Aerosystems MSc

The Aerosystems MSc is a multidisciplinary course that covers the areas of uninhabited aircraft systems, guided weapons, electro-optics, communications, radar, electronic warfare, and information networks. The course is designed specifically for those in MOD roles who are looking to enhance their knowledge and expertise in the realm of electronic warfare, aero-engineering, and role-specific themes.

Overview

• Start date: August
• Duration: Three years part-time; UK MOD students are normally expected to complete the taught phase within the first 11-months of their registration, whereas self-funded students will be expected to complete the taught phase in the first 2-year period and their individual project, or thesis, during year 3.
• Delivery: By written and practical examinations, continuous assessment, and project presentation.
• Qualification: MSc
• Study type: Part-time
• Campus: Cranfield University at Shrivenham

Course Details

The Aerosystems course is designed to provide candidates with whole-of-system technical knowledge concerning Aerosystems. The course covers key concepts, fundamental principles, and considerations of design and critical thinking associated with the mentioned areas.

Compulsory Modules

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

• Communication Principles
• Electro-Optics and Infrared Systems 1
• Electro-Optics and Infrared Systems 2
• Electromagnetic Propagation and Devices
• Foundations of Modelling and Simulation
• Guided Weapons
• Information Networks
• Pre-Sessional Postgraduate Studies
• Radar Electronic Warfare
• Radar Principles
• Systems Research Methods
• Signal Processing, Statistics, and Analysis
• Thesis
• Uninhabited Aircraft Systems / Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems

Module Details

Each module has specific aims, syllabi, and intended learning outcomes.

Communication Principles

Aim: To provide an understanding of the concepts and techniques employed in modern communication systems. Syllabus: Introduction to transmitter and receiver communications system models, voice source coding, analogue modulation, digital modulation, communications channel, receivers, and link budget analysis. Intended learning outcomes: Identify the main functions of each component block in a communications system model, describe the principles of modulation schemes, evaluate the effects of a communications channel on a transmitted signal, and propose a suitable communications architecture.

Electro-Optics and Infrared Systems 1

Aim: To introduce the field of EO/IR technology and give an understanding of the underlying principles. Syllabus: Simple radiometry and power calculations, signature generation, contrast, atmospheric effects, optical systems, detector types, cooling requirements, and EO/IR seeker systems. Intended learning outcomes: Describe EO/IR systems and the underlying principles, analyse the significance of the EO/IR system in the defence context, and assess the performance of EO/IR systems.

Electro-Optics and Infrared Systems 2

Aim: To increase the depth of knowledge in the field of EO/IR technology and give an understanding of the underlying principles. Syllabus: Advanced radiometry and power calculations, modulation transfer function, minimum resolvable temperature difference, advanced digital image processing, laser systems, and laser countermeasures. Intended learning outcomes: Describe EO/IR systems and the underlying principles, analyse the significance of the EO/IR system in the defence context, and assess the performance of EO/IR systems.

Electromagnetic Propagation and Devices

Aim: To provide an understanding of electromagnetic propagation, antennas, and devices relevant to military sensor, communications, and electronic warfare systems. Syllabus: Propagation, antennas, electromagnetic devices, guided waves, RF and microwave power dividers, combiners, and couplers, and active solid-state devices. Intended learning outcomes: Describe the principles of operation and characteristics of antenna sensors and electromagnetic system components, identify and explain the various models of propagation of electromagnetic waves, and analyse and evaluate the performance of electronic warfare system components.

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, and an introduction to defence synthetic environments. Intended learning outcomes: Explain and apply the general principles of Modelling and Simulation (M&S), identify the main organisations involved in M&S for Defence, and discuss the importance of M&S in supporting Defence decision-making.

Guided Weapons

Aim: To provide a general overview of guided weapon systems and technology. Syllabus: Introduction to guided weapons, GW propulsion, aerodynamics, control, guidance, radar surveillance and target acquisition, mmW radar seekers, electro-optic systems and countermeasures, laser principles and applications, warheads, structures and materials, and aircraft integration. Intended learning outcomes: Describe in technical detail the elements that make up a guided weapon system, critically discuss the principles involved and the design constraints on guided weapon airframe, propulsion, warhead, control, and guidance systems, and develop and refine an appropriate conceptual/preliminary guided weapon system design.

Information Networks

Aim: To provide an understanding of networks in a modern military electronic sensor or communications system, their vulnerabilities, and how they can be protected. Syllabus: Communicating data and the function of networks, military network requirements, building a local area network, Internet history, addressing and services, and network security. Intended learning outcomes: Recognise how a network may be exploited in a military context, identify the various components of a network and its architecture, and propose a secure wireless network structure.

