Academic year

2025/26 entry

Postgraduate master’s courses in

Defence
Cranfield University
Our reputation
We are the UK’s only specialist postgraduate university in technology and
management, with longstanding relationships with some of the most prestigious
global companies. Our close collaboration with industry, and passion for the areas
we operate in, will help your career.

We work with over

Specialist
postgraduate
A research-focused
1,500
businesses and governments
professional community. based in over 40 countries.

Over £150m 5,000+ A network of

of investment in new postgraduate 80,000+

facilities over the past students from alumni, from
five years. 100+ countries. 170+ countries.

As we are postgraduate only, we are not listed in many league tables that help compare
undergraduate universities.

Defence at Cranfield
With a global reputation, Cranfield University offers some of the most career
critical master's degrees in the sector.

Over COTEC One of the

70% is the only
testing and
leading
specialist science
of our defence evaluation centre and technology
learners are owned and (STEM)
serving military operated by a universities in
officers and UK university England
civil servants
Knowledge Exchange
Framework 2023

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Reasons to study Defence with us
UK MOD © Crown copyright 2024

1 Heritage
As an academic provider to the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence (MOD) we
support the education, training and continual development of the nation's military
leaders and innovators.

2 Industry links
Our close relationships with the MOD, defence organisations and engineering
councils enable us to deliver courses that are taught by leading experts, drawing
on a wealth of experience.

3 Flexible delivery
We recognise that the majority of students seek to further their careers or add
skills and experience to their portfolio while continuing to work. Our courses are
organised and resourced to provide flexible options to enable you to maximise
limited study time.

4 World-class facilities
The University has its own airport, both on- and off-site explosive ranges,
simulation and synthetic experimentation facilities and multiple world-class
laboratory facilities.

5 Hands-on learning
We use hands-on simulations and workshops to bring our teaching to life. Learn
from experienced academics and industry professionals in an environment that
prepares you for your future role.

6 Expert-driven teaching
Our team of academics and researchers are at the forefront of their fields,
offering you the chance to learn and work with current practitioners, industry
experts and the opportunity to continue your studies through to further research.

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Courses
Cranfield is one of the world’s leading universities for defence and
security education, research and consultancy.

Addressing the changing needs of an evolving sector, we provide specialist knowledge to

industry, security and emergency services, military, governments and NGOs, underpinning
defence and security sector reform around the world. As a postgraduate academic
provider to the UK’s Ministry of Defence, we offer a unique gateway to delivering practical
education and solutions that make a real difference to the lives of military, security and
civilian personnel.

Our academics’ expertise ranges from energetics and defence acquisition to international
stabilisation and cyber security.

UK MOD © Crown copyright 2024

4
Air and space systems

Aerosystems
[Link]/aerosystems Part-time (Shrivenham) MSc

Designed with expert engineering at heart, this course covers the areas of uninhabited aircraft
systems, guided weapons, electro-optics, communications, radar, electronic warfare and information
networks. It looks at key concepts, fundamental principles, and considerations of design and critical
thinking.

Military Aerospace and Airworthiness

[Link]/maa Part-time (Cranfield and Shrivenham) MSc, PgDip, PgCert

This MSc distinguishes itself from similar courses offered by focusing specifically on the military
context of aerospace, airworthiness and design.
It provides practicing engineers with the knowledge and skills to enable you to work more effectively
in aerospace engineering, airworthiness, and safety.

 Accredited by:

Further recommended courses

There are other courses from across the University in this area which may be of interest to you.
These include:

Aerospace Manufacturing MSc – [Link]/aerospacemanufacturing

Aerospace Materials MSc – [Link]/aerospacematerials
Advanced Air Mobility Systems MSc – [Link]/advairmobility

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Command, control, communications, computers,
intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance

Counterterrorism
[Link]/counterterrorism Full-time/part-time (Cranfield) MSc, PgDip, PgCert

The Counterterrorism MSc will provide you with an understanding of how traditional and advanced
techniques in counterterrorism are used in the modern-day world. You will gain clear insight into how
research and ideas can be applied to help resolve real-world problems in this critical arena.

