Overview
- Start dateSeptember
- DurationMSc: 11 months full-time, up to five years part-time; PgDip: up to 11 months full-time, up to four years part-time; PgCert: up to 11 months full-time, up to three years part-time
- DeliveryThis varies from module to module but comprises a mixture of oral examinations, written examinations, informal tests, assignments, syndicate presentations and an individual thesis
- QualificationMSc, PgDip, PgCert
- Study typeFull-time / Part-time
- CampusCranfield University at Shrivenham
Who is it for?
This course is an essential prerequisite for many specific weapons postings in the UK and overseas forces. It also offers an ideal opportunity for anyone working in the Guided Weapons industry to get a comprehensive overall understanding of all the main elements of guided weapons systems.
It typically attracts 12 students per year, mainly from UK, Canadian, Australian, Chilean, Brazilian and other European forces.
Why this course?
The main objective of the Guided Weapon Systems course is to bring together the wide variety of disciplines constituting guided weapon systems technology and to present them in an integrated manner. It takes you on to an understanding of the principles of guided weapon systems technology and all interrelated and multi-disciplinary facets involved with the complete systems design process.
The course structure is modular in nature with each module conducted at a postgraduate level. The interactions between modules are emphasised throughout. A comprehensive suite of visits to industrial and services establishments consolidates the learning process, ensuring the taught subject matter is directly relevant and current.
Some visits are restricted to Five Eyes nations only (i.e. Aus/Can/UK/US/NZ). Please contact us for more information.
Informed by industry
The industry advisory panel consists of the main services customers:
- Royal Navy,
- Royal Air Force,
- Army,
and a variety of industry contacts:
- Dstl,
- Roxel,
- Thales,
- MBDA.
Course details
The course comprises a taught phase and an individual project. The taught phase is split into three main phases: Part One (Theory), Part Two (Applications), Part Three (Systems).
Course delivery
This varies from module to module but comprises a mixture of oral examinations, written examinations, informal tests, assignments, syndicate presentations and an individual thesis
Individual project
Each student has to undertake an research project on a subject related to an aspect of guided weapon systems technology. It will usually commence around January and finish with a dissertation submission and oral presentation in mid-July.
Modules
Keeping our courses up-to-date and current requires constant innovation and change. The modules we offer reflect the needs of business and industry and the research interests of our staff and, as a result, may change or be withdrawn due to research developments, legislation changes or for a variety of other reasons. Changes may also be designed to improve the student learning experience or to respond to feedback from students, external examiners, accreditation bodies and industrial advisory panels.
To give you a taster, we have listed the compulsory and elective (where applicable) modules which are currently affiliated with this course. All modules are indicative only, and may be subject to change for your year of entry.
Compulsory modules
All the modules in the following list need to be taken as part of this course:
Electro-optic and Infrared Systems 1
Electro-optic and Infrared Systems 2
GW Applications - Control and Guidance
GW Applications Propulsion and Aerodynamics
GW Propulsion and Aerodynamics Theory
GW Structures, Aeroelasticity and Power Supplies
GW Warheads, Explosives and Materials
Introductory and Foundation Studies
Signal Processing, Statistics and Analysis
Teaching team
The Student Academic Support lead for our MSc in Guided Weapon Systems is Scott Winskill and the Course Director is Dr David Galvao Wall. You will be taught by Cranfield's leading experts with capability expertise, industry knowledge and collective subject research, including:
Accreditation
The MSc of this course has been accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society under licence from the UK regulator, the Engineering Council.
Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC). An accredited degree will provide you with some or all of the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills for eventual registration as an Incorporated (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng). Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees, and an accredited degree is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords.
Your career
Successful students will have a detailed understanding of Guided Weapons system design and will be highly suited to any role or position with a requirement for specific knowledge of such systems. Many students go on to positions within the services which have specific needs for such skills.
How to apply
Applicants may be invited to attend an interview. Applicants based outside of the UK may be interviewed either by telephone or video conference.
