The University of Hull has announced a transformative investment in engineering education, launching new civil engineering courses backed by a substantial £2.4 million grant. This initiative aims to address a pressing engineering skills gap in the Humber region and is set to commence in September 2026. In addition to the new courses, the university plans to establish a state-of-the-art engineering laboratory, thereby enhancing its educational infrastructure.
The funding, provided by the Office for Students (OfS), is part of a broader effort to strengthen the UK’s clean energy ambitions. This investment aligns with the Hull and East Yorkshire Local Skills Improvement Plan, which identified an urgent demand for engineering construction skills in the local workforce. The university’s new programmes will be developed in close collaboration with industry partners, ensuring that graduates are equipped with the relevant skills to contribute effectively to regional growth.
Professor John Craig, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education at the University of Hull, emphasized the importance of adapting to the evolving needs of students and the community. He stated, “As the needs of our students and the world around us evolve, we’re committed to leading change by designing inclusive, agile courses that prepare graduates to be innovators and problem-solvers. Our new programmes reflect this vision, equipping learners to address regional priorities while investing in the skills and infrastructure needed to support the Humber’s clean energy future.”
The Humber region plays a critical role in national energy production, generating over 20 percent of the UK’s energy and hosting 35 percent of its offshore wind capacity. Additionally, it manages a significant share of the country’s natural gas imports. Despite these contributions, the area faces considerable environmental challenges, including being home to the UK’s second most flood-susceptible city and the fastest eroding coastline.
Professor Mark Anderson, Interim Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering, added that the funding from OfS allows for the enhancement of the university’s vision. He remarked, “It has always been our vision to establish this course, but OfS funding allows us to take that vision further, creating a high-quality learning environment that ensures graduates are industry-ready from day one. These new programmes will equip students with the expertise to thrive in a rapidly evolving sector and contribute meaningfully to the UK’s clean energy ambitions.”
The OfS funding is part of an overall allocation of £88.5 million in capital funding to universities and colleges across England. Institutions that received funding had to demonstrate how their projects would address the Government’s Industrial Strategy and the priority sectors for growth, or fulfill the needs of local employers and regional economies.
According to Nolan Smith, Director of Resources and Finance at the OfS, “This was a very competitive funding round, and the projects we are supporting will make a tangible difference to current and future students. As well as expanding opportunities for students in strategically important subject areas, these projects will offer a boost to local and regional economies and promote national growth.”
The University of Hull’s commitment to developing a skilled workforce is expected to have a positive impact not only on its students but also on the wider community, positioning the Humber region as a vital contributor to the UK’s clean energy future.
