This course equips UK defence managers with the knowledge needed to deliver complex capability and acquisition projects on time, to cost, and to operational need. It focuses on the UK defence environment, including MOD governance, Defence processes, controls, and working effectively with industry partners. Emphasis is placed on translating strategic intent into executable programmes, managing risk and assurance, and making evidence-based decisions across the capability lifecycle. Participants develop confidence in balancing policy, affordability, and operational outcomes, while leading multi-disciplinary teams and stakeholders to deliver tangible defence outputs that support UK national security priorities.
The course is part of a suite of practitioner courses delivered by the University which include:- Capability and Acquisition - Strategic Direction and Capability Planning
- Capability and Acquisition - In-Service
- Capability and Acquisition - Awareness Course Integrated Capability Management (Advanced) Course - ICM(A)
At a glance
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- Dates
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- 26 - 30 Oct 2026
- 30 Nov - 04 Dec 2026
- 18 - 22 Jan 2027
- 08 - 12 Mar 2027
- 10 - 14 May 2027
- 24 - 28 May 2027
- Duration5 days per course either online or on-site. See below for further details.
- LocationOnline/Hybrid or Face-to-face
- CostThis course is funded by the MOD for all MOD military and MOD civil service staff who need the training. Concessions available
Course structure
Online learning using Cranfield's Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), or on-site face-to-face teaching.What you will learn
The aim of the courses is to enable military and civilian staff from Head Office (HO), Commands and Enabling Organisations to acquire an understanding of the MOD’s capability, acquisition and financial management processes, and their application in the development and generation of affordable and strategy-compliant force structures and capabilities.
Each of these three Practitioner courses covers the totality of CAPAC – Directing, Planning, Delivering, Generating and Sustaining Capability; however, each course is tailored to meet the needs of students from different parts of the Defence Operating Model.
Courses other than those listed as being 'online' are delivered onsite at the Defence Academy, Shrivenham.
Should you have any questions, please contact the Cranfield Student Support team directly on shortcourse@cranfield.ac.uk.
Selecting which course is right for you is covered in the ‘Who should attend’ section below. Although there is no exam associated with this course, you will have many opportunities to try out some of the learning during syndicates’ workshops and tutorials.
By the end of the course, you will be able to understand the relationships and processes associated with the management of military capabilities within the DOM.
Core content
Typically, students will explore:
- The development and generation of sustainable military capabilities,
- The Defence Operating Model,
- Integrated logistics support,
- Finance,
- Generic capability management models,
- Evidence-based decision making,
- The management of in-service capability,
- Defence reform.
Who should attend
Taking one of the Practitioner courses is a prerequisite for a number of military posts. If you are a civil servant, the relevant Practitioner course will provide you with the key skills needed to undertake a job in the capability and or acquisition arena.
If you are an international student or from industry, the relevant Practitioner course will provide you with a working understanding of the processes and terminology used by the UK MOD for CAPAC management.
CAPAC - Deliver Short Course
This course is aimed at those seeking to understand the totality of Capability and Acquisition who are currently working in or who are going to be working within:
Commands and Enablers managing and delivering Programmes and Projects. In particular, this includes those defining Programmes, preparing Programme Mandates and the delivery of the bounded programmes to meet the outcomes and benefits defined in the approved Programme Mandate including the development and management of Requirements, Benefits Maps, Risk and integration of changes onto the Front line.
As such the course is ideal for those working at Desk Officer Level in Commands and Enablers Supporting Programme/Project Boards, Project Teams (including Requirement Managers) and Programme Management Offices.
Speakers
Typically, guest speakers will offer practitioner insight, through their experience, of the lived experience of capability and acquisition.
Concessions
The MOD sponsors places on this courses. It is important that the students appreciate that this is a full-time study commitment, including participation in exercises conducted in syndicates.
How to apply
Read our Professional development (CPD) booking conditions.