Program Overview

Introduction to the Avionic Systems Design Option

The Avionic Systems Design option is a specialist course within the MSc Aerospace Vehicle Design program at Cranfield University. This course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of avionic systems design, analysis, development, test, and airframe integration.

Overview of the Course

• Start date: September
• Duration: One year
• Delivery: Taught modules (10%), Group project (50%), Individual research project (40%)
• Qualification: MSc
• Study type: Full-time
• Campus: Cranfield campus

Who is the Course For?

This course is suitable for students with a background in aeronautical or mechanical engineering or those with relevant industrial experience. It provides a taught engineering program with a focus on the technical, business, and management aspects of aircraft design in the civil and military aerospace sectors.

Why Choose this Course?

The Avionic Systems Design option aims to provide an understanding of avionic systems design, analysis, development, test, and airframe integration. This includes a detailed look at robust and fault-tolerant flight control, advanced 4D flight management and RNP navigation, self-separation and collision avoidance, and advanced digital data communications systems, as well as pilot-friendly and intelligent cockpit displays and situation awareness.

Course Details

Course Structure

The course comprises 16 mandatory modules and six optional modules. Students are also required to complete a group design project and an individual research project. The course is delivered via a combination of structured lectures, industry guest lectures, computer-based workshops, and private study.

Mandatory Modules

• Design of Airframe Systems
• Cockpit Environment
• Modelling of Dynamic Systems
• Avionics Air Traffic Control
• Aircraft Stability and Control
• Reliability, Safety Assessment and Certification
• Control Systems
• Inertial and Satellite Navigation Systems
• Aerospace Software Engineering and Ada
• Aircraft Performance
• Radio Systems
• Flight Control and Autopilot Systems
• Aeronautical Communication Systems
• Avionics Data Networking, Hardware Integration and Testing
• Integrated Navigation Systems
• Fault Tolerant Avionics Design

Elective Modules

Students need to choose six modules from the following list:

• Aircraft Aerodynamics
• Computer Aided Design
• Aerospace System Development and Life Cycle Model
• Initial Aircraft Design
• Integrated Vehicle Health Management
• Aircraft Power Plant Installation

Teaching Team

The course is taught by a wide range of subject specialists from the University and industry professionals who draw on their research and industrial expertise to provide stimulating and relevant input to the learning experience.

Career Opportunities

The Avionic Systems Design option is valued and respected by employers worldwide. The applied nature of this course ensures that graduates are ready to be of immediate use to their future employer and has provided sufficient breadth of understanding of multi-discipline design to position them for accelerated career progression.

Fees and Funding

Course Fees

• Home: ｣13,960 (with a deposit of ｣500)
• Overseas: ｣31,775 (with a deposit of ｣1,000)

Funding Opportunities

Various scholarships and funding opportunities are available, including the ISTAT Foundation Scholarships, Royal Academy of Engineering MSc Motorsport Scholarship Programme, Master's Loan from Student Finance England, Commonwealth Scholarships for Developing Countries, Chevening Scholarships, Institution of Mechanical Engineers Postgraduate Master's Scholarship, IGEM Postgraduate Master's Scholarship, Royal Aeronautical Society scholarships, Lendwise Postgraduate Student Loan, and The Venkatesan Prabhu Endowed Memorial Scholarship.

Entry Requirements

• A UK upper second-class undergraduate degree with honors, as a minimum, or equivalent international qualification.
• Ideally, applicants will have studied in an engineering discipline.
• English language proficiency is required, with approved tests including IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge Assessment English, Duolingo, Kaplan, LanguageCert, Password, Pearson PTE, and Trinity College London.

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

This course requires ATAS clearance for international students, except for exempt nationalities.