Leadership and Management Training in a military environment as a member of the University Royal Navy Unit (Belfast)

Activity Overview

Level of Study

Undergraduate, Postgraduate Taught/Masters, Postgraduate Research

Award Type

Single Route

The University Royal Navy Units exist at 16 different locations in the UK. We provide training under four pillars – Militarisation, Marinisation, CLM (Command, Leadership and Management) and ATS (Adventurous Training and Sport).  

Students, who join URNU Belfast as Officer Cadets, receive training on Tuesday evenings during term time at our unit in Thiepval Barracks, Lisburn. Transport is provided from Belfast for those who require it. The training pillars above are provided one per week and are a mix of theoretical study and practical application – we provide opportunities to improve public speaking and presentation skills, personal bearing and appearance, personal confidence, working as an effective team member and as a leader managing a group of people you may never have met before.  

We also provide ATS during sports evenings – our facilities include a newly laid 400m track, floodlit 3G pitch, multi-use gym area, cardio suite, powerlifting gym, climbing wall, external trim trail and a 25m pool. Adventurous training also includes external opportunities such as working towards your Royal Yachting Association Powerboat and Day Skipper qualifications, and trips to other parts of the UK and abroad for hiking, stand-up paddle, alpine skiing and skydiving plus other activities.

Ultimately if you choose we can provide opportunities to go to sea for short periods on warships of the Royal Navy and vessels of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary so you can experience life at sea – these can be in UK waters or overseas. We provide the travel for all Officer Cadets – you are never out of pocket. Many of our more exotic opportunities are offered during Easter and Summer to deconflict from your University studies. 

Lastly, for those interested in a career in the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Reserves or Royal Fleet Auxiliary we can provide training and guidance to help achieve your ambitions. There is no obligation whatsoever and if you join URNU Belfast and decide it’s not for you (or circumstances change), you can leave at any time. The standard length of membership for a Fresher is 3 years, with an optional 4th year available on application. 

Further Information

The contact for student enquiries is NAVYURNU-BELFAST@mod.gov.uk