The “Applied MBSE” CPD course is developed by Cranfield University in close collaboration with systems engineering experts from leading aerospace companies and technology sectors, specifically, Airbus, Babcock, BAE Systems, Dassault Systemes, Leonardo, QinetiQ, and Rolls-Royce. These subject specialists bring invaluable real-world insights and practical expertise, ensuring that the course content is both relevant and up-to-date with the latest trends and tools in Model-Based Systems Engineering.
 
By integrating the perspectives of these experts, the course offers participants a unique opportunity to learn how MBSE principles are applied in complex, large-scale projects, providing a strong foundation for tackling engineering challenges across industries.
 
The course is designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Participants engage in hands-on exercises, case studies, and problem-solving activities that reflect actual scenarios faced by professionals in the field. With access to the latest MBSE tools and methodologies used by top companies, students are equipped with the skills needed to contribute to successful systems development and make informed, data-driven decisions. This collaboration ensures that the course remains a dynamic and valuable resource for aspiring engineers and professionals looking to advance their expertise in MBSE.

The course combines theoretical discussions with interactive, instructor-led learning to provide a comprehensive and engaging experience. Participants review the foundational concepts and advanced techniques of Model-Based Systems Engineering through structured theoretical lessons. The guided, hands-on activities are designed to enable learners to apply the concepts in real-world scenarios.

Led by experts in the field, the course encourages active participation, fostering collaboration and problem-solving as students work through practical case studies in aerospace domain and use cutting-edge MBSE tools. This blended format ensures a balanced approach, allowing learners to build both their conceptual understanding and practical skills in a dynamic, supportive environment.

 

 

At a glance

  • Dates
    • 07 - 11 Jul 2025
    • 18 - 22 Aug 2025
  • Duration5 Days
  • LocationCranfield campus
  • Cost£2,700 Concessions available

Course structure

The course duration is 5 days and it will be delivered on campus.

What you will learn

On completion of the course, you will be able to:

  • develop a systems modelling mindset / systems thinking
  • know how to model not just to draw diagrams
  • become familiar with MagicGrid/Cameo, to know how to do details, to know how to manage requirements
  • utilise common governance and best practices (company specific)
  • focus on the traditional to MBSE delta and translation
  • gain a basic understanding to design complex system, with stakeholder, integrating legacy models with current and future models
The course is designed to bring the learners to “supervised practitioner” level as defined in INCOSE’s Systems Engineering Competency Framework (INCOSE-TP-2018-002-01.0 | July 2018). This means the course will enable the learners to develop their system model with aid and guidance from experienced practitioners within their organisation. 
 

Core content

This course covers essential topics for system development including:

 

  • Review of MBSE foundations
  • Methodology, view points, SysML diagrams
  • Technical management of MBSE
  • Quality attributes tradeoffs in MBSE
  • Digital engineering and MBSE
  • Multiple assisted practical sessions on a case study covering key aspects of system development form requirement capture to integrated design and delivery.
  • Recursive modelling
  • Model validation and verification
  • Sharing and collaboration with PLM
  • Hand on experience with CATIA MagicGrid to apply the theoretical concepts to practice through a case study project, step-by-step. 
 

Who should attend

Both new and experienced SE practitioners who

  • are familiar with systems engineering and MBSE.
  • have basic SE training and spent some time (up to six month) trying to apply MBSE using a tool.
  • do not need to spend most of the time learning the basics of the tool.

Speakers

The course is presented through lectures and hands-on tutorials conducted by members of Cranfield University’s staff and relevant external industrial contributors all of whom have considerable academic and/or industrial experience. The delivery team:
 
Rick Adcock
 
Rick has a BSc in Mathematics and an MSc (with Distinction) in Information Systems.

Prior to joining Cranfield, Rick had a 12 year career in UK defence industry. He worked as a control system designer, mathematical modeller and requirements engineering on a range of Naval, Land and Air weapon system.

At the end of his career in industry, Rick was a Principle Systems Engineer MBDA. In that role he was responsible for defining systems engineering processes and tolls across a range of projects. He was also involved in staff training and managing in house research projects.

