Learn while you lead

Your training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst can count towards a BSc in Leadership and Strategic Studies, as part of the Army Higher Education Pathway (AHEP) programme.

This programme has been designed in partnership with Henley Business School, University of Reading. You'll continue your degree studies as your career continues beyond the Academy and you will not have to pay any fees.

The AHEP combines the expertise of both Henley and the School of Philosophy, Politics and Economics – covering leadership, organisational studies, strategic studies, and developing others.

• Funded by the Army

• Assignment and Assessment only

• Get a degree while you serve

• Fully online

• Study at your own pace

Your degree studies begin once you've passed out from Sandhurst. They build on the training you've already put in - recognising the leadership, judgement and hard work that go into becoming an officer.

As you start your career, you'll carry on developing the higher‑level thinking and analytical skills you need in your role. Your learning won't sit apart from the job - it runs alongside it, connecting what you study with what you do every day.

Your qualifications become part of your career from the start. As a young officer, you'll keep 'leading and learning' on exercise, at regimental duty and on operations.

You'll capture real lessons from real situations, and earn credit for the experience you gain along the way. It's all designed to help you grow - to stay capable, curious, adaptable and ready for the challenges of a fast‑moving world.

By tying your education directly to practical officer training, these degrees mean you leave each stage of your Army career with recognised qualifications as well as hands‑on leadership experience.

If you’re selected, it usually takes around four to six years to complete your degree alongside your early officer career. Non‑graduates can work towards a BSc in Leadership and Strategic Studies during this time.

Graduates who aren’t already heading into specialist professional study may be chosen to work towards an MSc in the same subject over a similar period.

Both options run alongside your day‑to‑day role, so you’re building qualifications while gaining real leadership experience.

Step 1: Start your application

Apply to be an Army officer and follow the application process.

Step 2: Pass Officer assessment

An officer requires a unique set of skills, qualities, and attributes that make them stand out in any crowd. The Army Officer Assessment Board (ASOB) will test and see if you fit the bill. If you pass you will be invited to join as an Army officer and start training.

Step 3: Complete Officer training at Sandhurst

Apply for the AHEP programme on completion of your training at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMA).

Step 4: Serve as an Army officer

Start your career as an officer, leading from the front and caring for your soldiers, while starting your degree.

Step 5: Complete your degree qualification

Complete the BSc/MSc over the next 4-6 years while you serve.