Program Overview

---

Guided Weapon Systems MSc

The Guided Weapon Systems MSc is a flagship Cranfield military masters degree with an outstanding reputation within the Guided Weapons community. The course meets the requirements of all three UK armed services and is also open to students from NATO countries, Commonwealth forces, selected non-NATO countries, the scientific civil service, and industry.

Overview

• Start date: September
• Duration: MSc: 11 months full-time, up to three years part-time; PgDip: up to 11 months full-time, up to two years part-time; PgCert: up to 11 months full-time, up to two years part-time
• Delivery: This varies from module to module but comprises a mixture of oral examinations, written examinations, informal tests, assignments, syndicate presentations, and an individual thesis
• Qualification: MSc, PgDip, PgCert
• Study type: Full-time / Part-time
• Campus: Cranfield University at Shrivenham

Who is it for?

This course is an essential prerequisite for many specific weapons postings in the UK and overseas forces. It also offers an ideal opportunity for anyone working in the Guided Weapons industry to get a comprehensive overall understanding of all the main elements of guided weapons systems.

Why this course?

The main objective of the Guided Weapon Systems course is to bring together the wide variety of disciplines constituting guided weapon systems technology and to present them in an integrated manner. It takes you on to an understanding of the principles of guided weapon systems technology and all interrelated and multi-disciplinary facets involved with the complete systems design process.

Course details

The course comprises a taught phase and an individual project. The taught phase is split into three main phases: Part One (Theory), Part Two (Applications), Part Three (Systems).

Course delivery

This varies from module to module but comprises a mixture of oral examinations, written examinations, informal tests, assignments, syndicate presentations, and an individual thesis

Individual project

Each student has to undertake a research project on a subject related to an aspect of guided weapon systems technology. It will usually commence around January and finish with a dissertation submission and oral presentation in mid-July.

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.

