We are currently in the process of updating the content for our Safety and Accident Investigation course, which means that some of the content listed below may not be accurate. For more information please contact studytransport@cranfield.ac.uk.
Overview
- Start dateJanuary or May
- DurationPart-time PgCert - one year, Part-time PgDip - 2 years, Part-time MSc - 3 years
- DeliveryTaught modules 50%, Individual research project 50%
- QualificationMSc, PgDip, PgCert
- Study typePart-time
- CampusCranfield campus
Who is it for?
The MSc in Safety and Accident Investigation allows you to receive an internationally recognised qualification in the field of accident investigation. The majority of students join this course with the intention of receiving a qualification that will allow them to further their career development in accident investigation or other safety related areas of the transport industry.
Why this course?
We have been a centre of excellence for aircraft accident investigation for over 40 years. In 2011, we were awarded a Queen’s Anniversary Prize for our world leading work in aviation safety through research and training in air accident investigation.
An important aspect of this course is the use of hands-on workshops and simulations to develop the practical skills required as an investigator. This is complemented by sessions and modules that enable you to conduct rigorous research and scientific analysis, along with technical writing, investigation and interviewing techniques.
The course format is suitable for professionals based all over the world, as teaching is in modules, and research and assessments can be completed remotely if necessary. Cranfield University is very well located for visiting part-time students from all over the world, and offers a range of library and support facilities to support your studies. This enables students from all over the world to complete this qualification whilst balancing work/life commitments.
Informed by Industry
The Industry Advisory Board for this course is made up of representatives from several organisations who have an interest in safety and accident investigation. The board meets annually to ensure the course content remains relevant and up-to-date.
Course details
The programme commences with attendance on the Accident Investigation module, which may be completed as two three-week modules in Fundamentals of Investigation.
Upon completion of these core modules, you can then select four optional modules (covering core investigation skills, management, engineering, human factors and specialist techniques). Most optional modules are one week and many are offered as standalone short courses.
Prior to starting your Individual Research Project, you are required to attend the final core module, Research Methods and Statistics.
Course delivery
Taught modules 50%, Individual research project 50%
Individual project
The majority of your third year is devoted to completing the individual research project, where each student will be supervised individually by a member of an academic staff.
The individual research project is a chance to study a specific subject or problem area in much greater depth and use some of the techniques learned during the course. It gives MSc students an opportunity to apply the technical and analytical skills taught during the course, in a practical way. The subject areas chosen for research projects will be ones which require the student to review literature, collect data, carry out scientific analysis and contribute to either body of knowledge or practical application. The output of this project is a written report presented in the format of a journal paper.
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
Fundamentals of Investigation
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Aim |
To provide accident investigators with the fundamental knowledge and skills to conduct a general transport accident investigation. |
Syllabus |
Response Evidence Human factors Analysis Recommendations |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
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Research Methods and Statistics
Aim |
To facilitate the use of basic research methods and fundamentals of statistical analysis to solve research problems in the air transport industry. |
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Syllabus |
Research methods Statistics and quantitative data analysis |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to: 1. Evaluate and select the most appropriate research methods and statistical techniques in application to different research needs 2. Critically evaluate research from methodological perspective in terms of its suitability and effectiveness 3. Formulate and demonstrate practical application of research methods in the theoretical design of a study 4. Interpret and evaluate basic statistical results of research/consultancy reports. 5. Propose and apply analysis and interpretation skills appropriately to a substantial dataset. |
Elective modules
A selection of modules from the following list need to be taken as part of this course
Aviation Safety Management
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Aim |
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Syllabus |
• Safety data, safety information and analyses; including reporting systems, investigation and Flight Data Monitoring (FDM); • Hazard identification and risk management, including an introduction to Enterprise Risk Management (ERM); • Safety performance and safety health; including guidance on audits and safety promotion; • Safety organisations, including guidance on effective management of safety teams. |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to: • Describe the fundamental concepts behind Safety Management Systems (SMS), as defined by ICAO, UK CAA, CASA and Transport Canada; • Select and implement techniques for the identification, quantification and management of hazards and risks; • Critically assess strategies for developing and enhancing safety culture including the role of leadership, structure and reporting systems; • Identify techniques for measuring safety performance; • Collect information from a variety of electronic (internet) and hard copy sources to support research; • Appraise and critique the work of other practitioners and specialists; • Communicate effectively, in written form, research work produced; • Complete work assignments to set deadlines. |
Flight Data Monitoring