Counterterrorism, Risk Management and Resilience

[Link]/riskandresilience Full-time/part-time (Cranfield) MSc, PgDip, PgCert

This course brings together a distinctive mix of different subjects, providing you with the
fundamental knowledge, core expertise and evidence-based methodological tools and approaches
necessary to understand, analyse, prevent and mitigate terrorism.

Information Capability Management

[Link]/icm Full-time/part-time (Shrivenham) MSc, PgDip, PgCert

Information is the fundamental basis of a functioning society with billions of people taking in,
creating and distributing information both online and offline every day. This course aims to
create skilled professionals who can source, analyse and strategise improvements, assess digital
infrastructure and keep up with an ever-increasing and developing world of information and
technology.

 Accredited by:

“Cranfield’s environment just gives you a

 sense of calm and you're able to focus on
your studies. As a Chevening Scholar, it also
gave me a sense of comfort and confidence
that there is a community, a network, that I
could tap into whenever I have ideas that I
want to either apply or to learn more about
at the University'.”
Richard Robinson, Chevening Scholar,
(Counterterorrism MSc 2023)

6
Cyber and electromagnetic activities

Cyber Defence and Information Assurance

[Link]/cdia Full-time/part-time (Shrivenham) MSc, PgDip, PgCert

Designed to develop professionals who can lead in a cyber environment, this course focuses on
understanding and articulating the executive-level responses to serious present and emerging
threats in the information domain.

 Accredited by:

Cyberspace Operations
[Link]/co Part-time (Shrivenham) MSc, PgDip, PgCert

Designed to develop military and defence industry professionals who can lead in a defensive cyber
environment, to effectively exploit the threats and opportunities of cyberspace at the organisational
level.

Sensors Electronic Warfare

[Link]/sew Part-time (Shrivenham) PgCert

Designed to benefit officers of the Armed Forces and for scientists and technical officers in
government defence establishments and defence industry, this PgCert explains the expertise behind
military systems such as electro-optics, infrared sensor systems and management of military radar.

UK MOD © Crown copyright 2024

7
Energetics and materials

Explosives Ordnance Engineering

[Link]/eoe Full-time/part-time (Shrivenham) MSc, PgDip, PgCert

We see, hear and use thousands of explosives around the world every day, from the military and
defence sector to mining and other industrial operations. Our MSc will teach you the necessary
understanding behind explosives engineering, munitions and target response and look to the future
in explosives development.

 Accredited by:

Further recommended courses

There are other courses from across the University in this area which may be of interest to you.
These include:

Advanced Materials: Engineering and Industrial Applications MSc –

[Link]/advancedmaterials

UK MOD © Crown copyright 2024

8
Management and decision support

Defence Simulation and Modelling

[Link]/dsm Full-time/part-time (Shrivenham) MSc, PgDip, PgCert

This course addresses the design, development, procurement, use and management of models and
simulations for applications in experimentation, training, testing, analysis and assessment of military
forces, systems and equipment.

Systems Engineering
[Link]/systemsengineering Part-time (Cranfield) MSc, PgDip

Systems engineers address some of the most complex challenges and problems that society
faces. This course will equip you to address the root causes of a problem situation, understanding
requirements from multiple perspectives and the tension that may exist between them.

Systems Thinking Practice

[Link]/systemsthinking Part-time (Cranfield) MSc, PgDip, PgCert

Systems thinking has become critical to success; organisations need to focus on their systems and
the need for adaptability and resilience like never before. This MSc aims to enhance the knowledge
and understanding of those in positions in their mid-career decision-making roles or part of strategy
development.

Further recommended courses

There are other courses from across the University in this area which may be of interest to you.
These include:

Computational and Software Techniques in Engineering MSc –

[Link]/computationalste
Logistics and Supply Chain Management MSc – [Link]/som/msclscm

9
Robotics and autonomous systems and human
machine teaming

Further recommended courses

There are other courses from across the University in this area which may be of interest to you.
These include:

Applied Artificial Intelligence MSc – [Link]/aai

Autonomous Vehicle Dynamics and Control MSc – [Link]/autonomousvehicledc
Robotics MSc – [Link]/robotics

Sense and detect

Military Electronic Systems Engineering

[Link]/mese Full-time/part-time (Shrivenham) MSc, PgDip, PgCert

Specifically developed for those who will be involved with the specification, analysis, development,
technical management or operation of military radar, electro-optics, communications, sonar or
information systems, where the emphasis will be on an electronic warfare environment.

