Find your course

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RAF | Serve & learn


If you’re looking to rise through the ranks or planning for a rewarding civilian life when the time comes then our flexible online degrees could be just what you need. We understand that working in the Royal Air Force is more than a job — with changes in location and non-standard working hours it’s far more challenging than your standard 9 til 5 – it’s a commitment with extraordinary responsibilities.

Our flexible online courses are designed to fit around the demands of RAF life and give you the freedom to choose when and where you study. With a range of courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate level we’re confident we can help you achieve your goals and aspirations.

We recognise your prior RAF learning, and since we're an approved provider for the Ministry of Defence Learning Credit Scheme (ELCAS) you can use your ELCAS credits towards the course fees.


97%

found studying via distance learning either very or quite accessible*

96%

would recommend studying with ARU Distance Learning* 

92%

said the effort and expense was worth the outcome* 
*2023 alumni survey with 158 respondents.

Online degrees for career development

Our unique relationship with the RAF enables us to provide a range of higher education courses for RAF service personnel to receive academic credit for generic and specialist training, as well as for seniority or rank and experience. Our Armed Forces consultant will be happy to talk to you about your individual circumstances and see if you can benefit from Accredited Prior Learning. Please contact us for more information.

Undergraduate

Armed Forces Medical Personnel in an operating theatre
 BSc (Hons) Top-up

Management & Leadership in Health & Social Care

You'll gain a full honours degree if you’ve already completed our foundation course or have an equivalent qualification. The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) accredited top-up expands on your prior learning, enhances personal and professional development.

Postgraduate
A mix of male and female tri services personal watching a medical procedure
MSc

Healthcare Management (Armed Forces)

This Master’s course is a good fit if you’re a leader or manager in a health or social care setting and want to polish the relevant skills for progression. You’ll explore the key factors which influence managing and leading individuals and organisations.

Postgraduate
Male Royal Engineer sitting in an armoured vehicle
MBA

Master of Business Administration

With a strong entrepreneurial and innovative focus, our online MBA uses our unique expertise to ensure you’ll be well prepared for your future in a management role. Ideal if you planning for a leadership role, enhancing an existing role or developing your own business or team. 

Advanced entry

We recognise your RAF training and qualifications as well as the experience and skills you have developed during your time in the forces. We take all this into consideration when looking at your application and where possible see if you are eligible to apply for Accredited Prior Learning (APL). APL can help satisfy the degree entry requirements or reduce the length of time you will need to study as well as help reduce the tuition fees.

RAF Medics
If you’re an RAF Medic who has completed TMT1 or JMLC or you hold TMTs and IMLC (or equivalents) you can expect to benefit from entry or credit exemption from our Leadership and Management in Health and Social Care degree courses. Talk to us today to see how your prior learning can help support your current and future study plans.

RAF ICSC (A)
If you’re a Warrant Officer then we recognised that your training and operational experience at WO level meets the general entry requirements of our internationally recognised Master of Business Administration (MBA).

If you have successfully completed RAF ICSC (A), or equivalent, then you can expect to benefit from some credit exemption from our MBA degree. This means you can reduce the amount of time it takes to study the MBA and the tuition fees.

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Benefits for RAF personnel

  • Serve while you learn
  • Specialist pathways available - get recognised for the work that you do and earn credit exemptions towards University qualifications (where relevant)
  • Enhance your personal development and career growth
  • Flexible online study puts you in control
  • Access our full range of University resources.
  • High quality teaching and support.
  • Use ELCAS credits to help fund your qualification (ELCAS funding can be used for our complete range of online undergraduate and postgraduate courses)
ELC Provider Number 1007Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award

Flexible online study

As long as you have a reliable internet connection you can study from anywhere in the world through our online Learning Management System, Canvas. Accessible from your phone, tablet or laptop Canvas is where you’ll access course content, submit assignments, engage with your classmates and receive the full support of your tutor. We also have a dedicated team to get you set up and ensure a smooth start to your studies. Distance learning allows you to put the knowledge and skills you gain from the course directly into practice and as you progress through the course you’ll be able to make a real difference within your role.
Get in touch
If you'd like to talk to our experienced team about our online courses, ARU or any aspect of studying via distance learning then please do not hesitate to contact us.
Get in touch