Exeter University approves deal with Saudi Arabia to train military officers and officials
Summary
The University of Exeter has approved a partnership with Saudi Arabia to offer a master's degree in applied security and strategy to senior military officers and officials starting in 2026. This program will be taught at Saudi Arabia’s National Defense University in Riyadh and is expected to bring significant funding to the university, despite concerns about Saudi Arabia’s human rights record.Key Facts
- Exeter will deliver a master's program in applied security and strategy (MStrat) to about 20 Saudi officials each year for three years.
- The program is part of Saudi Arabia’s National Defense University’s global strategy and leadership training.
- The partnership was approved confidentially by Exeter’s council in February and by the senate in March 2024.
- Exeter faces criticism from staff and alumni who worry the deal supports a government with a poor human rights reputation.
- The university says the program has been taught at Exeter since 2012 and includes students from the UK military and government scholarship programs.
- UK universities often engage in contracts with foreign governments, but these deals are reviewed for legal, ethical, and security risks.
- Exeter is part of a UK defense universities alliance funded by the government to strengthen defense research and skills.
- University spokespersons say the partnership is separately assessed on academic and ethical grounds and supports Exeter’s mission internationally.
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