Course structure
The course comprises eight assessed modules, group projects and an individual project. The modules include lectures and tutorials, and are assessed through appropriate assignments. There is an emphasis on analysis of real problems, with practical field work to reinforce learning.
This provides the 'tools' required for the group and individual projects. The three elements of the course are assessed as follows.
Taught modules: 40%
Group project: 20%*
Individual project: 40%
*For part-time students the group projects may be replaced by individual work-based assignments with their employer organisation.
The full-time option is a one-year course that starts in October and finishes in September the following year. During that time we expect you to be studying for 45 weeks.
Taught modules
The taught element of the course comprises eight modules that depend on the option that you have chosen. Each module is allocated two weeks although in most cases the contact time (lectures, seminars and practicals) is confined to one of those two weeks. Each module is assessed by way of an in-module assessment which in total comprise 40% of the overall degree mark. Typical types of in-module assessment include practical assignments, essays, and design projects.
Group projects
Each option has eight weeks of Group Projects that combines practical and professional skills training. The Group Projects account for 20% of the marks for the MSc.
Personal research project
The personal research project accounts for the remainder of the marks for the degree with 35% allocated to the thesis and 5% for an oral presentation. The research project is mostly carried out between May and August.
Part-time
Part-time programmes are structured in a similar way to the full-time programme and comprise eight one-week assessed modules, a group project (or dissertation), and an individual project, which results in the production of a thesis. Part-time students are normally expected to complete their MSc in two to three years. The modular nature of the programmes allows students a degree of flexibility in the number and order of modules completed each year. Students may commence the course at any time during the year.
Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip)
Delivered and assessed at Masters level, the PgDip represents the taught element of the associated MSc. Students are expected to complete eight modules and a group project.
Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert)
Delivered and assessed at Masters level, the PgCert comprises a subset of the syllabus for the taught element of the associated MSc/PgDip course. Students are expected to complete six modules.
Advanced Professional Master of Technology (MTech)
The innovative MTech programme is unique to Cranfield. It combines taught course MSc study, company-based research, professional development and industrial experience. The total study period is two years and offers teaching and research to develop effective academic expertise as well as directly relevant industrial research experience to progress your career in your chosen sector.
