Postgraduate Prospectus

Structural Design (Option of Aerospace Vehicle Design MSc)

Model of aircraft

Suitable for students with a background in either aeronautical or mechanical engineering. Other relevant engineering disciplines may be considered. Candidates with alternative qualifications supplemented with relevant industrial experience may also be considered.

Takes you on to a career as a project design or structural design engineer in aerospace or related design offices, with the aim of progressing to technical management or technical specialist. Typical student destinations include BAE Systems, Airbus (UK and Europe), Dassault, Rolls-Royce plc, and Messier Dowty. 

You will be taught by a range of Cranfield staff, many of whom, including the Course Director, have many years of aerospace industrial experience. Further lectures and case studies presented by senior engineers from external aerospace organisations reinforce this.

Course description

Manufacturers of modern aircraft are demanding more lightweight and more durable structures. Selecting the Structural Design option of the MSc in Aerospace Vehicle Design enables the student to pursue the individual research thesis in greater detail instead of participating in the group design project.

Students will have the chance to fly the School’s Bulldog aircraft as well as our large aircraft flight simulator. The School owns a Jetstream Flying Laboratory which gives students the opportunity to experience first-hand the theory through onboard monitors using industry-standard software.

The Structural Design option has two components – taught modules and the individual research thesis. Assessment is by examination, an individual research project thesis, and an oral presentation.

Individual research thesis

Students choose a topic very early in the course. This can be selected from a portfolio of subjects proposed by staff, or developed from the student’s own particular interest. Some topics may offer collaboration with industry.

Past thesis projects have included:

  • experimental/theoretical fatigue and fracture mechanics studies
  • smart structures
  • aeroelasticity
  • crashworthiness
  • Finite Element Analysis (FEA) or nonlinear analysis as applied to aerospace structures such as aircraft, helicopters, spacecraft, F1 and other automotive applications.

Option of Aerospace Vehicle Design MSc (options in Aircraft design, Avionic Systems Design and Structural Design)

Modules:

The taught modules cover all aspects of aerospace vehicle structural design including:

  • Stress Analysis
  • Finite Element Methods
  • Fatigue
  • Fracture Mechanics
  • Damage Tolerance
  • Aeroelasticity
  • Structural Stability

Entry requirements

1st or 2nd class UK Honours degree or equivalent in an engineering discipline.

Duration

1 year full-time.

Start date

October or March

Number of places

75 (across all options).

Assessment

Examinations 20%, individual research thesis 80%.

Funding

Please contact us for details. Well qualified UK applicants may be eligible to apply for the EADS Technology Masters Training Award.

Further details & applications

Further information

Course website

Contact

SoE Admissions - AVD
T: +44 (0)1234 754664
E: soe_avd@cranfield.ac.uk

ATAS certificate required

Students requiring a Tier 4 General Student visa to study in the UK may need to apply for an ATAS certificate to study this course.

Application process

Application form.

Online application

Aerospace Vehicle Design

Teaching location

Cranfield campus, School of Engineering.