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Aim |
To provide an understanding of Flight Data Monitoring within a commercial organisation and to detail the uses, processes and responsibilities of a successful FDM programme. |
Syllabus |
• The history of FDM and an overview of its objectives
• CAP739, EASA and ICAO regulatory frameworks • Integration of FDM within a safety system • FDM technology • Setting analysis targets • Data recovery and analysis tools • Principles of data validation and assessment • Trace interpretation, with both theoretical and practical sessions • Database management • The use of statistics in data analysis • Animations and visualisation in data presentation • FDM in accident and incident investigation • The interface between the analyst and crews • Legal aspects of FDM data collection, retention and use • The use of FDM to justify operational and technical change • The potential of FDM within maintenance programmes. |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to: |
Human Factors in Aviation Maintenance
Aim |
The module aims to provide a broad overview of the nature and management of human error in the aviation maintenance domain. Key theories and frameworks for investigating maintenance human error, contributing factors and effects on operations are introduced. The challenges associated with practical application of currently available safety tools are examined together with the latest strategies to enhance understanding and management of maintenance error. This module does not require previous background in aviation maintenance and engineering. |
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Syllabus |
• Maintenance management: Organisation, line and base maintenance, planning, maintenance control, error management systems, shift handover, blame cycle, communication in the workplace, workplace environment, work/job design. Regulatory framework: Legal requirements. EASA/Part 145 Maintenance Human factors. |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to: |
Safety Assessment of Aircraft Systems
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Aim |
To familiarise Course Members with the various approaches to the problems of assessing the safety of increasingly complex aircraft systems. |
Syllabus |
Introduction and Background
Outline of relevant accidents and system design philosophy. Discussion of acceptable accident rates and recent advances in systems. Introduction to probability methods. Regulatory background The development of requirements for safety assessment, FAR / EASA CS25--1309. Methods and Techniques Introduction to the more common safety analysis techniques. Influence of human factors. Common mode failures, traps and pitfalls of using safety assessment and examples of mechanical systems and power plants. Use of safety assessment techniques Determination of correct architecture of safety critical systems. Fault Tree Analysis, Dependence Diagrams and Boolean algebra for quantification of system reliability. Zonal safety analysis (ZSA), Particular Risk Analysis (PRA) and Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) of aircraft systems. Practical examples of the application of safety assessment techniques Minimum Equipment Lists (MEL), Safety and Certification of digital systems and safety critical software. Application of Aerospace Recommended Practice (ARP) 4761. Typical safety assessment for a stall warning and identification system. Current and future issues Integrated and modular systems and their certification. Certification maintenance requirements. Flight-deck ergonomics. |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to: |
Investigating Human Performance
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Aim |
The Investigating Human Performance Module encourages students to look critically at the contribution humans make in High reliability Organisations (HRO’s). Using psychological theory and analysis, the human contribution (positive and sometimes negative) is addressed. Theories and approaches of human performance explored on this module, help the investigator understand the human factors not only affecting those involved with accidents or incidents, but also the factors affecting the investigator. |
Syllabus |
• Introduction to Human Factors |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to: 1. Describe the key areas of consideration for an accident investigator in terms of human performance in transport operations; 2. Identify suitable techniques for the collection of accurate evidence relating to human performance; 3. Critically assess the effectiveness of contemporary human factors evidence collection and analysis tools; 4. Identify at what point an expert should be approached about the collection or analysis of human performance evidence. 5. Evaluate the human performance aspects of contemporary accident investigations |
Crisis Management and Business Continuity
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Aim |
Crisis management is a topic area relevant to airlines, airports and other organisations involved with delivering air transport. These organisations typically have dedicated personnel and departments to emergency response and crisis planning. The aim of this course is to provide students with an overview of how to plan for crises, what to expect when they happen, and how to deal with practicalities such as dealing with media, survivors and in the longer term, insurers. |
Syllabus |
• Crisis communications • Critical function and risk analysis • Business continuity development and strategy • Crisis management exercise |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to: |
Interviewing Techniques for Accident Investigators
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Aim |
The module adopts a balanced curriculum of theoretical learning and practical sessions involving interviews of live witnesses, with video debriefing, to deliver a practical learning experience supported by the latest academic thinking in investigative interviewing. The module is intended to build on the interviewing skills developed during the Fundamentals of Accident Investigation, Applied Aircraft Accident Investigation, Applied Marine Accident Investigation and Applied Rail Accident Investigation modules. However, it can also be attended as a standalone module for delegates who wish to gain an enhanced qualification in investigative interviewing, and would be particularly suited to delegates with previous experience of conducting investigative interviews. The module will have an emphasis on interviews forming part of safety (no blame/just culture) investigations of generic transport accidents. However, its content will be equally applicable to accident investigators from other safety critical domains and high reliability organisations, such as healthcare, process industries, and energy utilities. |
