This course provides education and training in military vehicle systems, offering students an understanding of the technologies used in the specification, design, development and assessment of weapon systems and military vehicles. Both armoured and support vehicles are covered within the course.

Overview

  • Start dateSeptember
  • DurationMSc: 11 months full-time, up to three years part-time; PgDip: Up to 11 months full-time, up to two years part-time; PgCert: Up to 11 months full-time and one year part-time
  • DeliveryContinuous assessment, examinations and thesis (MSc only). Approximately 10-15% of the assessment is by examination
  • QualificationMSc, PgDip, PgCert
  • Study typeFull-time / Part-time
  • CampusCranfield University at Shrivenham

Who is it for?

This course offers the underpinning knowledge and education to enhance the student’s suitability for senior positions within their organisation.

The course is intended for officers of the armed forces and for scientists and technical officers in government defence establishments and the defence industry. It is particularly suitable for those who, in their subsequent careers, will be involved with the specification, analysis, development, technical management or operation of military vehicles.

Why this course?

Each individual module is designed and offered as a standalone course which allows an individual to understand the fundamental technology required to efficiently perform the relevant, specific job responsibilities. The course also offers a critical depth to undertake engineering analysis or the evaluation of relevant subsystems.


Informed by industry

The Industrial Advisory Panel is made up of experienced engineers from within the MoD, UK and international defence industry.

Course details

This course is made up of two essential components: the equivalent of 12 taught modules (including some double modules, typically of a two week duration), and an individual project. The aim of the project phase is to enable students to develop expertise in engineering research, design or development.

The project phase requires a thesis to be submitted and is worth 80 credit points. Earning the appropriate credits can lead to the following academic awards: Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) – building a total of 60 credits / Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) – two optional modules (120 credits) / Master of Science (MSc) – all modules (120 credits) plus project (80 credits).


Course delivery

Continuous assessment, examinations and thesis (MSc only). Approximately 10-15% of the assessment is by examination

Individual project

In addition to the taught part of the course, students undertake an individual project. The aim of the project phase is to enable students to develop expertise in engineering research, design or development. The project phase requires a thesis to be submitted and is worth 80 credit points.

Examples of current titles are given below:

  • Use of Vibration Absorber to help in Vibration;
  • Validated Model of UGV Power Usage;
  • Effect of Ceramic Tile Spacing in Lightweight Armour systems;
  • Investigation of Suspension System for Main Battle Tanks;
  • An Experimental and Theoretical Investigation into a Pivot Adjustable Suspension System as a Low Cost Method of Adjusting for Payload;
  • Analysis of Amphibious Operation and Waterjet Propulsions for Infantry Combat Vehicles;
  • Optimisation of the Suspension System for a Vehicle;
  • Analysis of the Off-Road Performance of a Wheeled or Tracked Vehicle.

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.


Teaching team

You will be taught by Cranfield's leading experts with capability expertise, industry knowledge and collective subject research, as well as external speakers from industry and defence. The Student Academic Support lead for the MSc in Military Vehicle Technology is Emily Harris and the Course Director is Dave Simner. The teaching team includes:

Accreditation

Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Candidates must hold a CEng accredited BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree to comply with full CEng registration requirements.

IET New

Your career

Many previous students have returned to their sponsor organisations to take-up senior programme appointments and equivalent research and development roles in this technical area.

How to apply

Click on the ‘Apply now’ button below to start your online application.

See our Application guide for information on our application process and entry requirements.