Rick was a founding member of the UK chapter of the International Council on Systems Engineering and has held a number of leadership roles in both in the UK and internationally. He was member of the BKCASE project, an international collaboration to create an online Systems Engineering Body of Knowledge (www.sebokwiki.com). From 2013 to 2018 Rick was Editor in Chief of the SEBoK.
 
Rick is currently on the education & Scholarship (E & S) career pathway and delivers teaching in all aspects of Systems Engineering, in particular in Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE). He has previously been involved in research on Systems Engineering competencies and architecture frameworks.
 
Rick's current activities relate to his role on the education & Scholarship (E & S) pathway.
 
He has many years of experience in creating and delivering online and distance learning course. He was responsible for the architecture of the Cranfield online MSc in Systems Engineering, and support colleagues in ensuring this course provides a coherent and comprehensive coverage of 21 century Systems Engineering.

Teaching role is on the Systems Engineering MSc, where he delivers material on Systems Modelling, Life Cycles (including Agile SE), Requirements and Architecture. He is particularly involved in Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE).

General academic interests include MBSE methods and tools, architecture frameworks, architectures for Autonomous systems and the use of machine learning to support MBSE.

 

Sergio Altelarrea
 
Sergio Jimeno Altelarrea PhD, began his academic journey with a Degree in Aerospace Engineering from Universidad Politécnica de Madrid. Subsequently, he earned an MSc in Aerospace Dynamics from Cranfield University and a PhD in Aerospace from the same institution.
 
His research interests revolve around methods for the conceptual design and analysis of complex systems, with a current focusing on aircraft powered by alternative fuels. He has contributed to the development of advanced Model-based Design software tools such as AirCADia and CATIA Magic.

 

Fanny Camelia
 
Dr Camelia is a Lecturer at Cranfield University’s Centre of Excellence for Complex Systems, with academic experience in the UK, Australia, Singapore, and Indonesia. Her expertise lies in systems thinking, systems engineering, and a wide range of systems methodologies that support the design, development, and management of complex systems.
 
Dr Camelia’s research focuses on sociotechnical approaches, system dynamics, systems engineering, and system architecture applied across diverse complex systems. Her current and recent projects include investigating sociotechnical aspects and system dynamics in air transport (ONEheart WP 1.3, Agile Wing Integration WP 1.2), developing open architectures for autonomous maritime systems (Rolls-Royce UTC in Aero System Design Integration and Performance, Activity 1010), and using wargaming to support strategic air transportation planning (Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF)). She has also explored the integration of emerging technologies—such as Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, IoT, and Digital Twins—in future-oriented human resource management systems (Human Social Science Research Capability, HSSRC HS 1.013).
 
Moreover, she led the development of a skills ontology for defence personnel management and designed decision-support tools to optimise the tracking and management of knowledge, skills, and experience within defence contexts (RCloud, Dstl). Her current research interests span model-based systems engineering, resilience and safety in systems, human-systems engineering, and the intersection of systems engineering with project management.
 
In her teaching role, Dr Camelia delivers modules on systems engineering across multiple MSc programmes, including Systems Engineering, Air Vehicle Design, Connected and Autonomous Vehicles, and Applied Artificial Intelligence. She also supervises both PhD and MSc students, providing guidance on their research and professional development.
 
Dr Camelia’s management experience includes leading research teams and organising interdisciplinary workshops and conferences to strengthen collaboration between academia and industry. Her work has involved building partnerships with research communities in Southeast Asia on the project A System of Systems Approach to Building Community Disaster Resilience: Cutting-Edge Technologies for Situational Awareness and Decision Support (Cranfield GCRF). She has also contributed to establishing a knowledge exchange hub for advancing research in future aviation security technologies, showcased at the GREET – Global Smart Security Network conference at DARTeC (HEIF).
 
Furthermore, she has worked closely with rail industry partners to develop a research roadmap for integrating human factors into UK rail development projects.