Pre-Sessional Postgraduate Studies

Aim: To revise students' undergraduate mathematical skills, introduce the software package MATLAB, and refresh students' knowledge in selected engineering topics. Syllabus: Algebra refresher, calculus refresher, engineering refresher, and MATLAB. Intended learning outcomes: Algebraically manipulate mathematical formulae, differentiate and integrate mathematical functions, and perform simple data analysis and produce associated graphs using MATLAB.

Radar Electronic Warfare

Aim: To provide an understanding of the principles, design, and analysis of the electronic threats to radar systems and how radar systems may be protected. Syllabus: Radar ES, radar EA, radar ED, low probability of intercept radar waveforms, jamming of SAR systems, and anti-radiation missile seekers. Intended learning outcomes: Use concepts of sensitivity, resolution, and discrimination to establish the capabilities and applications of receivers used in ES, outline the various electronic attack and associated defence measures applicable to modern radar systems, and identify the role and quantify the performance of a modern radar system.

Radar Principles

Aim: To provide an understanding of the fundamental principles of radar, allowing students to relate this to the design and analysis of radar systems. Syllabus: Introduction to radar, radar detection theory, pulsed radar parameters, losses, CW and FM ranging, radar cross-section, pulse compression, clutter, CFAR, pulse-doppler radar, and MTI radar. Intended learning outcomes: Analyse radar detection performance in noise and clutter, assess the performance and identify particular operational advantages of modern multi-function radar and SAR systems, and critically assess the detection performance of a radar system.

Systems Research Methods

Aim: To provide a multi-perspective, multi-methodological approach to research as the basis for the range of research questions that may be addressed in the student's thesis and in investigations in future professional work. Syllabus: Knowledge, novelty, and verification and validation, areas of interest and research questions, framing research projects, quantitative methods, modelling and simulation method, and writing about research. Intended learning outcomes: Transform a description of an area of interest into a precisely worded research question, plan and execute a search of the literature to find existing research relevant to a research question, and evaluate existing research literature to propose an apposite method to address a research question.

Signal Processing, Statistics, and Analysis

Aim: To provide an understanding of the subjects supporting the specialist modules and to provide students with the essential signal analysis and statistical tools used in the course. Syllabus: Statistics and noise, analogue and digital signal processing, decision theory, and bit-error rate lab demo. Intended learning outcomes: Describe the signal processing methods commonly encountered in sensor, communications, and EW systems, evaluate the effect of randomly varying signals on the decision processing in sensor and communication systems, and identify and analyse signal and noise waveforms commonly encountered in communications, sensor, and electronic warfare systems.

Thesis

Aim: To execute self-driven research applying the principles, processes, and practices developed in the course to an Aerosystems real-world problem of interest and relevance to the student. Syllabus: The thesis is a vital element of the Aerosystems MSc, offering students the opportunity to apply learned taught phase knowledge and develop new knowledge and skills to an agreed topic. Intended learning outcomes: Research and propose a relevant project topic in Aerosystems, plan a research project with a well-defined and realisable timeframe, and provide an analysis of critical assessment of factual, conceptual, and theoretical knowledge.

Uninhabited Aircraft Systems / Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems

Aim: To provide an understanding of the fundamental concepts and challenges of UAS/RPAS with a Military Airworthiness perspective. Syllabus: Overview of UAS and Military Airworthiness, UAV/RPAS passive hard subsystems, UAV/RPAS active hard subsystems, UAS/RPAS soft methods, and UAS/RPAS design and analysis methods. Intended learning outcomes: Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of the overview of UAS/RPAS and Military Airworthiness, describe the principles of UAV/RPAS passive and active hard subsystems and UAS/RPAS soft methods, and estimate flight range of UAS/RPAS based on design and analysis methods.

Teaching Team

The teaching team includes:

• Professor John Economou, Professor of Defence Robotics and Autonomous Systems and Deputy Director of Consultancy Defence and Security PVC Office.
• Dr Ivor Morrow, Senior Lecturer.
• Mr John Hoggard, Lecturer in Defence Simulation.
• Mr Ioannis Vagias, Radar Lecturer.
• Dr Peter Barker, Lecturer - Communications and Communications Electronic Warfare.
• Professor Alessio Balleri, Professor of Radar Systems.
• Dr David Galvao Wall, Senior Lecturer in Flight Dynamics and Control.
• Dr Tim Ferris, Senior Lecturer - Systems Engineering for Defence Capability.
• Dr Philip Nobles, Lecturer.

Your Career

Graduates may find related openings in MOD civil service or in the defence industry.

How to Apply

To apply, students must register to use the online system and then create, save, and amend their application form before submitting it.

UK MOD Application Process

If entering through the UK military selection process, please contact Admissions for further information.

Self-Funded Application Process

The Aerosystems course is now open for study to self-funded students.

Application Deadlines

Attendance on the course is subject to Cranfield discretion and security clearance for the UK Defence Academy in Shrivenham site. To allow sufficient time for clearance to be granted, applications must be submitted by the specified deadline.

