Cranfield University

Course description

Welding is integral to the manufacture of a wide range of products, from high-power laser welding of large ships, to microjoining of thin wires to circuit boards. The application of welding and joining continues to expand in the oil, gas, and petrochemical industries, in transport (including automotive, aerospace and shipbuilding), in the manufacture of electronic systems, in defence industries and in general manufacturing.

This course covers areas such as automation, metallurgy and materials science, welding processes, design and quality. It provides students with a fundamental understanding of welding technologies and an awareness of recent technical developments, such as laser welding.

Students benefit from dedicated state-of-the-art welding facilities, including the latest robotic, laser, and arc welding equipment, and also have access to modern metallographic and testing facilities.

The MSc comprises eight one-week assessed modules, a group design project and an individual thesis project. Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) students complete the eight modules and the design project. Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) students complete five modules and a short design project. Part-time students can complete the course using distance learning methods combined with attendance on campus, for two-to-three weeks each year.

Group design project

This provides experience of working in response to a design brief. The aim is to provide conclusions and recommendations that an engineer might present to senior management, based on either an experimental program to solve a technical issue, or an information-based study. Full-time students normally undertake the design project as part of a group of three or four students. Part-time students usually prepare an individual design dissertation, often based around one of their work projects.

Individual research project

This provides experience of undertaking research into a specific welding issue that is of interest and benefit to a company. The project is usually on a topic of direct relevance to industry. Part-time students must have access to appropriate facilities in order to carry out the research project, usually based around a work project.

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM³) on behalf of the UK Engineering Council as meeting the academic requirements for Chartered Engineer status (CEng MIMMM).

This qualification may also contribute to the assessment of candidates applying via the Alternative Route to study for the International Welding Engineer/Technologist/Specialist Diploma available through The Welding Institute (TWI). 

Modules:

The modules include lectures, workshops, case studies, tutorials and company visits covering the following areas:

• Welding Systems and Research Methods
• Design of Welded Structures (e-learning)
• Management of Weld Quality (e-learning)
• An Introduction to Materials Engineering
• Advanced Welding Processes
• Welding Metallurgy (e-learning)
• Welding Processes and Equipment 1 (e-learning)
• Welding Processes and Equipment 2 (e-learning)