Compulsory modules

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

• Introductory and Foundation Studies
  • Aim: To provide you with the necessary background knowledge and information to be able to successfully complete the remainder of the course.
  • Syllabus: Introduction to GW, terminology, fundamental technology, and examples; introduction to missiles as part of a system-of-systems and its implications; library induction; IT services; maths; Matlab & Simulink.
  • Intended learning outcomes: On successful completion of this module, you will be able to be familiar with the library, IT, and FLSC services at Shrivenham; understand the basic terminology involved with the wide variety of GW systems in service today; be acquainted with some of the mathematical and dynamic modelling methods and techniques used in many of the later modules.
• GW Propulsion
  • Aim: To provide you with an understanding of the principles, concepts, and techniques of GW propulsion.
  • Syllabus: Introduction; thermodynamics; gas dynamics; performance parameters; flight mechanics; introduction to air-breathers; gas turbine engines; rockets; introduction to rocket propellants.
  • Intended learning outcomes: On successful completion of this module, you will be able to apply the underlying principles of thermodynamics and gas dynamics to thermomechanical jet propulsion for rockets and ramjet propulsion; critically analyse and compare and evaluate the performance of GW rocket motor systems.
• GW Aerodynamics
  • Aim: To provide you with an understanding of the principles, concepts, and techniques of GW aerodynamics.
  • Syllabus: Fundamental definitions; basic fluid dynamics; basic aerodynamics; origins of lift; subsonic drag; compressible flow; transonic flow; supersonic flow; GW aerodynamics applications.
  • Intended learning outcomes: On successful completion of this module, you will be able to apply the fundamental laws of fluid mechanics and aerodynamics to subsonic and supersonic missile systems; estimate the aerodynamic characteristics of typical missile systems.
• GW Control Theory
  • Aim: To provide you with an understanding of the fundamentals of classical/modern control theory with emphasis on how the principles can be applied as part of a GW control and guidance subsystem.
  • Syllabus: Introduction; modelling; S-plane analysis and time response; frequency response; root locus; compensation.
  • Intended learning outcomes: On successful completion of this module, you will understand the control system fundamentals relevant to guided weapon systems.
• GW Electro-optics and Infrared Technology
  • Aim: To provide you with an understanding of the principles, design, and analysis of EO/IR and laser technologies.
  • Syllabus: EO/IR theory; EO/IR application.
  • Intended learning outcomes: On successful completion of this module, you will be able to assess the performance of EO/IR systems based on analysis of the underlying principles and technology; evaluate and justify the choices of EO/IR systems for the STA and homing in a Guided Weapon system.
• GW Control and Guidance
  • Aim: To provide you with an understanding of the principles, methods, and design of guided weapon autopilot and guidance systems and the interaction between autopilot, guidance, and other missile sub-systems.
  • Syllabus: Introduction to missile control and guidance; control & actuation methods; missile instrumentation; missile dynamics & autopilots; homing guidance; target tracking; command guidance; navigation guidance.
  • Intended learning outcomes: On successful completion of this module, you will be able to evaluate missile autopilot categories required by various missile guidance systems; compare the types of guidance techniques employed on modern guided weapons.
• GW Energetics
  • Aim: To provide you with an understanding of the principles, concepts, and techniques of various key facets of GW design, including propellants, explosives, warheads, fuzes, and terminal effects.
  • Syllabus: Warheads; non-conventional warhead technologies; explosives; terminal effects; fuzes; rocket propellants.
  • Intended learning outcomes: On successful completion of this module, you will be able to identify the requirements for GW warheads; select and evaluate the warhead, explosive, and fuze for use in a GW designed for a given scenario.
• Radar Principles
  • Aim: To provide you with an understanding of the fundamental principles of radar, allowing you to relate this to the design and analysis of radar systems.
  • Syllabus: Introduction; radar detection theory; pulsed radar parameters; losses; CW and FM ranging; radar cross-section; pulse compression; clutter; CFAR; pulse-doppler radar; MTI radar; GMTI.
  • Intended learning outcomes: On successful completion of this module, you will be able to analyse radar detection performance in noise and clutter; assess the performance and identify particular operational advantages of modern multi-function radar and SAR systems.
• GW Power Electronics and Communication Systems
  • Aim: To provide you with an understanding of the electronics theory required in a Guided Weapon and relate this to the GW power chain, actuation, and communications technology and requirements.
  • Syllabus: Electronics basic principles; importance of electrical power supplies; probability; communication methods; command and control; guided weapon EPS design.
  • Intended learning outcomes: On successful completion of this module, you will be able to synthesise electronic circuit models for guided weapons and analyse their performance; assess the importance of electrical power supplies in a GW.
• Missile System Design
  • Aim: To comprehend the systems design principles of all major classes of modern missiles in the land, sea, and air domains, and the parametric trade-offs associated with missile system design.
  • Syllabus: Systems design; hydrodynamics; sea systems; land systems; air systems; guided weapon parametric study.
  • Intended learning outcomes: On successful completion of this module, you will be able to compare, contrast, and evaluate the technology associated with the various in-service worldwide missile systems; assess the suitability of a set of missile system operational requirements.
• GW Systems Integration
  • Aim: To provide you with the skills and knowledge to create new and manage existing complex weapon systems and their integration.
  • Syllabus: System of systems; physical integration; data integration; domain-specific issues; integration facilities; in-service safety; MTDS/life cycle; trials planning.
  • Intended learning outcomes: On successful completion of this module, you will be able to assess the challenges of integrating a guided weapon onto platforms; design a performance model that depicts the system-of-systems interactions.

