Overview
- Start dateFebruary
- DurationMSc: three years part-time; PgDip: two years part-time; PgCert: two years part-time
- DeliveryTaught modules 40%, group project 30%, individual research project 30%
- QualificationMSc, PgDip, PgCert
- Study typePart-time
- CampusCranfield campus
Who is it for?
We recognise the challenge of undertaking part-time study while you are working. This course is specifically designed for people working in engineering or technical management positions in the aerospace industry who wish to study for an accredited master's degree while they are in employment.
You are required to attend a total of nine weeks of lectures over three years on a modular basis. The first year attendance pattern is two weeks in February, followed by one week in June and one week in November. Following a series of compulsory modules, you may choose three specialist optional modules in order to tailor the course to your particular interests and requirements.
Why this course?
This course provides accelerated development of engineering staff whilst delivering the right mix of technical and business skills for careers in the aerospace industry. The course will broaden your understanding of aircraft engineering and design subjects, and provide a strong foundation for career development in technical, integration and leadership roles. This accredited master's course supports your career development by meeting the further learning requirements for Chartered Engineer status. The group project allows you to gain hands on experience of development and design lifecycle, and the individual project allows you to investigate a topic that is of interest to your employer, with supervision from experienced staff.
Cranfield has been at the forefront of postgraduate education in aircraft engineering since 1946. We have a global reputation for our advanced postgraduate education and extensive applied research. You can be sure that your qualification will be valued and respected by employers.
Informed by industry
The Industrial Advisory Panel, comprising senior industry professionals, provides input into the curriculum in order to improve the employment prospects of our graduates. Panel members include:
- Airbus UK - Filton,
- BAE Systems,
- Canadian High Commission,
- Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform,
- Marshall Aerospace,
- Messier-Bugatti-Dowty,
- RAF,
- Military Aviation Authority.
Course details
The MSc in Aircraft Engineering consists of three elements: taught modules, a group design project and an individual research project.
Course delivery
Taught modules 40%, group project 30%, individual research project 30%
Group project
The group project is undertaken throughout year two of your studies and provides a wealth of learning opportunities. You will work together on a significant design project, progressing from concept to hardware. Each student takes on a technical design role related to a major structural, systems or avionics item as well as a management role such as Chief Engineer, Project Manager, Finance Manager etc.
Recent group projects have covered:
- Turbo-jet powered unmanned air vehicles,
- An advanced aircraft systems and avionics integration rig,
- An electric ultralight aircraft,
- The development of a hand controller for pilots with lower limb disability.
Individual project
The individual research project allows you to delve deeper into an area of specific interest of your choice, and you are encouraged to select a project that is of relevance to your sponsoring company. You will complete the individual project during year three of your studies.
Recent individual research projects have included:
- Study into the effect of environmental conditioning on the pull-through performance of countersunk bolted joints in thin composite structures;
- The effect of alternative fuels on military aircraft fuel systems;
- Conceptual design of a UAV with STOL capability for operation in remote, unpaved surfaces;
- Development of a MATLAB linear model of the NIMROD pitch flight control system;
- An industrial study of multi-disciplinary optimisation.
Modules
Keeping our courses up-to-date and current requires constant innovation and change. The modules we offer reflect the needs of business and industry and the research interests of our staff and, as a result, may change or be withdrawn due to research developments, legislation changes or for a variety of other reasons. Changes may also be designed to improve the student learning experience or to respond to feedback from students, external examiners, accreditation bodies and industrial advisory panels.
To give you a taster, we have listed the compulsory and elective (where applicable) modules which are currently affiliated with this course. All modules are indicative only, and may be subject to change for your year of entry.
Course modules
Compulsory modules
All the modules in the following list need to be taken as part of this course.
Introduction and Initial Aerospace Vehicle Design
Aim |
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Syllabus |
In addition to familiarising you with the design process the module is designed to encourage them to work together effectively as a team and to develop communication skills that will be further utilised throughout the MSc course in the GDP. Introduction to Aircraft Design • The design and development process. • Importance of requirements and mass. • Reliability and Maintainability. Aircraft Conceptual Design • Project design process and parametric techniques. • Flight path performance. • Drag and weight prediction: Drag sources, polar estimation, weight prediction methods. • Layout aspects: wing; powerplant; landing gear; fuselage. • Overview of stability and control: tailplane/elevator, fin/rudder, aileron layout. • Overall project synthesis. |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you should be able to: 1. Demonstrate a broad understanding of the multidisciplinary nature of aircraft design and manufacture. 2. Apply conceptual design methods and analysis to simple aircraft design problems and synthesise new designs. Evaluate those designs. 3. Develop transferable skills in team building, networking (including intersite communication) and independent learning. |
Tools for Integrated Product Development
Aim |
The aim of this module is to introduce you to role of Computer Aided Design (CAD) technologies in a modern integrated Product Development process and provide hands-on experience of CAD using the CATIA v5 software. |
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Syllabus |
Introduction to Integrated Product Development (IPD) for aircraft design. Overview of Computer Aided Design, Manufacture and Engineering tools and their role in IPD. Introduction to CAD modelling techniques: Computer Aided Manufacture and Rapid Prototyping. Hands on CATIA exercises using CATIA v5. Aerospace Industry Case Studies. |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this study you should be able to:
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Major Component Design and Manufacture
Aim |
The aim of this module is to explain the reasons behind the design choices to be made in the structural layout and manufacture of components such as wings and fuselages. |
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Syllabus |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you should be able to: 1. Assess the constraints imposed on aircraft design by manufacturing and operational considerations.2. Evaluate the influences of design for manufacture and maintainability on both structure and aircraft systems. 3. Evaluate the range of design solutions for aircraft component design. 4. Relate their acquired knowledge to an aircraft design problem.
