Gain fundamental and applied knowledge in the understanding of the design and operation of different types of gas turbines for all applications. Pursue your own specific interests and career aspirations through a wide range of modules through four specialist options:

Overview

  • Start dateMarch or October
  • DurationFull-time MSc: one year; PgDip: up to one year; Part-time MSc by research (by arrangement): two-three years
  • DeliveryTaught modules 50%, individual research project 50%
  • QualificationMSc, PgDip
  • Study typeFull-time
  • CampusCranfield campus


Who is it for?

This course aims to provide both fundamental and applied knowledge applicable to the understanding of the design and operation of different types of gas turbines for all applications. Suitable for graduates seeking a challenging and rewarding career in an established international industry.

Why this course?

The MSc course in Thermal Power and Propulsion is structured to enable you to pursue your own specific interests and career aspirations. You may choose from a wide range of modules and select an appropriate research project. An intensive industrial management course is offered which assists in achieving exemptions from some engineering council requirements.

The course is embedded in a large power and propulsion activity that is recognised internationally for its enviable portfolio of research, short courses and postgraduate programmes.

We have been at the forefront of postgraduate education in aerospace propulsion at Cranfield since 1946. We have a global reputation for our advanced postgraduate education, extensive research and applied continuing professional development. Our graduates secure relevant employment within six months of graduation, and you can be sure that your qualification will be valued and respected by employers around the world.

This MSc programme benefits from a wide range of cultural backgrounds which significantly enhances the learning experience for both staff and students.

Informed by industry

Our industry partners help support our students in a number of ways - through guest lectures, awarding student prizes, recruiting course graduates and ensuring course content remains relevant to leading employers.

The Industrial Advisory Panel meets annually to maintain course relevancy and ensure that graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge required by leading employers. Knowledge gained from our extensive research and consultancy activity is also constantly fed back into the MSc programme. The Thermal Power and Propulsion MSc Industrial Advisory Panel consists of senior engineers from companies such as:

  • EASA,
  • EasyJet,
  • RMC,
  • Rolls-Royce,
  • Senior Consultant,
  • Uniper Technologies.

Course details

In this section
Overview
Delivery
Teaching team
Accreditation

The course comprises taught modules, depending on the course option chosen. Modules for each option vary; please see individual descriptions for compulsory modules which must be undertaken. There is also an opportunity to choose from an extensive choice of optional modules to match specific interests.

Course delivery

Taught modules 50%, individual research project 50%

Individual project

You are required to submit a written thesis describing an individual research project carried out during the course. Many individual research projects have been carried out with industrial sponsorship, and have often resulted in publication in international journals and symposium papers. This thesis is examined orally in the presence of an external examiner.

Examples of individual student projects have included:

  • Techno-economic, Environmental and Risk Assessment Studies;
  • Centrifugal Compressors Simulations and Diagnostics for Oil and Gas Applications;
  • Advanced Power Generation Systems with Low Carbon Emissions;
  • Design of Turbines for Use in Oscillating Water Columns;
  • Design of a 1MW Industrial Gas Turbine;
  • Gas Path Analysis for Engine Diagnostics;
  • Procurement Criteria for Civil Aero-Engines;
  • Selection of Combined Heat and Power Plants;
  • Condition Monitoring Systems Instrumentation;
  • Repowering Steam Turbine Plants;
  • Combined Cycle Plant Technical and Economic Evaluation.

Some of our students now have the opportunity to participate in innovative research projects, including Enabling Cryogenic Hydrogen-based CO2-free air transport (Project ENABLEH2).

Teaching team

You will be taught by staff with many years of industrial experience. Our teaching team are active researchers as well as tutors and have extensive experience of aerospace propulsion, in both industrial and research and development environments. Continuing close collaboration with major engine manufacturers in both the UK and overseas, through teaching and research, ensures that this course maintains the relevance and professionalism for which it is internationally renowned. Knowledge gained working with our clients is continually fed back into the teaching programme, to ensure that you benefit from the very latest knowledge and techniques affecting industry. The course also includes visiting lecturers from industry who will relate the theory to current best practice. The Course Director for the October intake for this programme is Dr Devaiah Nalianda. The March intake Course Director is Professor Pericles Pilidis.

Pericles Pilidis

Professor Pericles Pilidis

Professor Gas Turbine Performance
Theoklis Nikolaidis

Dr Theoklis Nikolaidis

Reader in Gas Turbine Performance and Numerical Simulation
Devaiah Nalianda

Dr Devaiah Nalianda

Senior Lecturer in Environmental Performance of Integrated Propulsion Systems
David MacManus

Professor David MacManus

Head of Gas Turbine Technology Group
Joao Amaral Teixeira

Dr Joao Amaral Teixeira

Senior Lecturer
Uyioghosa Igie

Dr Uyioghosa Igie

Senior Lecturer in Gas Turbine Engineering
Panagiotis Laskaridis

Professor Panagiotis Laskaridis

Professor and Head of Hybrid Electric Propulsion Group
Yiguang Li

Dr Yiguang Li

Reader
Vassilios Pachidis

Professor Vassilios Pachidis

Professor and Head of Centre for Propulsion and Thermal Power Engineering
Mark Savill

Professor Mark Savill

Prof. of Computational Aerodydnamics Design
Bobby Sethi

Professor Bobby Sethi

Head of Low Emissions Technologies and Combustion Group and Associate Professor in Gas Turbine Combustion and Environmental Impact
Pavlos Zachos

Dr Pavlos Zachos

Senior Lecturer in Propulsion System Aerodynamics
Suresh Sampath

Dr Suresh Sampath

Head of Gas Turbine Systems Engineering and Operations Group
Arnold Gad-Briggs promo

I did my MSc in Thermal Power and it was very industry focused in terms of its theoretical application to everyday challenges, especially within industry. In doing my MSc it was natural progression that I was going to come back to do my doctorate. 

Arnold Gad-Briggs, Founder and Exec. Director at EGB Engineering

Accreditation

The Thermal Power and Propulsion MSc is accredited by Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) and the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) 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. Please note accreditation applies to the MSc award and PgDip do not meet in full the further learning requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer.

Your career

Over 90% of graduates of this course have found employment within the first year of course completion. Many of our graduates are employed in the following industries:

  • Gas turbine engine manufacturers,
  • Airframe manufacturers,
  • Airline operators,
  • Regulatory bodies,
  • Aerospace and energy consultancies,
  • Power production industries,
  • Academia: doctoral studies.