The Defence Academy is proud to welcome students from varied backgrounds on our courses, including the UK Armed Forces, international allies, civilians, partners across government and industry.
Our students have diverse professional experience, ranging from those just starting their career to seasoned officers preparing for the senior stages of their careers, as well as all levels between. Some of our residential students bring their families with them while they study on our longer courses.
Our locations
The Defence Academy's colleges and schools are located across multiple sites. Our main campus at Shrivenham, Oxfordshire includes:
- our Headquarters
- Joint Services Command and Staff College
- Defence College for Military Capability Integration
- Defence Leadership Centre
- Business School for Defence
- Armed Forces Chaplaincy Centre
- Defence Engagement School
- International Section
- Building Integrity UK
The Royal College of Defence Studies is in Belgravia, central London.
The Defence STEM Undergraduate Sponsorship (DSUS) Scheme includes four Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme (DTUS) squadrons located in Newcastle, Birmingham, Loughborough and Southampton, dedicated to supporting STEM bursars across 11 universities.
Accommodation
Student accommodation and Wi-Fi is available across campus on your own device. You will need to contact your course provider for more details on if you are eligible for Single Living Accommodation (SLA).
As of summer 2023, SLA accommodation will be limited due to an extensive, multi-year regeneration programme involving refurbishment work to several buildings, resulting in the loss of 193 SLA bed spaces.
During this time there will be an increase in plant and construction vehicles on site, which may cause some disruption for visitors.
Situated in beautiful natural surroundings on the Oxfordshire and Wiltshire border, the Shrivenham Campus has an excellent array of facilities and activities available to staff, students and their families during their time here.
Student accommodation and Wi-Fi is available across campus on your own device.
When not studying, you will find ample opportunities to relax, make friends and enjoy our cafes, bars, restaurants, sports and social clubs, events and leisure facilities.
The villages of Shrivenham and Watchfield offer a range of local amenities including small shops, restaurants, pubs and a post office. A local bus service connects Shrivenham to Swindon (7 miles) and Oxford (24 miles) where the usual shopping and leisure facilities can be found, as well as rail links to London.
Clubs and activities
Our sports facilities are first class, covering a wide range of activities including:
- fitness centres
- outdoor sports pitches
- tennis, badminton and squash courts
- golf course
- riding school
The Defence Academy also has numerous activities and clubs open to staff, students and their families.
Shrivenham community
Located just outside the Defence Academy, the Community Centre provides facilities for all Service personnel and families to meet old and new friends of differing nationalities in a relaxed, friendly environment.
The centre includes a soft play area for smaller children, while parents can enjoy refreshments from the coffee shop. It is also home to the HIVE.
Defence Academy Friends and Family
A volunteer-led group, Defence Academy Friends and Family (DAFFYS) runs social events and activities for students posted to Shrivenham and their families.
These range from fine dining evenings and mess lunches with guest speakers, to the station fête and bake off, and a children’s Christmas party.
The Families and Welfare Office is also available to support the Defence Academy community. It is located in the Community Centre on Faringdon Road.
Opening times:
- Monday - Thursday 0900 - 1600
- Friday 0900 – 1530
Language Centre
The Language Centre offers tuition in multiple languages to the families of officers attending courses at the Defence Academy.
The centre is open during the day and evening, offering group and private tutorials at beginner, intermediate and advanced level.
Students can elect to sit diploma examinations on completion of their courses from the Cambridge examination board.
The Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS) is situated in Belgravia, London at Seaford House.
The RCDS library houses approximately 26,000 books and pamphlets, research papers, e-journals and online databases. Members who undertake the MA option also have access to the libraries at the University of London.
In addition to the college programme, RCDS hosts multiple events which are open to invited audiences beyond college members. Events are typically a series of strategic-themed seminars on a wide range of topics.
Accommodation and leisure
RCDS does not offer any living accommodation on site at Seaford House.
Members either rent privately in London or may be entitled to use MOD properties reserved for RCDS.
The college has an active fitness schedule throughout the year, including access to a small gym.
Shrivenham Campus