Sustainability

Further recommended courses

There are other courses from across the University in this area which may be of interest to you.
These include:

Data Science and Artificial Intelligence for Sustainability MSc –

[Link]/datascienceandai
Sustainability MSc – [Link]/sustainabilitymsc

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Weapon systems

Guided Weapon Systems

[Link]/gws Full-time/part-time (Shrivenham) MSc, PgDip, PgCert

As one of our flagship courses, we have an outstanding reputation within the guided weapons
community. The course meets the requirements of all three UK armed services and is also open to
students from NATO countries, Commonwealth forces, selected non-NATO countries, the scientific
civil service and industry.
It takes you on to an understanding of the principles of guided weapon systems technology and all
interrelated and multidisciplinary facets involved with the complete systems design process.

 Accredited by:

UK MOD © Crown copyright 2024

11
Course structure
Our specialist, sector-focused master’s courses are set up and
developed in close collaboration with industry partners, ensuring the
content of our courses remains industry-relevant and employers are
impressed with our graduates’ business-readiness.
This diagram illustrates the standard course structure for our master’s programmes.
Please check your course structure online for more detailed information.

Registration Completion
180 credits / 1,800 hours

🚩 » FILE-INVOICE FILE-CERTIFICATE

Taught programme Individual project

An intensive learning experience An opportunity to think and work
providing the knowledge you need in an original way. For example,
to excel in your specialist field. this could be working on a project
for a university partner, delving
deeper into an area of specific
interest or a real-world challenge
in the sector you want to work in.

 “The Explosives Ordnance Engineering MSc was a


really fun learning experience. I got to just explore the
thing I was passionate about. It allowed me to apply my
engineering background alongside it and I immediately
knew that I wanted to further my studies after I
graduated.”
Bonny Thawani,
current PhD student

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Industry links
Cranfield has unrivalled links with industry and military
organisations worldwide. You will benefit from our extensive
contacts and track record of close collaboration with the defence and
security sector.

Our courses are informed by industry

We ensure that the latest practices and teaching methods are being taught to the highest
standard that will mean a seamless transition from learning to application within the
workplace. Each course is reviewed every year by an academic panel, who use industry
experience and current practitioners to inform the review.

Examples of the organisations we work with:

AWE, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), MBDA, Qinetic.


Careers
The applied and practical research you will do on your course will ensure that
you will be valued by a wide variety of organisations across the world. Successful
graduates can expect to go on to a range of careers as professional scientists or
engineers in the defence and security sector, in roles across the full breadth of
industrial and public sector organisations.

These are some of the specific roles our students have gone on to:

Roles: Organisations:
• Academic Advisor, • Babcock International Group PLC,
• Air Certification Engineer, • Defence Equipment & Support,
• Border Force Officer, • Home Office,
• Capability Integration Officer, • Japan Ministry of Defence,
• CEO, • Nigerian Army,
• Modelling and Simulation Engineer, • Pelorus Technologies,
• Project Manager, • Raytheon Systems Ltd.,
• Senior Mechanical Systems Engineer. • Royal Navy.

Read more on our website

[Link]/careers

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Academic staff
You will be taught by a wide range of subject specialists drawn from
the University staff and supported by industry professionals, who
bring their research and industrial expertise to provide stimulating and
informed input to your learning experience.
Professor Gareth
Appleby‑Thomas,
Professor Jackie Akhavan, Professor of High Strain-Rate
Professor of Explosive Chemistry Material Response for Defence
and Head of the Centre for Defence Applications and Head of the Centre
Chemistry for Defence Engineering

[Link]/jakhavan [Link]/gthomas

Jackie is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry Gareth took on the role of Head of Centre for
and a Fellow of the Institute of Explosives Engineers Defence Engineering in 2019 and was made a
and in 2018 she was selected as an independent Professor in High Strain-Rate Material Response
member on the Defence Science Expert Committee for Defence Applications in 2020. His main focus
as the UK expert in energetics, explosives and is based around the fields of Survivability, Lethality
weapon technologies for a three-year term. and Materials.