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Methodologies for Integrated Product Development
Aim |
This module aims to introduce you to several major topics associated with Engineering Integration in the context of what has been known in recent years as Integrated Product Development (IPD) in the Extended/Virtual Enterprise. The objective is to follow the process from the early stages of the product development lifecycle when the Prime has to deal with vague or difficult to quantify customer needs and to convert those to sound (functional) requirements and subsequently to design embodiments. The emphasis is on the architectural design enabling methods, including Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE). |
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Syllabus |
Overview of the topics covered in the module. Included also are brief introductions to Quality Function Deployment (QFD) and Design Space Exploration, Optimisation and Trade-off Analysis. Object Oriented Approach to Systems Modelling This lecture covers the fundamental concepts, including also a very brief introduction to the Unified Modelling Language (UML) and the Systems Modelling Language (SysML). Engineering Integration and Architectural Design Covered are the principles of the Axiomatic Design approach to systems architecting (function – means mapping). Included also is an exercise. System Life Cycle Processes Covers established standards for the engineering of systems such as ANSI/EIA 632 and ISO/IEC 15288. Information and Knowledge Sharing Covers the principles of information sharing and standards such as STEP (Standard for the exchange of product model data) and its modelling language EXPRESS. Systems Modelling Covers the basics of the Systems Modeling Language (SysML) – a de facto standard, general-purpose modelling language for systems engineering applications. A hands on exercise is included. MBSE – Hands on Practice This section includes hands-on sessions on Systems Architecting: Synthesis, functional and logical architectures, Assessment - Design space exploration and trade-offs. Cranfield MBSE tools AirCADia Architect and AirCADia Explorer are utilised. BAE Systems Case Studies Customer and Market Needs Definition- Mapping to Requirements, integrated design, MBSE, Design for X (Agile, Test, Supportability, Profitability), engineering integration, integrated product teams and organisation. Design for X - Modularity and Evolvability Covers the principles of modular and product family design. Trade-offs between modularity, evolvability and performance. Simple Exercise is included. Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) This lecture covers state of the art in PLM including also the need for information management in integrated product development, key elements of Product Data Management (PDM) such as Digital thread and Digital Twin, standards, integration and implementation issues. |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you should be able to: |
Manufacturing
Aim |
The aim of the Manufacturing module is to provide you with a range of issues associated with aircraft manufacturing. The module covers mostly technical, but with some management topics related to manufacturing processes and technologies. Topics include material and manufacturing process selection, modern manufacturing technologies such as 3D printing and composite manufacture. |
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Syllabus |
• Manufacturing systems. • Materials and manufacturing process selection. • Joining technologies. • Composite manufacture. • Automation technologies. • Lifecycle analysis in manufacturing. • Manufacturing cost engineering. • Quality engineering. |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you should be able to: |
Elective modules
One of modules from the following list need to be taken as part of this course
Finite Element Analysis
Aim |
The course is aimed at giving potential Finite Element USERS basic understanding of the inner workings of the method. |
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Syllabus |
• Background to Finite Element Methods (FEM) and its application. |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
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Fatigue, Fracture Mechanics and Damage Tolerance
Aim |
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Syllabus |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this study the student should:
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Aircraft Loading Actions and Aeroelasticity
Aim |
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Syllabus |
Standard requirements, their application, interpretation and limitations, flight loading cases: symmetric manoeuvres, pitching acceleration, gust effects, asymmetric manoeuvres, roll and yaw. Structural design data: The effect of inertia on relief shear force, bending moment and torque diagrams. Factors: load factors, their basis and restrictions, repeated and random loads. Aeroelasticity Importance of aeroelastic phenomena. Aeroelastic requirements in aircraft design. Basics of static aeroelasticity: divergence, control efficiency and reversal. Unsteady aerodynamic loads on oscillating airfoils. Characteristics of flutter and important design parameters and criteria. Aeroelastic analysis and optimisation techniques. Gust response of rigid and flexible airframes and analysis techniques. |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
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Detail Stressing
Aim |
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Syllabus |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
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Introduction to Aircraft Structural Crashworthiness
Aim |
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Syllabus |
- Objectives and Approach
- Regulations - Human Tolerance
• Crash Energy Management
• Structural Collapse - Collapse of metallic and composite structural components - Component collapse vs. structural collapse • Introduction to methods for crash analysis - Hand calculations - Hybrid analysis methods - Detailed analysis methods
• Role and capability of testing and simulation in the crashworthiness field
