoft.

17:58 06 April 2018

MK:U, a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics)-focused university is being developed in Milton Keynes in partnership with Microsoft, Grant Thornton, MK College and Tech Mahindra.

 

It is scheduled to open in 2023 and targets to attract 5,000 students in its first year. Its undergraduate curriculum will focus heavily in digital, cyber, autonomy, robotics and artificial intelligence. The university is set to offer a distinctive undergraduate provision, including intensive three-year degrees with project placements, accelerated two-year degrees, part-time/apprenticeship and short courses and continued professional development.

 

Professor Sir Peter Gregson, chief executive and vice-chancellor of Cranfield University, said: “We look forward to working closely with Milton Keynes Council to create a smart university for a smart city.

 

“Cranfield is one of the UK’s most business-engaged universities and we already have strong links with Milton Keynes. I am delighted that, together with our partners, we will be helping to deliver the exciting vision of a new university for the city.”

 

Ian Fordham, director of education at Microsoft UK, said: “We are passionate about ensuring that students leave university with the skills that businesses need both now and in the future.

 

“The vision for MK:U that Cranfield has outlined closely aligns with Microsoft’s mission to empower every person and every organisation on the planet to achieve more and we are confident that this new institution will help ensure that students develop the skills they need to thrive in a digital economy.”