 

Deepa Ganesh
 
Deepaa Ganesh is an accomplished engineering professional with over three decades of experience in system design, product development, and advanced engineering technologies. She holds a BEng (Hons) in Electronics, and Master’s degrees in Measurement, Instrumentation Devices and Systems Engineering. Currently, serving as a Technical Lead/Systems Application Architect and Systems Engineering Manager at QinetiQ. Deepaa has successfully led the development of ground breaking products, taking them from research and design to mass production.
 
Throughout her career, Deepaa has pioneered the implementation of Applied Model-Based Systems Engineering, Digital Twin Development and Systems Integration, transforming traditional approaches to engineering solutions. Her technical expertise includes robotics, system on Chip technologies, real-time system engineering and embedded system design, advanced servo control design, signal processing and model-based engineering, and broader system and software design.
 
Deepaa has significantly contributed to industries spanning Consumer markets, Semiconductors, Automotive, and Defence, working with global leaders such as Thales, Philips, NXP, Jaguar-LandRover and QinetiQ. With international experience across Asia, Europe, and the UK, she excels in addressing complex challenges and delivering innovative solutions worldwide.
 
As a mentor, Deepaa actively supports female engineering undergraduates at Brunel University (WBEC) and serves as an industrial advisor and guest lecturer for the University of Cranfield’s Applied MBSE CPD Course and Aircraft Engineering MSc.
 
Deepaa is a member of INCOSE and IET currently, serves as the Chair of INCOSE’s Systems and Software Interface working group. She actively promotes implementation of Digital Engineering through keynote speeches, workshops, highlighting its transformative potential to revolutionise industries and tackle complex global challenges.
 
With a passion for innovation, mentorship, and driving technological advancements, Deepaa continues to make an enduring impact in the field of engineering.

 

Matthew Howlett
 
Matthew Howlett is a Chartered Engineer and an OMG-Certified Systems Modeling Professional with over 25 years of experience in the Aerospace and Defence industry. He holds a BEng (Hons.) in Mechanical Engineering from Brunel University and a MSc (with Distinction) in Aerospace Design, Manufacture and Management from the University of Bristol.
 
Matthew is a member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE). He regularly contributes to the INCOSE UK MBSE Working Group and serves on the Customer Advisory Board for Dassault Systèmes’ CATIA Magic Portfolio.
 
His career began at Rolls-Royce, where he gained extensive experience across the full systems engineering lifecycle — from early concept generation to in-service customer support. Matthew has played a key role in several Digital Transformation initiatives and began his journey into Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) by applying MODAF to the design of services aimed at improving customer operational performance.
 
For the past 15 years, Matthew has focused on enhancing systems engineering capability and, over the last decade, has specialized in the application and continuous improvement of MBSE. He is currently Chief Systems Specialist for MBSE at Leonardo UK.

 

Jafar Jamshidi
 
Jafar Jamshidi CEng IMechE PhD MBA MSc BSc is a chartered mechanical engineer with a first class degree apprenticeship in manufacturing and tool making, a BSc degree with distinction in Industrial Engineering, systems planning and analyses, MSc in IT for manufacturing, PhD in mechanical engineering and an MBA with project in operations research. Jafar has over 35 years of work experience in various roles from workshop technician to lead quality engineer and in academic environment he has been involved with several publicly funded and industrial contract research in manufacturing and assembly systems integration.
 
In addition to his university lecture modules Jafar has developed and delivered several CPD courses for participants from companies from high value manufacturing sector. His industrial research and teaching clients include Vestas Blades, FARO, Hexagon, Renishaw, JLR, Tata Motors, AWE, NPL, ITER organisations, KUKA, Fanuc, Airbus, BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, and some of the companies in their supply chains.

 

Atif Riaz
 
Atif Riaz holds a BEng degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics from University of Southampton, and a BSc degree in Computer Sciences. He obtained his PhD degree in Aerospace Engineering from Cranfield University. During his PhD, he developed a set-based design methodology for passenger aircraft families. Dr Riaz worked as a Research Fellow at Cranfield University from 2013 to 2019.
 