Fees and Funding

Course Fees

• Home: Ł39,145
• Overseas: Ł42,700
• Deposit: Ł1,000 (Home), Ł3,000 (Overseas)

Fee Notes

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.

Funding Opportunities

To help students find and secure appropriate funding, Cranfield has created a funding finder where students can search for suitable sources of funding.

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, or equivalent international qualification.

UK Military Applicants

In order to make an academic application for the course, students must first be preselected via a Selection Board.

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, students must 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 Aerosystems 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

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Degree Overview:

The program emphasizes key concepts, fundamental principles, design considerations, and critical thinking skills within these areas. The program focuses on delivering whole-of-system technical knowledge concerning Aerosystems to selected candidates by MOD and partnering organizations.

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Objectives:

• Equip graduates with advanced knowledge and expertise in electronic warfare, aero-engineering, and specific role themes.
• Enhance critical thinking and design skills within the context of Aerosystems.
• Provide UK MOD students with comprehensive technical knowledge in Aerosystems.
• Prepare graduates for potential career paths in Test and Evaluation squadrons, Capability Acquisition, and Requirements Management.

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Overall Description:

The Aerosystems MSc offers a unique and intensive learning experience for individuals aiming to enhance their expertise in various aspects of modern technological systems. By focusing on both technical depth and critical thinking, the program equips graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in a range of professional settings within the defense and security sectors.

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Outline:

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Compulsory Modules:

• Communication Principles
• Communication Systems
• Electromagnetic Propagation & Devices
• Electro-optics and Infrared Systems 1
• Electro-optics and Infrared Systems 2
• Foundations of Modelling and Simulation
• Guided Weapons
• Information Networks
• Radar Principles
• Radar Electronic Warfare
• Signal Processing, Statistics & Analysis
• Uninhabited Aircraft Systems/Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (UAS/RPAS)

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Teaching Team:

The program boasts a distinguished faculty with expertise in various areas related to aerospace, defense, and engineering. These include:

• Professor John Economou (Course Director)
• Dr. Ivor Morrow
• Mr. John Hoggard
• Mr. Ioannis Vagias
• Dr. Peter Barker
• Professor Alessio Balleri
• Dr. David Galvao Wall
• Dr. Tim Ferris
• Dr. Philip Nobles
• Dr. Shaun Forth

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Teaching Methods:

The program utilizes a range of teaching approaches, including lectures, seminars, workshops, guest lectures, and individual projects. This variety aims to cater to diverse learning styles and foster an engaging learning environment.

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Assessment:

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Assessment methods for the Aerosystems MSc program are expected to include:

• Examinations
• Assignments
• Coursework
• Presentations
• Projects

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Assessment criteria will likely focus on:

• Demonstrating a thorough understanding of key concepts and principles.
• Applying knowledge to solve complex problems and design solutions.
• Engaging in critical analysis and evaluation.
• Presenting information effectively in written and oral formats.

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Careers:

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Graduates of the Aerosystems MSc program can pursue various career paths within the defense and security sectors, including:

• Test and Evaluation squadrons
• Capability Acquisition
• Requirements Management
• Defense Industry
• MOD civil service

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Other:

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Additional information related to the Aerosystems MSc program:

• The program is typically offered on a part-time basis, allowing students to balance their studies with professional commitments.
• The program requires students to complete a pre-sessional 10-day course in August before commencing the main studies in September.
• The program is delivered at the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, Shrivenham, which is a Ministry of Defence site.
• Security clearance for Shrivenham is required for all program participants.

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Overview:

Cranfield University is a postgraduate-focused institution specializing in science, technology, engineering, and management. It is renowned for its strong industry links and practical approach to education.

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Services Offered:

Cranfield University offers a wide range of services to students, including:

Careers and Employability Service:

Provides guidance and support for career planning and job searching.

IT Services:

Offers access to computer labs, software, and technical support.

Libraries:

Provides access to extensive collections of books, journals, and online resources.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Industry Links:

Cranfield University has close relationships with numerous organizations, providing students with opportunities for internships, placements, and networking.

Practical Approach to Education:

The university emphasizes hands-on learning and real-world applications, preparing students for successful careers.

World-Class Facilities:

Cranfield boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including laboratories, workshops, and research centers.

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Academic Programs:

Cranfield University offers a variety of postgraduate programs, including:

Taught Degrees:

MSc programs in various fields, such as aerospace, energy, and management.

Research Degrees:

PhD and MPhil programs for students seeking to conduct advanced research.

Apprenticeships:

Level 7 apprenticeships for professionals seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge.

Professional Development:

Short courses and executive development programs for individuals and organizations.

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Other:

• Cranfield University has two campuses: Cranfield Campus and Cranfield University at Shrivenham.
• The university is committed to sustainability and has a strong track record in environmental research.
• Cranfield University is ranked highly in various international rankings, including those for sustainability and engineering.