This course offers comprehensive insights into the principles of maritime and underwater warfare. Delivered by Cranfield University staff and guest speakers, the course includes a combination of informative lectures, collaborative group workshops, and a maritime-related field visit.

At a glance

  • Dates
    • 07 - 11 Dec 2026
  • Duration5 days
  • LocationCranfield University at Shrivenham
  • CostShort course £2,475, accredited short course £2,725. Concessions available

What you will learn

On successful completion of this course you will be able to:

  • Review physical and chemical properties of explosives used to produce a desired target effect,
  • Propose countermeasures for underwater threats,
  • Assess the associated risks of explosive munition clearance underwater,
  • Identify and evaluate emerging threats in the future of maritime and underwater munitions.

Core content

  • Principles of underwater warfare,
  • Engineering materials for underwater munitions,
  • Physics of underwater explosions,
  • Explosive materials used in underwater munitions,
  • Safe storage and carriage of munitions at sea,
  • Countering threats at sea,
  • Rendering safe procedures for underwater IEDs and mines,
  • History of sea dumped munitions,
  • Geopolitical impact of dumped munitions,
  • Environmental impact of underwater munitions,
  • Detection, monitoring and handling of sea dumping munitions,
  • Safety implications of munition clearance,
  • Remediation of sea dumped munitions,
  • Emerging threats against the future of underwater munition capability,
  • Group workshops and external visit to enhance student learning.

Credit towards further study

When taken as an accredited short course, 10 credit points can be put towards the Explosives Ordnance Engineering MSc.

Find out more about accredited short courses.

Speakers

Guest speakers will also give lectures.

Concessions

A limited number of MOD sponsored places are available. 

Location and travel

Cranfield Defence and Security (CDS) is a Cranfield School based at the Ministry of Defence establishment on the Oxfordshire/Wiltshire borders.

Shrivenham itself lies in the picturesque Vale of the White Horse, close to the M4 motorway which links London and South Wales. It is 7 miles from Swindon, the nearest town, which lies off the M4 at the hub of Britain’s motorway network.

Bath, Cheltenham, Bristol and Oxford are all within an hour’s drive and London less than two hours away by car.

All visitors must be pre-booked in at reception by the person they are visiting on the campus.

For further location and travel details

How to apply

Please complete the online application form.


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Read our Professional development (CPD) booking conditions.