Syllabus |
Enhanced theory of investigative interviewing Preparation for the interview Conducting the interview Post-interview phase |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
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Introduction to Aircraft Structural Crashworthiness
Aim |
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Syllabus |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
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Legal Skills for Accident Investigators
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Aim |
The module will allow the delegate to have an understanding of the relevant regulations, legislation and legal processes, to be able to conduct their evidence collection according to methods of best practice, and to be confident and proficient in giving evidence in court. At the end of the module the students will undertake a mock courtroom exercise and be able to receive feedback on their performance from their peers. |
Syllabus |
• Standards, Recommended Practices, Legislation and Regulation with respect to Transport Accident Investigation. |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to: |
Fundamentals of Material Failures for Accident Investigators
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Aim |
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Syllabus |
• Failure modes of metallic materials: Fracture mechanisms and the resultant visual characteristics will be presented. • Failure modes of non-metallic materials: Fracture mechanisms and the resultant visual characteristics will be presented. • The process of structural investigations: Subject areas presented include the material investigation process; from the wreckage examination in the field to the laboratory investigation, sample removal and transportation, and the use of specialist laboratory equipment. |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to: 1. Describe the failure modes and visual characteristics associated with material failures 2. Inspect a fracture surface to make a judgement on the failure scenario. 3. Evaluate the information supplied from a forensic specialist on a failure scenario. 4. Plan the different aspects of a structural investigation |
Analysis Techniques for Accident Investigators
Applied Aircraft Accident Investigation
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Aim |
This module builds on the Fundamentals of Accident Investigation to develop specialist skills for the investigation of aircraft accidents. |
Syllabus |
Less complex fixed wing aircraft • Impact and flight path assessment • The operations investigator’s approach • The engineering investigator’s approach • Sources of evidence • Conduct of the investigation More complex fixed wing aircraft • Impact and flight path assessment • Aircraft structures (metal/composites) • The operations investigator’s approach • Aircraft performance • Crew performance • The engineering investigator’s approach • Hydraulic systems • Electrical systems • Landing gear • Flight Data Recorders • Cockpit Voice Recorders • Alternative recorded data • Fuel • Major case study – B777 BA38 at Heathrow, 2008 Rotary wing accidents • Principles of helicopter flight • Investigation approach • Human factors in rotary wing accidents • Recorder analysis • Offshore helicopter accidents Air Traffic Control • Principles of ATC • Use of radio telephony transcripts/recordings • Major case study – Mid air collision at Überlingen Technical site visits to: • Air Accidents Investigation Branch • Military Air Accidents Investigation Branch Powerplants and propulsion • Piston engine operations • Turbine engine operations • Role of manufacturer in investigation • Engine teardown on site/at base • Birdstrikes/FOD • Case studies Major Investigation simulation (contact: 35/private study: 90) • Health and safety at the accident site • Risk assessment of the accident site • Physical examination of wreckage • Accident site photography • Accident site management • Wreckage plotting • Witness interviewing • Analysis techniques • Preparation of recommendations • Formal report writing • Debriefing Investigation management (contact: 25/private study: 40) • Dealing with other agencies • Accredited representatives/technical advisors • Participating in an overseas investigation • Managing an investigation • Managing the politics • Managing the news media • Cultural aspects • Preparing to release an investigation report • Ongoing litigation • The role of the Investigator in Charge • The role of the Chief Inspector |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
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Applied Rail Accident Investigation
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Aim |
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Syllabus |
Advanced investigative skills • Rail accident site management and dealing with other agencies • Rail accident site risk management • Advanced interviewing skills • Advanced investigative photography • Advanced analysis methods • Rail crashworthiness and passenger survivability • Investigating Safety Management System
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
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Applied Marine Accident Investigation
Teaching team
Your career
The MSc in Safety and Accident Investigation allows you to receive an internationally recognised qualification in the field of accident investigation. The majority of students join this course with the intention of receiving a qualification that will allow them to further their career development in accident investigation or other safety related areas of the air transport industry.
Previous students have been employed by dedicated government investigation agencies, airframe and power plant manufacturers, air traffic services, safety regulation, insurers, and the military.
How to apply
Online application form. UK students are normally expected to attend an interview and financial support is best discussed at this time. Overseas and EU students may be interviewed by telephone.