MSc Aircraft Design option in Aerospace Vehicle Design

This Aircraft Design option aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the whole aircraft configuration design as well as structures and systems. A holistic teaching approach is taken to explore how the individual elements of an aircraft can be designed and integrated using up-to-date methods and techniques. You will learn to understand how to select and integrate specific systems such as fuel systems, and their effect on the aircraft as a whole.

You will have the opportunity to fly during a Student Experience Flight in our National Flying Laboratory Centre’s (NFLC) light aircraft. This flight experience will complement your MSc studies, focusing on the effects of controls, aircraft stability, and angle of attack. During the flight, you will have the opportunity to take control of the aircraft. Each experience is 2 to 3 hours in duration and includes a pre-flight safety briefing outlining the details of the maneuvers to be flown, a flight of approximately 1 hour, and a post-flight debrief. Read Hari's blog on his flight experience.

We have been at the forefront of postgraduate education in aerospace engineering since 1946. Aerospace Vehicle Design at Cranfield University was one of the original foundation courses of the College of Aeronautics. Graduates of this course are eligible to join the Cranfield College of Aeronautics Alumni Association (CAA), an active community that holds several networking and social events throughout the year.

Cranfield University is well located for 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.

A first or second-class UK honors degree (or equivalent) in an engineering discipline. There is a limited opportunity for candidates with other qualifications to enter the course via a Pre-master's course, which provides the necessary level of knowledge of engineering principles applicable to aerospace design.

20 hours of work permit weekly for international students.