Aerospace Vehicle Design Cranfield University

Overview

This MSc programme in Aerospace Vehicle Design is meticulously crafted to enhance your understanding of designing a multitude of flying vehicles, focusing on three specialised pathways: Aircraft Design, Avionics Systems Design, and Structural Design. The course is structured to provide a robust foundation in both the technical and managerial facets of aircraft design within the civil and military aerospace sectors.

Why Aerospace Vehicle Design at Cranfield University?

Cranfield University has established itself as a leader in postgraduate education in aerospace engineering since 1946. The Aerospace Vehicle Design programme is one of the original courses offered by the College of Aeronautics, showcasing the university's long-standing commitment to excellence in this field. Cranfield's reputation is further solidified by its ranking of 27th globally in the QS World University Rankings for Engineering – Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing, where it has achieved top scores in both Employer and Academic Reputation. Students benefit from Cranfield's unique operational airport, which provides unparalleled hands-on learning experiences.

Moreover, the university boasts strong partnerships with leading aerospace companies and government bodies, ensuring that the curriculum remains relevant and industry-focused. The Industrial Advisory Committee, comprising senior representatives from organisations such as Airbus, BAE Systems, and the Royal Air Force, regularly reviews the course content to align it with current industry demands.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

The tuition fees for the Aerospace Vehicle Design MSc are as follows:

• National Students: £14,520 per year
• International Students: £33,045 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the various aspects of aerospace vehicle design. Core modules include:

• Aircraft Systems Design
• Avionic Systems Design
• Design for Manufacture
• Initial Aircraft Design
• Operation and Cost
• Propulsion Integration
• Stability and Performance
• Structural Design and Airframe

Additionally, students engage in an extensive group design project that simulates a real industrial environment, fostering teamwork and collaboration among diverse participants. This project spans from September to March (or March to August for the March intake), allowing students to take responsibility for significant components of an aircraft.

The individual research project, which takes place from March to September (or October to February for the March intake), enables students to apply their knowledge to a range of topics, whether theoretical or experimental. Topics may include innovative designs such as hybrid-electric aircraft or the structural analysis of composite materials.

Careers with Aerospace Vehicle Design

Graduates of the Aerospace Vehicle Design MSc are highly sought after in the aerospace industry, with many securing positions as project engineers, systems designers, or structural and avionic engineers. Alumni have successfully found roles in prestigious companies such as BAE Systems, Airbus, Dassault, and Rolls-Royce. The course is structured to prepare students for accelerated career progression, equipping them with a broad understanding of multi-disciplinary design and the necessary skills to thrive in competitive environments.

Cranfield’s dedicated Career Service offers invaluable support, providing access to career coaching, CV development, and networking opportunities with potential employers. This ensures that graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce and make significant contributions to the aerospace sector.

Accreditation

The MSc in Aerospace Vehicle Design, in part meets the exemplifying academic benchmark requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Accredited MSc graduates who also have a BEng (Hons) accredited for CEng will be able to show that they have satisfied the required educational base for CEng registration.

• Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS)
• Institution of Mechanical Engineers