This is an exciting opportunity for candidates who would like to complete an MSc by Research in any topic that fits within the broad remit of design engineering for which the expert supervisor/s within the centre are recognised. 

Particular interests of the supervisors within the centre include, but are not limited to: 

  • Design Thinking
  • Breakthrough Innovation
  • Design Led Innovation
  • Rapid/Agile Innovation
  • Product Design Engineering
  • Industrial Design Engineering
  • Applied Circular Economy
  • Digital Design Innovation
  • Design, Strategy and Leadership
  • Strategic Creativity
  • User Centred Design

The MSc by Research in Design Engineering offers both an Applied Practical approach for New Product Development and Innovation, as well as Innovative Strategic pathways each informed by core research to inform design developments and decisions using Design Thinking tools, techniques and methods.

Short workshops will take place throughout the year focusing on topics such as User Centred Design, Design Realisation and Innovation, Circular Innovation and Creative Enterprise and Entrepreneurship delivered by leading academics, visiting fellows and Industry practitioners from a range of subjects

Throughout the research studies, you will be given every opportunity for personal academic development through publishing and attendance at conferences and will be encouraged to fully participate in the wider research activities.

In addition, you will be able to benefit from

  • Seminars and Events: These include lunchtime research seminars from faculty and visiting academics, and the Doctoral Colloquia which is a forum for researchers to present research in a supportive environment.
  • Publishing papers: From year one the school will support you in developing your publishing potential and we regularly organise writing workshops to support researchers in this important activity.
  • Supervisors: At Cranfield we place great importance on supervision and the relationship a student has with his or her supervisor. The relationship is intended to be a stimulating and fruitful partnership, in which the supervisor provides guidance on the nature of research and the standards expected, and the student develops as a competent researcher, fully utilising the wide range of resources available.

At a glance

  • Application deadlineOngoing
  • Award type(s)MSc by Research
  • Duration of awardOne year full-time, two-three years part-time
  • EligibilityUK, EU, Rest of world

Supervisor

These will be aligned specifically to your proposed research topic and specialisms of the relevant academic staff member.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a degree within any S.T.E.A.M field (science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics) or an equivalent international qualification or closely aligned discipline. Ideally, applicants should have suitable organisational experience.

All cases will be reviewed on a 1-2-1 bases and online interviews (via Teams or Skype) will be expected.

Funding

This is a self-funded research opportunity, therefore students will need to cover their own tuition fees and the living expenses. 

How to apply

Apply here for the MSc by Research in Design Engineering

The official intake dates for full-time and part-time applicants are as below. However, cases can be made to commence at any time in the year subject to there being a strong case and Director of Research approval. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact Paul Lighterness for more information. 

• 30 September 2024
• 27 January 2025
• 2 June 2025
• 29 September 2025

We highly recommend you prepare the following information, as this will be requested at the application stage. Your proposal should demonstrate your interest and your potential to carry out independent research.

Short two-page proposal declaring:

  • Formulate and define a clear, interesting research question, challenge, or problem.
  • Clearly state the research aim and three or four supporting objectives.
  • Establish the relevance and value of the proposed research question, highlighting its originality and significance. 
  • Outline the methodology you propose to use to carry out your research, including the data sources and source material you plan to use.
  • Suggest what you hope to discover at the end of your research and what new areas it might open up (your contribution)
  • Provide a provisional timeline for your research

If known, the name of the academic supervisor within the centre you are interested in being your lead supervisor, if unknown (not to worry – your case will be matched up with the appropriate expert for review) 

If you need any support in drafting the research proposal, please feel free to contact Paul Lighterness who will be able to help you develop this. 

This vacancy may be filled before the closing date so early application is strongly encouraged.
For further information about application please visit Applying for a research degree.