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This course addresses the design, development, procurement, use and management of models and simulations for applications in experimentation, training, testing, analysis and assessment of military forces, systems and equipment.

The application of modelling and simulation continues to enhance and transform both systems development and training. It allows representation of increasingly complex equipment, systems and scenarios for the purposes of decision support and helps to reduce wear on live equipment and on test and training areas.

Overview

  • Start dateSeptember (Full and part-time) / January (Part-time only)
  • DurationMSc: one year full-time, up to three years part-time; PgDip: up to one year full-time, up to two years part-time; PgCert: up to one year full-time, up to two years part-time
  • DeliveryAssessment is 60% by coursework and 40% dissertation
  • QualificationMSc, PgDip, PgCert
  • Study typeFull-time / Part-time
  • CampusCranfield University at Shrivenham

Who is it for?

The course is suitable for both military and civilian personnel, including those from defence industry and government departments.

Ten places are normally available for the full-time cohort.

Why this course?

On successful completion of the course you will be familiar with the technologies, methodologies, principles and terminology of modelling and simulation as used across defence, including the challenges and issues as well as the benefits. Through use of facilities such as the Simulation and Synthetic Environment Laboratory (SSEL), with its wide range of specialist applications, students will gain a broad understanding of modelling and simulation in areas such as training, acquisition, decision-support, analysis and experimentation.

Informed by industry

The aim of the Industrial Advisory Panel, which is common to all components of the AMOR Postgraduate Suite (which comprises the DSM and MOR courses) is to offer advice and input to the course director and the teaching team in terms of curriculum content, acquisition skills and other attributes that the practitioner community may be seeking from graduates of the course. Currently the Industrial Advisory Panel for this programme has members on it from both the defence industry and the MoD.

Course details

MSc students must complete a taught phase consisting of eight standard modules, followed by an individual thesis in a relevant topic.

Standard modules normally comprise a week of teaching (or equivalent for the limited distance learning options available), followed by a further week of directed study/coursework (or equivalent for part-time and distance learning).

Advanced modules, which enable students to explore some areas in greater depth, are two week (or equivalent for part time) individual mini-projects on an agreed topic in that subject which includes a written report and oral presentation.


Course delivery

Assessment is 60% by coursework and 40% dissertation

Individual project

An individual research project on an agreed topic that allows you to demonstrate your technical expertise, independent learning abilities and critical appraisal skills.

Thesis topics will be related to problems of specific interest to students and sponsors of local industry wherever possible. PgDip students are required to undertake the same taught phase as the MSc, but without the individual thesis. PgCert students must complete the core module (Foundations of Modelling and Simulation) together with five other modules; up to three of these may be advanced modules. Part-time students will typically not study as a cohort, but will follow an agreed individual programme of study, attending courses as convenient.

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.

Introductory Studies

Module Leader
  • Dr John Salt
Aim

    To prepare you mathematically and organisationally to study at CDS on the Defence Simulation and Modelling and Military Operational Research Postgraduate programs.




Syllabus
    • Course Structure,
    • Intro to IT (Email, VLE, Online Access),
    • Library Introduction and Referencing,
    • Fundamental Mathematics: Probability, Statistics, Algebra, Equations (linear, polynomial, exponential and logarithmic),
    • Further Mathematics for MOR only: Matrices, Linear Systems and Solution, Differentiation, and Integration,
    • Introduction to MATLAB (MOR students only),
    • Fundamentals of Computing,
    • Spreadsheet Basics,
    • Study skills for postgraduate study.
Intended learning outcomes

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

  • Describe the course structure and assessment procedures,
  • Demonstrate the ability to find and correctly cite research material,
  • Understand the fundamental mathematics required by the course,
  • To understand the study skills necessary to complete a postgraduate degree.

Foundations of Modelling and Simulation

Module Leader
  • John Hoggard
Aim

    To make you aware of the roles, concepts and applications of modelling and simulation in defence, and to understand how to construct simple models.



Syllabus
    • The general principles of modelling and simulation,
    • The role of modelling and simulation in supporting Defence decision making, training and analysis,
    • The typical components of M&S systems,
    • The technologies of live, constructive and virtual simulation and their Defence applications,
    • An introduction to defence synthetic environments,
    • Organisations involved in Defence M&S, both in the UK and elsewhere,
    • Practicals hands-on with different Defence M&S systems.
Intended learning outcomes

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

  • Explain and apply the general principles of Modelling and Simulation (M&S) and the main components of M&S systems,
  • Explain the main organisations involved in M&S for Defence,
  • Explain the importance of M&S in supporting Defence decision-making, training and analysis,
  • Explain the technologies of live, constructive and virtual simulation and their Defence applications,
  • Explain and appreciate the context for the subjects and modules that will be addressed in the remainder of the award, with reference to their significance for application in Defence M&S.

Modelling and Simulation Acquisition and Techniques

Aim

    This module aims to give you an introduction to the wide range of modelling and simulation techniques used in Defence applications, from the basic underpinning principles of their construction through to the challenges and issues in their procurement, acquisition and capability management.

Syllabus
    • Verification and Validation of Defence M&S solutions,
    • Different approaches for implementing Defence M&S solutions including:
      • Intelligent Systems techniques and issues,
      • Discrete Event Simulation,
      • System Dynamics modelling,
      • Big Data and Analytics,
    • Software Development, Implementation and Management 4. Acquisition of Defence M&S.
Intended learning outcomes

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

  • Understand the main principles underlying a range of different modelling techniques in order to use them in a valid and appropriate manner in a Defence-related context,
  • Examine the requirement to represent human behaviour, both individual and collective, in Defence simulations and explore the strengths and weaknesses of different modelling techniques to meet these needs,
  • Understand how software is developed and how the processes and principles of software engineering support the implementation of appropriate applications in Defence related modelling and simulation,
  • Understand the organisations, processes and policies relevant to the acquisition and through life support of Defence M&S Systems & Services.

Real Time Graphics

Aim
    To enable you to gain an understanding of the methods and applications of real time 3D computer graphics.
Syllabus
    • Coordinate systems and transforms,
    • 3D Printing and CAD Modelling,
    • Rendering techniques,
    • Graphics application programming,
    • Graphics hardware and architectures,
    • Games technologies and engines,
    • Applications of real-time computer graphics, including standards.
Intended learning outcomes

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

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental representations, techniques and processes underpinning real time 3D computer graphics,
  • Describe the role and capabilities of graphics programming libraries and engines,
  • Discuss the different techniques for creating and rendering scenes, and identify those relevant to given applications,
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the issues in specifying and designing real- time computer graphics systems,
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the tools and methods used in creating scene content, including 3D object modelling.

War Gaming and Combat Modelling

Module Leader
  • Jeremy Smith
Aim
    To provide you with a general knowledge of the techniques used in wargaming, combat simulations and analytical battle models.
Syllabus
    • Introduction: An introduction to the methods used in combat modelling and their application in support of defence decision making and training.
    • Combat Simulation: The basic principles of discrete event Monte Carlo simulations of combat, illustrated through the use of a simple engagement model. Extension of the concepts to allow more realistic representation of the battlefield. Aggregated models of combat.
    • Lanchester’s Equations: The deterministic and stochastic Lanchester equations for direct and indirect fire as used for both homogeneous and heterogeneous forces. The application of Lanchester’s equations in current models of combat.
    • War Gaming/lnteractive Simulation: The underlying principles of war gaming and the interactive simulation of combat as used for the assessment, testing and training of military forces and their equipment. The synthetic battlefield. Synthetic Environments: Constructive, virtual and live simulations of combat. Manual Combat Wargames. Other gaming techniques.
    • War Gaming and Combat Modelling Practicals: The practical application of war gaming and combat modelling with issues such as : data and scenarios, terrain modelling, combat algorithms (attrition and movement), the representation of human factors, measures of effectiveness, the verification and validation of combat models, automated forces, simulation for training and distributed simulation.
Intended learning outcomes

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

  • Critically appraise the full range of wargames and combat simulations and apply them to defence problems,
  • Use the deterministic and stochastic Lanchester equations to represent combat between both homogeneous and heterogeneous forces,
  • Use interactive computer based representations of military operations,
  • Explain how the different methods of representing the operations of military forces are used in the training, testing and assessment of those forces and their equipment.

Synthetic Environments and Virtual Simulation

Module Leader
  • John Hoggard
Aim

    To enable you to understand the issues and challenges in specifying, designing and constructing real-time computer graphics systems, together with their components, with particular reference to interactive virtual environments and simulators as used in Defence. Following on from techniques covered in the RTG Module.

Syllabus
    • Typical composition of virtual simulator systems – including Display systems and Motion Systems,
    • Relevant architectures and standards such as CIGI (Common Image Generator Interface),
    • Geospatial data and terrain/environment construction,
    • Workflow, creation, adaptation and integration of components in virtual simulation solutions,
    • Virtual Reality (VR), Mixed Reality (MR), Augmented Reality AR), Extended Reality (XR),
    • Emerging and developing technologies.
Intended learning outcomes

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

  • Appreciate the architectures and main components typically required when constructing complete visual solutions in Defence, with particular reference to virtual simulator systems,
  • Appreciate the tools, techniques and processes for utilising relevant geospatial source datasets to provide the range of different terrain and environmental representations typically needed in Defence simulation applications, with particular reference to how these are evolving to meet emerging enterprise and systems architecture requirements,
  • Appreciate the range of display options (including emerging technologies such as VR/AR/MR/XR) for delivering visual and associated information to simulation users, in order to evaluate their suitability for particular requirements,
  • Appreciate the need for active adoption and development of relevant standards that enable Defence to coherently re-use and manage its resources in order to improve interoperability and value-for-money at the enterprise level.

Experimentation Analysis and Trials for Simulation

Module Leader
  • Jeremy Smith
Aim

    To provide you with the skills to design, manage, analyse and assess simulation based trials in support of training, experimentation and acquisition.

Syllabus
    • Experimental Design including sampling and ethical considerations,
    • Methodology and analysis of statistical data (Inference, ANOVA and Regression),
    • Definition, Execution, Analysis, Present and Critical assessment of simulation based experimentation and trials reports,
    • Visiting speakers from MOD and Defence Industry as appropriate to complement coverage of;
      • Integrated Test Evaluation and Acceptance and planning (ITEAP),
      • Simulation Experimentation.
Intended learning outcomes

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

  • Describe the place and utility of simulation based experimentation and trials within Defence Core Business,
  • Critically assess the design, planning and execution of simulation based experimentation and trials and the analysis of results,
  • Critically assess the impact of experimentation and trial constraints on the data collection and analysis methods used,
  • Appropriately quantify and graph the results of an experiment or trial and analyse these results in relatively simple cases,
  • Develop effective methods to design, perform, analyse and report a simulation based experiment or trial.

Weapon System Performance Assessment

Module Leader
  • Jeremy Smith
Aim

    To enable you to understand the application of operational research techniques to the assessment of weapon systems.

Syllabus
    • Concepts of performance and effectiveness measures,
    • Dispersion of fire,
    • Accuracy, consistency and precision,
    • Calculation of single shot kill probability for direct fire weapons,
    • Modelling of area effect weapons (eg shells, grenades) including using the damage function,
    • Modelling of minefields and calculation of stopping power,
    • Assessment of direct fire systems examples,
    • Methods for modelling of land, sea and air targets,
    • Approaches to the analysis of various other weapon systems,
    • Force effectiveness comparisons,
    • Practical exercises to illustrate the theories,
    • Cost effectiveness principles.
Intended learning outcomes

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

  • Apply the cycle of weapon assessment studies and the measures of performance and effectiveness,
  • Evaluate the need and collection methods for data in models and the application of statistics,
  • Analyse the nature of various direct fire weapons and calculate performance measures for them,
  • Review the nature of area weapons and apply the damage function and lethal area in the analysis of their effects,
  • Explain the issues surrounding practical weapon assessment projects including force effectiveness and cost effectiveness analyses.

Networked and Distributed Simulation

Module Leader
  • Jonathan Searle
Aim
    To enable you to appreciate the main ways in which defence simulation systems make use of networking technology. The emphasis of the module is on the use by simulations of TCP/IP style LANs (Local Area Networks) and WANs (Wide Area Networks) with particular reference to the design, construction, integration, testing, operation and use of integrated and interoperable networks of fully distributed systems and components which form the basis of Live Virtual Constructive (LVC) defence Synthetic Environments.
Syllabus
    • Fundamentals of computer communications, networking, LANs and WANs,
    • Main hardware components of computer networks,
    • ISO OSI Architecture and network protocols (eg TCP/IP),
    • Features and facilities of TCP/IP and their relevance to simulation systems,
    • Networked and distributed simulation architectures,
    • Simulation interoperability and composability,
    • The design, management, configuration and testing of distributed simulation components, systems and networks,
    • Networking interoperability standards in defence simulation (eg DIS, HLA),
    • Practical experiments and case studies.
Intended learning outcomes

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

  • Recognise and recommend network strategies and architectures appropriate to the needs of a particular simulation system,
  • Carry out simple network configuration and testing functions using standard network tools,
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the issues and processes of simulation interoperability,
  • Appreciate and explain the issues in the design and application of Synthetic Environments in the defence arena.

Advanced Module 1

Aim

    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.


Syllabus

    A self-study ‘mini-project’ conducted over two weeks, on an individually selected and agreed topic, which must follow on from one or 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.



Intended learning outcomes On successful completion of the module a diligent student will be able, within the individual topic agreed, 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.


Advanced Module 2

Aim

    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.


Syllabus

    A self-study ‘mini-project’ conducted over two weeks, on an individually selected and agreed topic, which must follow on from one or 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.



Intended learning outcomes On successful completion of the module a diligent student will be able, within the individual topic agreed, 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.


Advanced Module 3

Aim

    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.


Syllabus

    A self-study ‘mini-project’ conducted over two weeks, on an individually selected and agreed topic, which must follow on from one or 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.



Intended learning outcomes On successful completion of the module a diligent student will be able, within the individual topic agreed, 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.


Networked and Distributed Simulation Exercise

Module Leader
  • Jonathan Searle
Aim
    The aim of this module is to allow students who have completed the pre-requisite NDS (or SimET) course to work as a group to design, setup and operate a basic battlespace Synthetic Environment (SE) exercise employing LAN and WAN distributed simulation technology.
Syllabus

    A collective group project to:

    • Design, build, test and operate a basic distributed battlespace exercise composed of a heterogeneous mix of simulation systems, in order to conduct a series of experimental runs to generate and collect data relevant to a given study problem,
    • Conduct post-exercise analysis and review of the data collected in the experiments, describing the results obtained and delivering a critical technical appraisal of the project and lessons learned.

    Note that NDSE typically requires physical attendance at Shrivenham Campus for two weeks.

Intended learning outcomes

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

  • Work as a member of a group,
  • Apply the principles of modelling and simulation and the technologies and processes of NDS in the context of a specific project,
  • Design, setup and conduct a basic battlespace exercise using a DIS/HLA based Synthetic Environment,
  • Collect and extract relevant data from a distributed simulation activity in order to provide a basis for post-exercise analysis,
  • Communicate and discuss the results of their experimentation orally and in writing.

Teaching team

You will be taught by Cranfield's leading experts with capability expertise, industry knowledge and collective subject research, as well as external speakers from industry and defence. The Course Director is Jonathan Searle. The teaching team includes:

Your career

This qualification will equip you for simulation-specific appointments within the armed forces or government, or in the defence related activities of commercial organisations.

Cranfield Careers and Employability Service

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.

See our Application guide for information on our application process and entry requirements.