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
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Design and Development of Airframe Systems
Aim |
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Syllabus |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
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Design, Durability and Integrity of Composite Aircraft Structures
Aim |
The course seeks to provide engineers with knowledge of polymer composite properties and behaviour relevant to their in-service performance durability and maintenance in aircraft structures |
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Syllabus |
Basic principles |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
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Aircraft Performance for Aircraft Engineering
Aim |
Please note that this is a two week module. |
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Syllabus |
Assessed elements: Non-assessed elements: |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you should be able to: 1. Critically evaluate the lift, drag and cruise performance characteristics of a conventional aircraft. |
Flight Dynamics Principles for Aircraft Engineering
Aim |
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Syllabus |
• Development of the linearised equations for longitudinal symmetric motion and lateral directional asymmetric motion. Solution of the equations of motion:- aircraft response transfer functions and state space models. Aerodynamic modelling:- Aerodynamic stability and control derivatives, derivative estimation, modelling limitations. Stability: interpretation on the s-plane • Flight Dynamics (10 lectures) • Aircraft dynamics:- Stability modes, longitudinal dynamics, lateral-directional dynamics, reduced order models, time response. Flying and handling qualities:- Assessment, requirements, aircraft role, pilot opinion rating, flying qualities requirements on the s-plane • Flight control:- Introduction to stability augmentation, closed loop system analysis, the root locus plot, longitudinal stability augmentation, lateral-directional stability augmentation |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to: 1. Derive and solve the small perturbation equations of motion for a conventional aircraft. 2. Assess the flying qualities of an aeroplane. 3. Recommend and design simple stability augmentation system strategies to rectify flying qualities deficiencies. |
Introduction to Avionics
Aim |
To provide a comprehensive overview of avionics systems and infrastructures. |
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Syllabus |
This module has an additional tutorial inside the cockpit of the large aircraft flight simulator. Students will be able to appreciate the cockpit layout design, understand information displayed to the pilot, and have the opportunity of flying the simulator. This tutorial is intended to enhance the learning process and the knowledge gained. |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
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Introduction to Autonomous Systems
Aim |
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Syllabus |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you should be able to: Appraise the concept of autonomy, the main application domains and limitations of autonomous systems, as well as the potential problems and technical challenges.Evaluate the lifecycle development processes of autonomous systems, and assess the general frameworks and architectures for autonomous systems. Demonstrate a knowledge of some of the key technologies and principles for implementing autonomous systems and their implications for autonomous systems design. |
Through life System Effectiveness
Aim |
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Syllabus |
The concept and definitions for system effectiveness. |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
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Teaching team
You will be taught by experienced Cranfield academic staff, many of whom have industrial experience. The course also includes visiting lecturers from industry who will relate the theory to current best practice. Past speakers include: Head of Worldwide Suppliers, Airbus, Head of Engineering Capability, BAE Systems, Chief of Manufacturing Engineering Processes and Capability, BAE Systems. The Course Director for this programme is Dr Craig Lawson.
Accreditation
The Aircraft Engineering MSc is accredited by Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for further learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng). Candidates must hold a CEng accredited BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree to show that they have satisfied the educational base for CEng registration.
Your career
This course will provide you with the tools and experience to help enhance your career opportunities in the aerospace industry, enabling you to progress further in your present discipline, or move into other specialist or integration roles. Networking with students from different backgrounds is valuable to gain an appreciation of how other companies work.
This course can be used for Chartered Engineer status, which can result in new career opportunities for the future.
Cranfield’s Career Service is dedicated to helping you meet your career aspirations. You will have access to career coaching and advice, CV development, interview practice, access to hundreds of available jobs via our Symplicity platform and opportunities to meet recruiting employers at our careers fairs. Our strong reputation and links with potential employers provide you with outstanding opportunities to secure interesting jobs and develop successful careers. Support continues after graduation and as a Cranfield alumnus, you have free life-long access to a range of career resources to help you continue your education and enhance your career.
How to apply
Click on the ‘Apply Now’ button to start your online application.
There is a non-refundable application fee of £75 for this course for 2024-25 entry onward.
Find out more about the application fee and how to pay it.
See our Application guide for information on our application process and entry requirements.