Military Programmes

University of Lincoln

At the University of Lincoln, we have a suite of work-based distance learning programmes for full-time serving, reservist, and veteran members of the Armed Forces. These courses are ideal if you are seeking to gain a new qualification, improve your management skills to progress in their existing careers, or prepare for the next step.

Our teaching takes a holistic development approach, placing you, as the knowledge expert of your role, at the centre of our teaching process. In acknowledging your service to our country, we offer a bursary that provides a significant reduction to the programme fee.

We are proud of military partnerships, and as an approved learning provider under the Armed Forces Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme (ELCAS), we also have a number of existing military programmes. These allow serving members of all three Services, as well as their MOD civilian colleagues, to achieve academic recognition.

We are also the first university to achieve the accolade of the partnerson Scheme. This award recognises private and public sector employers that pledge, demonstrate and advocate support for the Defence and Armed Forces community, and meet the objectives of the Armed Forces Covenant.

Work-Based Distance Learning

Our military programmes are designed to allow serving members of all three services, as well as their MOD civilian colleagues, to achieve academic recognition from their extensive work experience and formal training. Suitably qualified officers, SNCO, JNCOs, and junior ranks are invited to apply.  Applicants need to be in some form of managerial role to support their place on the programme, this does not necessarily mean in charge of manpower, this could also be resource management. In addition, previous serving members of the three services are also entitled to enrol through a tailored military programme route.

An approved learning provider under the Armed Forces Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) scheme, the University of Lincoln has invested more than ten years of research and development to evolve our military degree programmes. Recognising the significant operational experience and training of military and civil service personnel, the programmes are open to all suitably qualified and experienced personnel.

Our programme suite is designed to fit in around your busy schedule so that you can choose when and where you study and make the most of your down time. As long as you have a reliable internet connection you can study from anywhere in the world. Typically, students take 19 to 24 months to complete their studies and exit with an honours degree, a level five diploma in Leadership and Management, and Chartered Manager status from the CMI.  However, flexibility is a key feature built into our programme suite so students are able to formally interrupt their studies, for a period of up to 2 years, in light of deployment or other commitments.

If you want to explore more about the credit you can receive for your military training and experience, our programmes or to simply explore your options please contact our dedicated team.

Benefits for Students

Have the flexibility to study whenever and wherever is most convenient for you

Use your Enhanced Learning Credits to make courses affordable wherever eligible

Transfer your military skills and experience to the civilian marketplace

Integrated module designed to equip students with essential study skills

A number of our courses are accredited

A graduate in military uniform

Benefits for the Ministry of Defence

Distance Learning is conducted almost entirely off-campus

Realise measurable improvements, savings, and shape future policy

Equip staff with skills, knowledge, and understanding for immediate use

Delivery teams include a number of serving and former MoD staff

Logo of the Ministry of Defence

Images: © UK MOD Crown Copyright


Funding Your Study

A number of funding schemes are available to assist military students in financing their studies.

These include:

  • Standard Learning Credit (SLC)
  • Enhanced Learning Credit (ELC)
  • Publicly funded Further & Higher Education for Service leavers (PF FE/HE).

All of these schemes are administered by the Enhanced Learning Credits Administration Service (ELCAS). Further information on eligibility and entitlements are available from your education staff and the MOD’s ELCAS information web site.

The University of Lincoln is a registered ELCAS provider: 1283

Application Deadlines and Programme Start Dates
Application Deadline Enrolment Deadline Online Induction W/C Course Start Date
23 September 2024 21 October 2024 21 October 2024 28 October 2024
6 January 2025 10 February 2025 10 February 2025 17 February 2025
14 April 2025 12 May 2025 12 May 2025 19 May 2025
Man and woman talking around a piece of paper

Military Enquiries

For further information please contact the Work-Based Distance Learning Team: