How to apply for research degrees

The following specialisms are primarily located at the Cranfield campus unless stated otherwise, and an online application is available for applications related to these.

• Aerospace
• Design
• Energy and Sustainability
• Environment and Agrifood 
• Manufacturing and Materials
• School of Management
• Transport Systems
• Water
• Defence and Security – based at Shrivenham

Application process

Once you have submitted your online application we will email you to confirm that we have received it. Within two working days, we will also provide you with a username and password so you can access the student portal, EVE. In EVE you will be able to:

• view your application and personal details,
• view the progress of your application,
• upload additional documents, if required, in support of your application,
• request changes to your application,
• contact us with any questions you may have about your application,
• update your contact details,
• withdraw your application (prior to receiving a decision),
• request to be considered for a deferral (if you have received an offer).

To help speed up the application process, please provide your supporting documents (e.g. degree certificate) as soon as possible.

We only require electronic copies of these documents during the application process, which you can provide securely in the Applicant Portal or by email, there is no need to send photocopies by post. Please do not send us hard copies of your original documents.

The University offers opportunities for students registered on an award-bearing course at another institution to spend time at Cranfield, either undertaking modules and/or research, to make use of our facilities in support of your current studies.

If you are interested in becoming a Visiting Student please contact Admissions to discuss your suitability:
Cranfield campus - study@cranfield.ac.uk
Defence and Security at Shrivenham - studyshrivenham@cranfield.ac.uk

Admissions feedback

Applications may be unsuccessful for a number of reasons. Sometimes there are more applications than places on a particular course, or an application may not meet the standard entry requirements.

We don’t routinely provide feedback to applicants on the reasons for our decisions. If you wish to request feedback on an unsuccessful application, please email our Admissions Office.

Complaints and appeals

We are committed to ensuring that all applications are considered fairly and within our defined procedures. Where applicants require sponsorship under the UK’s points-based immigration system, we are subject to external restrictions and requirements, which may affect our offer decision.

We will therefore only consider appeals or complaints in the following circumstances:

1. if you believe there has been a significant failure in the admissions procedure, or
2. if you believe you have been discriminated against unlawfully.

Cranfield University will not consider complaints or appeals based on any other reason, including where incomplete or inaccurate information has been provided. In line with our data protection policies, we don’t consider any appeals or complaints from anyone on your behalf. We do not share personal information with anyone outside the University, without your express consent.

Appeals or complaints should be made by email to the Admissions Office.

You should receive a response acknowledging your complaint, or appeal, within 10 working days.

The Head of the Admissions Office or a senior colleague will review your complaint or appeal and consult the relevant Head of Faculty, or an appropriate representative. You will receive a full reply to your complaint, or appeal, including a reason for any final decision. This may include more detail about the initial outcome of your application. The outcome of any decision will be the final position of the University. The University will retain a record of your complaint or appeal for monitoring purposes to enable us to regularly review and improve our service.

We publish a Student Protection Plan in line with the Office for Students (OfS) expectations. The plan sets out the University's approach to ensuring the continuation and quality of study for students should a risk to the continuation of their study arise.

We provide prospective students with information about our terms and conditions as part of the documentation issued when we offer a place on our courses.

Download a PDF of our full terms and conditions
Download a PDF of Postgraduate Research Studentship terms and conditions