The course deals first of all with basic explosives chemistry and properties and progresses through explosion effects to applications in ordnance systems.

The latter part of the course is concerned with the arrangements in place to control the risk from explosives. Lectures are provided on relevant Health and Safety legislation in the UK and the associated regulations. MOD policy, standards and internal regulations, classification, storage, security and conveyance of explosives, range safety and accident reporting and investigation are covered.

At a glance

  • Dates
    • 12 - 21 Jan 2026
    • 08 - 17 Jun 2026
  • Duration8 days - over two consecutive weeks
  • LocationCranfield University at Shrivenham
  • Cost£3,600 Concessions available

What you will learn

The course is intended for both civilian and military MOD staff in addition to contractors' staff and wider industry with responsibilities for ordinance, munitions, and explosives (OME). However, it should be noted that further personal study will generally be necessary in order to achieve an adequate working knowledge of particular subjects, which may be relevant to the individual course member's job.

Core content

Classroom work is supported by a visit to the on-site explosives range and demonstration area, and a visit to the ammunition hall. General explosives subjects are taught by the academic staff of Cranfield University, whilst specialist areas such as policy, legal security and range safety are undertaken by visiting lecturers from MOD and the Defence industry.

This course is specifically designed to relate to the UK MOD competency framework for ordnance, munitions and explosives safety at practitioner level providing a formal educational baseline to support individuals in evidencing (alongside other supporting elements) their competence.

A multiple-choice online assessment is available to assess the taught elements. Failure of this assessment will result in the issue of an ATTENDANCE ONLY CERTIFICATE, which will be sent direct to the student's sponsor (if appropriate) for further action. A pass mark obtained in this test will merit a SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION CERTIFICATE.”

Timetable

Typically this course runs over two weeks, three times per academic year.

October: Tue-Fri / Tue-Fri (to accommodate apprenticeship applicants)

January and June: Mon-Fri / Mon-Wed

Full timetables will be issued nearer to the start date.

Who should attend

The course is intended for:

  • Civilian staff with OME responsibilities,
  • Active serving military personnel,
  • Contractors' and wider defence industry personnel.

Speakers

Course Director
Dr Josh Wardrop

Deputy Course Director
Dr Lisa Humphreys

Teaching Team
Dr Paul Rostron
Dr Clare Knock
Sally Gaulter
Dr Guillaume Kister
Trevor Lawrence
Dr Derek Bray
Dr Susan Waring
Dr Nathalie Mai
Stephen Champion
Dr Federica Persico
Professor Gareth Appleby-Thomas  

You will also be taught by a range of external speakers from industry and the wider defence sector.

Concessions

A limited number of MOD sponsored places are available.

How to apply

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

Apply now

Read our Professional development (CPD) booking conditions.