We are a world-leading research group pioneering the development of next-generation lightweight materials and structures. Our expertise spans across various industries, including aerospace, automotive, and renewable energy. We focus on creating sustainable solutions by designing high-performance, lightweight structures without compromising safety or efficiency.
Develop cutting-edge materials and structures: We equip engineers and researchers with the knowledge and skills to design and analyze advanced lightweight composites and metallic structures.
Industry-focused research: We address critical industry challenges related to sustainability and weight reduction. Our strong collaborations with leading companies like Airbus and Rolls-Royce ensure our research is directly applicable to real-world problems.
Preparing future leaders: Our programs combine advanced theoretical knowledge with practical skills through industry-sponsored projects, preparing graduates for successful careers in advanced lightweight structures.
Cranfield University has definitely fulfilled my expectations with regards to studying abroad. Considering the nature of my field of knowledge in structures and impact damage, the Cranfield Impact Centre was the most fascinating and impressive one for me, embodying an FIA approved test house for F1 crash tests.
My degree played an important role in helping me gain my current role at Scuderi Ferrari F1. It was key on my CV and highly rated by composite-oriented workers from companies that I’ve been in contact with. In particular, the technical knowledge that I've learnt helps me everyday in my current role. As well as the professional approach that I experienced working on my group project and individual research project that has taught me how to deal with real engineering problems.
My experience at Cranfield has been extremely positive, exceeding my expectations and, although the previous year has been a tough time in the Uk and worldwide, I strongly believe the teaching team managed to deliver a profound and enriching learning experience to me and to my classmates, even during the distant learning weeks. In particular, I delivered an interesting group design project working with Airbus on advanced Finite Element simulation techniques for aircraft design, which permitted me to apply the knowledge and competencies I acquired during classes and workshops in a real work environment. Moreover, at the end of my study period and during the summer I worked on an individual research project, under the supervision of Dr Dayyani, focused on the design and analysis of novel mechanical metamaterials, which resulted in my first ever publication on a top scientific journal.
About a decade ago I successfully launched my career in the Aero-industry, after completing a master’s at Cranfield University. As a Cranfield alumnus, I recognised an opportunity during the pandemic to study lightweight Composite Structures and Impact analysis. This is an ideal leap forward in my career as a structural analyst. Cranfield University is in a unique position as being a postgraduate only University with a blend of professionals and recent graduates. The University's industry-renowned specialised research facilities are at par, giving us exposure to real-world problem-solving testing tools. I enjoyed the experience of Cranfield’s impact centre (CIC) for the crash analysis, which gave us hands-on experience in impact testing. I found the course very exciting because it gave me access to all the necessary knowledge, analysis tools such as Abaqus used in industry, lessons from experts in the field, and a vast number of resources in the on-campus library. Cranfield’s strong industry links and alumni network is the major platform with world-class facilities for higher technology readiness levels; enabling cutting-edge technological research that helps you launch a professional career.
Since graduating Cranfield University, I have been fortunate to move straight into a full time role in Formula 1, working for Red Bull Racing as a Structures Analyst. This role was directly linked to my course’s fundamental principal of structure design.
It’s fair to say that this opportunity in F1 would never have been possible without the great recognition Cranfield University has in the industry and the unique nature of the Advanced Lightweight and Composite Structures MSc. The specific topics we covered and focused on were crashworthiness and lightweight composite structure design.
What I enjoyed the most about the course was the focused environment. The location plays a huge role in having the correct climate to learn during the condensed 1 year masters course. In addition, the diverse community at Cranfield University has left me with long lasting friends from across the globe. Relating more to the course, the enhanced composites lab and Cranfield Impact Centre were amazing, and I had the opportunity to make the most of them during my course.
Even before graduating from Cranfield University, I was accepted as a Marie Skłodowska - Curie PhD student, investigating the X-ray imaging and scattering techniques for pultruded carbon fibre composites for wind turbine blades. Attending a MSc in ALCS provided me with the essential, advanced and state-of-the-art thorough background of Composite Materials and Lightweight Structures, including the related software, while the projects of the course equipped me with highly competitive problem solving skills. Most importantly, the people that constitute this MSc taught me invaluable life lessons and were always there to give me their support, like when I was needing advice for the PhD. The most enjoyable part of being a student in Cranfield was the opportunity to work hard, test my limits and gain a thorough and specialized background on my area of interest, while enjoying the life in the University, attending various activities and building friendships that I am sure will last.
Cranfield's Advanced Lightweight and Composite Structures Master's program wasn't just an academic chapter; it was the launchpad for my career trajectory. Surrounded by brilliant minds and hands-on experiences, I sculpted my passion into expertise that now propels my professional journey at Airbus. During my year in Cranfield, I learnt not only theoretical but also practical knowledge that I apply every day in my job.
For example, as part of my thesis I was able to perform FE analysis as well as manufacturing and testing of composite-aluminium bonded joints, giving me an overview of the whole process that any company follows.
I highly recommend the ACLS Master’s programme to anyone keen on materials and lightweight structures, no matter the sector, as the career options are wide open.
