Course structure
This programme offers a new model of postgraduate study, the award of a Master of Technology, which has been designed to meet the future needs of the water utility sector by balancing the teaching of technical knowledge in water processes with the development of applied research capability.
Students complete a combined programme of campus and company-based study over a fixed two-year period. The course comprises eight one-week assessed modules which include lectures and tutorials, two group projects, an industrial placement report and individual research project portfolio (see timeline below). The four elements are assessed as follows:
Taught modules - 20%
Group Project - 10%
Industrial Placement Report - 5%
Individual Project - 65%
In their first year students complete five one-week assessed modules and the group design project on the Cranfield University campus.
The students will then take-up a company-based placement with their sponsors to begin engineering design projects, agreed between Cranfield University supervisors and the sponsoring company. The placement is an innovative component within this programme. It is used to develop a professional portfolio of research that is assessed as a thesis.
While on placement students have a number of scheduled supervision visits and one-day teaching programmes to develop their professional expertise and transferable skills, such as communication and presentation.
During the second year students return to campus for the three remaining one-week technical modules, and complete a second group design project. The final four months are spent within the sponsoring company, completing their portfolio of research projects for their thesis.
Modules from the CIWEM-accredited MSc programmes within Cranfield University’s Centre for Water Science form the basis of the taught components. Students follow the route most appropriate to their skills and employment sector.
The course is designed to ensure the maximum opportunity for students to be industrially focused. Students undertaking the award will complete an extended period of career development through research in industry with their sponsoring company whilst developing their technical knowledge and professional practice record to achieve professional accreditation and chartered status.