During this time, his main responsibilities had been contributing to UK and EU research projects, and supervising research (both MSc and PhD level) students. In 2019, he was promoted to Lecturer position. He delivers lectures on Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), System Modelling Language (SysML), and Multidisciplinary Design Optimisation (MDO). He is the module leader for 'Methodologies for Integrated Product Development'. 
 
His research interests focus on the development of methods and tools for complex systems design and analysis, including MDO, SBD, and MBSE. He has been a key collaborator and academic advisor to multiple EU and ATI-Innovate UK research projects, including CRESCENDO, CONGA, TOICA, WOTF, DAVINCI, PIPS, APROCONE, and currently COLIBRI, in partnership with Airbus and Rolls-Royce. He is the Co-I (co-investigator) for COLIBRI project. Dr Riaz has been a key player in the development of an in-house software named AirCADia, which is a model-based design and analysis environment for complex systems. AirCADia has been installed on IDLab at Airbus (Toulouse) and is being used by Airbus under non-transferable license.
 
Dr Riaz teaches Systems Modelling Language (SysML), Systems Architecture Definition and Analysis, and Product Lifecycle Management as part of the module 'Methodologies for Integrated Product Development' for MSc Aircraft Engineering. He also teaches Multidisciplinary Design Optimisation (MDO) techniques for 'Computational Design Optimisation' module.
 
Atif Riaz is working on ATI-Innovate UK research project (COLIBRI), where he is developing a cloud-based (collaborative) design environment. He is currently supervising four PhD students.
 
 

 

Ashraf Tantawy
 
Dr. Ashraf Tantawy received his Ph.D. from the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Vanderbilt University, USA. Prior to his academic career, he worked in the Oil & Gas industry for multinational organisations, including British Petroleum, Qatar Gas, and Schneider Electric, where he designed and implemented a variety of embedded systems including distributed control systems, SCADA systems, and safety instrumented systems. He is a certified Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) Expert from the International Society of Automation (ISA), NC, USA. He is a member of the IEEE, RITICS (Research Institute In Trustworthy Inter-Connected Cyber-Physical Systems) Fellow, and holds the Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA).
 
His research interest lies at the intersection of Cyber Physical Systems, Artificial Intelligence, and Cyber Security to develop resilient AI-enabled autonomous cyber physical systems. His current research interests include decision-making, reinforcement learning, autonomous agents, modelling & simulation for dependable systems, and model-based systems engineering. His research application domains include autonomous vehicles, transportation systems, industrial control systems and smart cities.

 

Yaseen Zaidi
 
Yaseen Zaidi PGCertAPP, FHEA, SM{ACM, AIAA, IEEE}, M{INCOSE, SIAM}, senior lecturer in systems engineering at Cranfield Defence and Security, holds a PhD EE, MS Engineering Management, and BSEE. He taught aerospace engineering at the University of the West of England, was a researcher in radar remote sensing at the University of Cape Town, and satellite systems engineering at the French South African Institute of Technology.
 
He began his career as a hardware systems engineer in the telecom industry before moving on to the space sector. He was extensively trained in systems and space engineering. He served in various capacities on three agency-level and two academic space missions, successfully operating in orbit. He is an associate editor of the SAE Aerospace Journal. He is a member of the College of Reviewers of the UK Space Agency and the EPSRC Peer Review College.
 
In the Mathematics Genealogy Project, he is a 9th-generation descendant of Bessel and a 10th-generation descendant of Gauss. He has delivered and is involved in funded research projects amounting to £31M.

Concessions

20% discount for Cranfield Alumni.

 

10% discount when registering 3 or more delegates, from the same organisation at the same time.

 

Accommodation fees are not included in the discount scheme. 

Accommodation options and prices

This course is non-residential. If you would like to book accommodation on campus, please contact Mitchell Hall or Cranfield Management Development Centre directly. Further information about our on campus accommodation can be found here. Alternatively you may wish to make your own arrangements at a nearby hotel.

Location and travel

This course will be delivered on campus.

Location address

Cranfield University
College Road
Cranfield
Bedford 
MK43 0AL

How to apply

To apply for this course please use the online application form.

Apply now

Read our Professional development (CPD) booking conditions.