Professor Alessio Balleri, Dr Karthik Depuru-Mohan,

Professor of Radar Systems Lecturer in Aerodynamics

[Link]/aballeri [Link]/kdepurumohan

Alessio joined Cranfield in 2012. He is currently Karthik conducts research and teaching in the fields
serving as the a Professor of Radar Systems at of aerodynamics, aeroacoustics, propulsion, and
Shrivenham and also contributes as a special Issue airworthiness for aerospace, defence, automobile,
editor for the IET Radar, Sonar & Navigation journal motorsport, UAV, and energy applications. Prior to
and he has recently been elected as a member of joining Cranfield, he performed research amongst
the IEEE AESS Radar System Panel. others at the NASA Langley Research Center and
University of Cambridge.

“The course leader was always there for me and ready to assist with any
 course challenges, and would direct me to the relevant person for expert
information. Equally, the support staff were always on hand to help me
with any questions I had and were always incredibly helpful.”
Khuthadzo Lourate Mutele-Nkuna, South African Navy,
(Explosive Ordnance Engineering MSc 2019)

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Key facts and statistics
Course information

Full-time Location
location-dot
One year. Our courses are either delivered at
the Defence Academy of the United
Kingdom, Shrivenham or Cranfield.
Part-time Please visit course pages for more
Up to five years. See the course page information.
for more information about
part-time study. Fees
Please see the individual course
pages on our website for full fee
Start date information and full-time or part-time

Various. Please visit course pages for options. Terms and conditions apply.
more information. See [Link]/fees

Cohort profile*

Average cohort age Student to staff ratio

 
30–39. 10:1.

*Figures as of May 2024.

UK MOD © Crown copyright 2024

15
Useful information
 Financing your studies
Whether you are a UK-based or international
student, we provide information, advice and a
range of online tools to help you put together
the funding package you need. Take a look at
our funding finder which provides a searchable
database of sources of financial support. We
also offer bursaries for high quality applicants.
Visit our website where we provide a range
of additional sources of potential funding
and helpful organisations and contacts for
information, advice and guidance.

Learn more at [Link]/funding

More than a degree with the Cranfield Enhance programme

Cranfield graduates are valued for their distinctive skills and capabilities. We have
developed these programmes to complement and enhance what you learn on your chosen
qualification. On the Cranfield Enhance programme, you will be able to earn ‘digital badges’
in areas such as employability and entrepreneurship to showcase your new skills to
prospective employers.

Read more at [Link]/enhance

 “If you have access to using the apprenticeship

 levy then 100% go for it. It's a great opportunity.
I'm a long time out of school, but there's
an opportunity to think 'how can I develop
myself?'. You own your own development. Just
go and ask your employer and say, 'I want to do
this'.”
Ben Merrills, current student
(Systems Thinking Practice Apprenticeship)

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Life at Cranfield
A welcoming, professional campus community.

 Explore our University

You can personalise your virtual visit to our campus by choosing
the subject area you are interested in on our interactive tool:
[Link]

 How to apply
Read more about our entry requirements and how to apply at
[Link]/apply

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Our location
Located just over an hour from London in the English countryside, Cranfield’s
 campus environment supports close, working relationships between our
multinational postgraduate students and academic and industry experts.

[Link]/visit

 [Link]/defenceandsecurity

Our sector study areas:

Aerospace, School of Management,
Defence and Security, Manufacturing and Materials,
Energy and Sustainability, Transport Systems,
Environment and Agrifood, Water.

@cranfielduni For a full list of Cranfield courses, please

see our prospectus and website.
 @cranfielduni

 /cranfielduni Cranfield University,

Cranfield, MK43 0AL, UK
 Cranfield University

 /cranfielduni T: +44 (0)1793 785220

E: cdsadmissionsoffice@[Link]
 [Link] [Link]

Cover image UK MOD © Crown copyright 2024.

Every effort is made to ensure that the information in this brochure is correct at the time it is printed.
Please check our website for the latest information. CDS-D-November 2024.