On Friday 25 November 2005, the Ministry of Defence and Cranfield University signed a 22-year contract worth £366M to deliver postgraduate education at the Defence Academy.  Cranfield University will thus continue to be the key academic partner for DCMT, which from 1 August 2006, will provide the core academic component for the 80 plus postgraduate courses that DCMT will run in strategic leadership, management, security studies, information management and technology.
   
At the ceremony were: (left to right) Mr Tom Logan (CB Comm); Prof Frank Hartley (Vice Chancellor, Cranfield University); RAdm Neil Latham (Comdt, DCMT);  Lt Gen Sir John Kiszely KCB MC (Director, Defence Academy) and Prof Phil Hutchinson (Principal, DCMT Cranfield University).  The Under Secretary for Defence, Mr Don Touhig, spoke to BBC Swindon Radio and the extract of this can be heard by clicking here.
 
The Open University will be Cranfield University’s principal sub-contractor, bringing its considerable expertise in the design and delivery of distance learning in education.  Serco Defence and Aerospace will provide the central facilities and support services for this contract, thus also achieving integration across the whole Shrivenham Campus.

The Comdt DCMT, Rear Admiral Neil Latham, said; “I am delighted that the contract has been signed since it provides an excellent foundation for the future development of both the College and the University’s broader activities at Shrivenham.  It presents an exciting opportunity for us all to play a leading role in developing a world class institution.”