Overview
- Start dateSeptember
- DurationMSc: 11 months full-time, up to three years part-time; PgDip: up to 11 months full-time, up to two years part-time; PgCert: up to 11 months full-time, up to two years part-time
- DeliveryContinuous assessment, examinations and thesis (MSc only); approximately 10-15% of the assessment is by examination
- QualificationMSc, PgDip, PgCert
- Study typeFull-time / Part-time
- CampusCranfield University at Shrivenham
Who is it for?
The course is intended for officers of the armed forces and for scientists and technical officers in government defence establishments and the defence industry. It is particularly suitable for those who, in their subsequent careers, will be involved with the specification, analysis, development, technical management or operation of weapons systems.
Why this course?
The Gun System Design MSc is part of the Weapon and Vehicle Systems Engineering Programme. This course offers the underpinning knowledge and education to enhance the student’s suitability for senior positions within their organisation.
This course provides education and training in selected weapons systems and provides students with the depth of knowledge to undertake engineering analysis or the evaluation of relevant subsystems.
Informed by industry
The Industrial Advisory Panel is made up of experienced engineers from within the MoD, and the UK and international defence industry.
Course details
Each individual module is designed and offered as a standalone course which allows an individual to understand the fundamental technology required to efficiently perform the relevant, specific job responsibilities.
This MSc course is made up of two essential components: the equivalent of 12 taught modules (including some double modules, typically of a two-week duration), and an individual project.
MSc and PgDip students take 11 compulsory modules and one optional module. PgCert students take four compulsory modules and two optional modules.
Course delivery
Continuous assessment, examinations and thesis (MSc only); approximately 10-15% of the assessment is by examination
Group project
Armoured Fighting Vehicle and Weapon Systems Study: To develop the technical requirements and characteristics of armoured fighting vehicles and weapon systems, and to examine the interactions between the various sub-systems and consequential compromises and trade-offs.
Individual project
In addition to the taught part of the course, students can opt either to undertake an individual project or participate in a group design project. The aim of the project phase is to enable students to develop expertise in engineering research, design or development. The project phase requires a thesis to be submitted and is worth 80 credit points.
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.
Compulsory modules
All the modules in the following list need to be taken as part of this course:
Armoured Fighting Vehicle and Weapon Systems Study
Finite Element Methods in Engineering
Military Vehicle Propulsion and Dynamics
Modelling, Simulation and Control
Weapon Systems Technology - Introduction
Elective modules
A selection of modules from the following list need to be taken as part of this course:
Reliability and System Effectiveness
Uninhabited Military Vehicle Systems
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 Student Academic Support lead for the MSc in Gun Systems Design is Emily Harris and the Course Director is Dave Simner. The teaching team includes:
Accreditation
Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Candidates must hold a CEng accredited BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree to comply with full CEng registration requirements.
Your career
Many previous students have returned to their sponsor organisations to take up senior programme appointments and equivalent research and development roles in this technical area.
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 below to start your online application.
See our Application guide for information on our application process and entry requirements.
