Program Overview

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Defence Simulation and Modelling MSc

The Defence Simulation and Modelling MSc course addresses the design, development, procurement, use, and management of models and simulations for applications in experimentation, training, testing, analysis, and assessment of military forces, systems, and equipment.

Overview

• Start date: September (Full and part-time) / January (Part-time only)
• Duration: MSc: one year full-time, up to three years part-time; PgDip: up to one year full-time, up to two years part-time; PgCert: up to one year full-time, up to two years part-time
• Delivery: Assessment is 60% by coursework and 40% dissertation
• Qualification: MSc, PgDip, PgCert
• Study type: Full-time / Part-time
• Campus: Cranfield University at Shrivenham

Course Details

The course is suitable for both military and civilian personnel, including those from defence industry and government departments. Ten places are normally available for the full-time cohort.

Who is it for?

The course is designed for individuals seeking to understand the technologies, methodologies, principles, and terminology of modelling and simulation as used across defence, including the challenges and issues as well as the benefits.

Why this course?

On successful completion of the course, students will be familiar with the technologies, methodologies, principles, and terminology of modelling and simulation as used across defence. Through the use of facilities such as the Simulation and Synthetic Environment Laboratory (SSEL), students will gain a broad understanding of modelling and simulation in areas such as training, acquisition, decision-support, analysis, and experimentation.

Modules

The following modules are part of the course:

• Introductory Studies
• Foundations of Modelling and Simulation
• Modelling and Simulation Acquisition and Techniques
• Real Time Graphics
• War Gaming and Combat Modelling
• Synthetic Environments and Virtual Simulation
• Experimentation Analysis and Trials for Simulation
• Weapon System Performance Assessment
• Networked and Distributed Simulation
• Advanced Module 1
• Advanced Module 2
• Advanced Module 3
• Networked and Distributed Simulation Exercise
• Thesis

Module Details

Introductory Studies

Aim: To prepare students mathematically and organisationally to study at CDS on the Defence Simulation and Modelling and Military Operational Research Postgraduate programs. Syllabus:

• Course Structure
• Intro to IT
• Library Introduction and Referencing
• Fundamental Mathematics
• Further Mathematics for MOR
• Introduction to MATLAB
• Fundamentals of Computing
• Spreadsheet Basics
• Study skills for postgraduate study Intended learning outcomes:
• Describe the course structure and assessment procedures
• Find and correctly cite research material
• Employ the fundamental mathematics required by the course
• Demonstrate the study skills necessary to complete a postgraduate degree

Foundations of Modelling and Simulation

Aim: To make students aware of the roles, concepts, and applications of modelling and simulation in defence. Syllabus:

• The general principles of modelling and simulation
• The role of modelling and simulation in supporting Defence decision making, training, and analysis
• The typical components of M&S systems
• The technologies of live, constructive, and virtual simulation and their Defence applications Intended learning outcomes:
• Explain and apply the general principles of Modelling and Simulation (M&S) and the main components of M&S systems
• Identify the main organisations involved in M&S for Defence
• Discuss the importance of M&S in supporting Defence decision-making, training, and analysis

Teaching Team

The teaching team includes:

• Dr John Salt
• Mr John Hoggard
• Dr Ken McNaught
• Dr Trevor Ringrose
• Mr Jonathan Searle
• Mr Jeremy Smith

Your Career

This qualification will equip students for simulation-specific appointments within the armed forces or government, or in the defence-related activities of commercial organisations.

Fees and Funding

Course Fees

• Home: MSc Full-time Ł24,625, MSc Part-time Ł24,625, PgDip Full-time Ł19,820, PgDip Part-time Ł19,820, PgCert Full-time Ł9,920, PgCert Part-time Ł9,920
• Overseas: MSc Full-time Ł26,865, MSc Part-time Ł26,865, PgDip Full-time Ł21,620, PgDip Part-time Ł21,620, PgCert Full-time Ł10,825, PgCert Part-time Ł10,825

Funding Opportunities

• Conacyt (Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia)
• Postgraduate Loan from Student Finance England
• Chevening Scholarships
• Commonwealth Scholarships for Developing Countries
• Cranfield Defence and Security Alumni Discount Scheme

Entry Requirements

• A UK lower second-class undergraduate degree with honours, as a minimum, or equivalent international qualification.
• Ideally, applicants will have studied in science, engineering, or mathematics subjects.
• Applications from candidates with relevant work experience in combination with a degree that does not meet the minimum entry requirement will be considered.
• 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, students will need to demonstrate that they can communicate effectively in English in an academic environment. Full details of how students can meet this requirement can be found in the English language requirements section. Approved English tests for Defence Simulation and Modelling MSc:

• IELTS
• TOEFL
• Cambridge Assessment English
• Duolingo
• Kaplan
• LanguageCert
• International ESOL B2 Communicator
• Password
• Pearson PTE
• Skills for English
• Trinity College London