The aim of this module is to allow students to conduct an in-depth study in an area of particular personal interest or relevance to them, in the context of their degree.

This module is only offered as part of the Defence Simulation and Modelling MSc and the Military Operational Research MSc.

What you will learn

On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:

  • plan, organise and undertake an individual, open-ended research activity with appropriate supervision,
  • demonstrate an ability to acquire, organise, discuss, assess and apply relevant knowledge,
  • demonstrate an ability to gather and critically appraise data and to utilise it within the appropriate context,
  • critically apply appropriate methods, tools, techniques, processes and knowledge to the topic selected,
  • communicate findings in the form of both a written deliverable and an oral presentation.

Core content

Indicative module content:

  • a self-study ‘mini-project’ conducted over two weeks, on an individually selected and agreed topic, which must follow on from one more already completed standard taught modules in that degree,
  • part-time students will typically complete their work over a 10-week period.  One such block of 10 weeks being offered in each academic term.

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

Read our Professional development (CPD) booking conditions.