Program Overview

Introduction to the Gas Turbine Technology Option in Thermal Power and Propulsion MSc

The Gas Turbine Technology option is a specialist course within the Thermal Power and Propulsion MSc program at Cranfield University. This program is designed to provide a comprehensive background in the design and operation of different types of gas turbines for all applications. The UK continues to lead the world in power and propulsion technology, with the gas turbine finding increasing application in power generation, oil and gas pumping, chemical processing, and power plants for ships and other large vehicles.

Overview of the Course

• Start Date: March or October
• Duration: Full-time MSc: one year; PgDip: up to one year
• Delivery: Taught modules 50%, individual research project 50%
• Qualification: MSc, PgDip
• Study Type: Full-time
• Campus: Cranfield campus

Who is the Course For?

This course is designed for those seeking a career in the design, development, operations, and maintenance of power and propulsion systems. Graduates are provided with the skills that allow them to deliver immediate benefits in a very demanding and rewarding workplace and therefore are in great demand. It is suitable for graduates seeking a challenging and rewarding career in an international growth industry.

Why Choose this Course?

The MSc option in Gas Turbine Technology is structured to enable students to pursue their own specific interests and career aspirations. Students 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. Students will receive a thorough grounding in gas turbine design principles for aerospace, marine, and industrial applications.

Informed by Industry

The course benefits from a wide range of cultural backgrounds, which significantly enhances the learning experience for both staff and students. Industry partners help support students in various ways, including 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.

Course Details

The course comprises up to 12 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.

Compulsory Modules

All the modules in the following list need to be taken as part of this course.

1. Gas Turbine Performance, Simulation and Diagnostics: This module aims to inform students of the different types of gas turbine engines, their applications, on-design, off-design, and transient performance. It provides the ability to undertake gas turbine component performance calculations, diagnostics, and to perform evaluations of gas turbine performance and deterioration.
2. Mechanical Design of Turbomachinery: This module familiarizes students with the common problems associated with the mechanical design and the lifting of the major rotating components of the gas turbine engine.
3. Turbomachinery and Blade Cooling: This module aims to familiarize students with compressor and turbine aerodynamic design and performance by instruction, investigation, and example. It introduces students to the technology of gas turbine blade cooling through analytical and practical approaches of heat transfer principles, convection cooling, impingement film transpiration cooling, and liquid cooling.
4. Combustors: This module makes students familiar with design, operation, computation, and performance criteria of gas turbine combustion and reheat systems and explores issues related to gas turbine pollutant emissions.
5. Engine Systems: This module assesses engine systems, auxiliaries, families of engines, and/or engine and component designs for both aero and stationary gas turbines. It is addressed by means of a 'Systems Symposium' run by the MSc class.
6. Management for Technology: The importance of technology leadership in driving the technical aspects of an organisation's products, innovation, programmes, operations, and strategy is paramount. This module aims to provide engineers with the right skills, including a deeper understanding of management processes in an organisational context.
7. Gas Turbine Operations and Rotating Machines: This module familiarizes students with various operations of gas turbines and other driven rotating machines.
8. Propulsion Systems Performance and Integration: This module equips students with background knowledge of aircraft propulsion, component performance integration.

Elective Modules

One of the modules from the following list needs to be taken as part of this course.

1. Jet Engine Control: This module aims to introduce students to aircraft engine control and to explain the philosophy of jet engine control requirements and systems to gas turbine engineers.
2. Marine Propulsion System Integration: This module familiarizes students with various marine propulsion technologies, propulsion auxiliaries, and their integration.
3. Space Propulsion: This module provides an understanding of the physics fundamentals and thermofluid dynamic concepts underlying space propulsion and their implications for launch vehicle and spacecraft system performance and design.

Teaching Team

Students will be taught by experienced academic staff at Cranfield with many years of industrial experience. The teaching team includes:

• Professor Pericles Pilidis, Professor of Gas Turbine Performance
• Professor David MacManus, Head of Gas Turbine Technology Group
• Dr. Uyioghosa Igie, Programme Director of Thermal Power and Propulsion MSc
• And several other professors and lecturers with expertise in various aspects of gas turbine technology and propulsion systems.

Accreditation

The Thermal Power and Propulsion MSc is accredited by the 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).

Your Career

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

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

Fees and Funding

Course Fees

• Home (MSc Full-time): £13,960
• Overseas (MSc Full-time): £31,775
• Home (PgDip Full-time): £10,930
• Overseas (PgDip Full-time): £25,415
• A non-refundable deposit is required for self-funded students.

Funding Opportunities

Several scholarships and funding opportunities are available, including:

• ASEAN-UK: Women in STEM Scholarships
• Frank Whittle scholarships for Thermal Power and Propulsion MSc
• Fan Makers Bursary for MSc in Thermal Power and Propulsion
• ISTAT Foundation Scholarships
• Masters Loan from Student Finance England
• Commonwealth Scholarships for Developing Countries
• Chevening Scholarships
• IGEM Postgraduate Masters Scholarship
• Royal Aeronautical Society Centennial Scholarships
• Lendwise Postgraduate Student Loan

Entry Requirements

• Academic Background: Usually, applicants must hold a UK lower second-class undergraduate degree with honors, or an equivalent international qualification, in engineering, mathematics, physics, or an applied science discipline.
• ATAS Clearance: This course requires Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) clearance.
• English Language: To study for a formal award at Cranfield, students must demonstrate that they can communicate effectively in English in an academic environment. Approved English tests include IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge Assessment English, Duolingo, Kaplan, LanguageCert, Password, Pearson PTE, and Trinity College London.