The Defence Academy has completed a major redesign of its flagship Advanced Command and Staff Course (ACSC), reinforcing its role at the heart of professional military education (PME) delivery.
Achieved through a unique partnership between military directing staff and civilian academics from King’s College London (KCL), the redesign ensures the course remains aligned with the ambitions set out in the 2025 Strategic Defence Review (SDR).
ACSC prepares UK and allied officers, as well as civil servants, for the next stage of their careers by integrating innovative thinking with operational realities. The recent curriculum overhaul reflects a shared commitment to partnership and co-creation, ensuring course members are equipped to meet the evolving demands of the strategic and operational environment.
Key developments include:
- redesign of core modules: ‘Understanding War, Policy and the International System’ has been successfully rewritten and delivered. ‘Policy and Strategy’ has also been redeveloped to embed a cognitive approach to warfighting, innovation, and nuclear literacy
- new real-world scenario: a unifying exercise scenario developed by KCL now underpins all Joint Services Command and Staff College courses, creating coherence across the college and strengthening the link between theory and practical application
- expanded academic expertise: KCL has recruited four additional lecturers, enhancing teaching capacity and bringing fresh perspectives to enrich the learning experience
- integration of emerging themes: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now woven throughout the curriculum, addressing operational implications and academic challenges such as integrity, critical use, and authorship
Captain Charlotte Yemm, Course Director, ACSC said:
“This redesign reflects our commitment to preparing leaders for the future fight. By combining military expertise with academic excellence, we are ensuring our graduates are ready to meet the challenges outlined in the Strategic Defence Review.”
Professor Kate Utting, Head of Defence Studies Department, King's College London added:
“King’s College London is proud to deepen its partnership with the Defence Academy. Together, we are shaping a curriculum that reflects the realities of modern conflict and the importance of intellectual agility.”
This redesign underscores the Defence Academy’s commitment to responsiveness and innovation, ensuring future commanders are intellectually agile, strategically informed, and ready to meet defence’s evolving challenges.