Elective modules

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

• GW Electronic Warfare
  • Aim: To provide you with an understanding of the principles, design, and analysis of the electronic threats to radar and EO/IR systems and how they may be protected.
  • Syllabus: RF countermeasures; EO/IR countermeasures; missile sensor and airframe damage assessment.
  • Intended learning outcomes: On successful completion of this module, you will be able to critically assess the choice of electronic defence measures against specified GW threats; evaluate the performance of RF DEW systems.
• Hypersonic Guided Weapons
  • Aim: To provide a general overview of hypersonic guided weapon systems and technology; introduce you to the theoretical design of hypersonic guided weapon subsystems; demonstrate how these subsystems form the overall weapon system.
  • Syllabus: Introduction to hypersonic weapons; aerodynamics; hypersonic missile propulsion; hypersonic flight dynamics and stability; guidance, navigation, and control; hypersonic aeromechanics; hypersonic electronic warfare; hypersonic threats and countermeasures.
  • Intended learning outcomes: On successful completion of this module, you will be able to evaluate the challenges of operating a guided weapon at hypersonic velocities; assess the trade-offs between the various subsystems and technologies used in a hypersonic guided weapon.

Teaching team

The Course Director is Dr David Galvao Wall. You will be taught by Cranfield's leading experts with capability expertise, industry knowledge, and collective subject research.

Accreditation

The Guided Weapon Systems MSc has been accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society under licence from the UK regulator, the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer.

Your career

Successful students will have a detailed understanding of Guided Weapons system design and will be highly suited to any role or position with a requirement for specific knowledge of such systems. Many students go on to positions within the services which have specific needs for such skills.

Fees and funding

Course fees

• Home:
  • MSc Full-time: È39,145
  • MSc Part-time: È39,145
  • PgDip Full-time: È31,305
  • PgDip Part-time: È31,305
  • PgCert Full-time: È17,155
  • PgCert Part-time: È17,155
  • Deposit: È1,000
• Overseas:
  • MSc Full-time: È42,700
  • MSc Part-time: È42,700
  • PgDip Full-time: È34,155
  • PgDip Part-time: È34,155
  • PgCert Full-time: È18,715
  • PgCert Part-time: È18,715
  • Deposit: È3,000

Fee notes

• Academic years: The fees outlined apply to students whose initial date of registration falls on or between the below dates: 1 August 2026 and 31 July 2027
• All students pay the tuition fee set by the University for the full duration of their registration period.
• Additional fees for extensions to the agreed registration period may be charged.
• Eligibility for Home fee status is determined with reference to UK Government regulations.

Funding Opportunities

To help students find and secure appropriate funding, we have created a funding finder where you can search for suitable sources of funding by filtering the results to suit your needs.

Entry requirements

We welcome applications from talented individuals of all backgrounds and each application is considered on its individual merit. Usually, applicants must hold a UK lower second-class undergraduate degree with honours, as a minimum, or equivalent international qualification.

ATAS clearance

This course requires Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) clearance.

Security clearance for Shrivenham

Some Cranfield University courses are delivered at the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, Shrivenham which is a Ministry of Defence (MoD) site. All applicants to courses that are wholly or partially delivered at Shrivenham must hold suitable clearance.

English language

To study for a formal award at Cranfield, you will need to demonstrate that you can communicate effectively in English in an academic environment. Full details of how you can meet this requirement can be found in our English language requirements section.

Approved English tests for Guided Weapon Systems MSc

• IELTS: 7.0 overall and 6.0 in all skill components
• TOEFL: 100 total and minimum skill component scores of 20 reading, 20 listening, 21 speaking, and 20 writing
• Cambridge Assessment English: Cambridge English Scale score of 190 overall and 175 in all skill components
• Duolingo: 130 overall and minimum subscores of 110 speaking, 110 writing, 110 reading, and 105 listening
• Kaplan: 525 overall and 460 in all skill components
• LanguageCert: 75 overall and 65 in all skill components
• International ESOL C1 Expert: Pass overall and 33 in all skill components
• Password: 7.0 overall and 6.0 in all skill components
• Pearson PTE: 68 overall and 62 in all skill components
• Skills for English: Overall Pass outcome
• Trinity College London: Integrated Skills in English - ISE III (C1): Overall Pass outcome