Structural Design option - MSc in Aerospace Vehicle Design

The Structural Design option of the MSc in Aerospace Vehicle Design at Cranfield University offers an immersive, hands-on approach that equips students with the practical skills needed to tackle real-world aerospace challenges. From day one, students gain direct experience in aircraft structures, stress analysis, material selection, and airworthiness requirements. The program emphasizes teamwork, industry engagement, and applied research, ensuring that learning extends far beyond the classroom. You’ll have access to advanced laboratories, industry-standard software, and flight experiences that bring theory to life:

Here’s how experiential learning is integrated into the course:

• Group Design Project: A six-month, collaborative project simulating a real industrial environment, combining diverse student expertise to solve complex structural design challenges.

• Individual Research Project: Focused, hands-on research assessed by academic and industry experts.

• Flight Experience: Participate in flights at the National Flying Laboratory Centre, experiencing aircraft stability, control, and aerodynamics first-hand.

• Laboratories & Facilities: Access to state-of-the-art structural labs, computational tools, and testing equipment for both metallic and composite materials.

• Industry Visits: Site tours at BAE Systems, Marshall Aerospace, GKN Aerospace, and RAF bases, providing direct exposure to aircraft maintenance and operational environments.

• Professional Software: Use of specialized aerospace design and analysis software in workshops and projects.

• Guest Lectures: Insights from senior professionals from Airbus, Boeing, Thales UK, and other leading aerospace organizations.

• Library & Support Services: Comprehensive resources to support research and project work, including technical libraries and digital databases.

This combination of practical work, industry engagement, and cutting-edge facilities ensures graduates are ready to meet the structural challenges of modern aircraft design.

Graduates of the MSc in Aerospace Vehicle Design – Structural Design option are highly sought after for their expertise in aircraft structures, stress analysis, and airworthiness standards. Typical roles include Structural Engineer, Stress Analyst, Aircraft Design Engineer, and Materials Engineer:

• University Careers Support: Cranfield’s Careers and Employability Service offers tailored career guidance, CV workshops, interview preparation, and networking events specifically for aerospace graduates.

• Employment Stats & Salary: Cranfield aerospace graduates often secure positions with leading aerospace firms, with starting salaries typically ranging from £35,000 to £45,000, rising with experience.

• Industry Partnerships: The program is informed by an Industrial Advisory Committee with members from Airbus, BAE Systems, Boeing, GKN Aerospace, Thales UK, and military services, plus site visits to RAF bases, Marshall Aerospace, and BAE Systems facilities.

• Accreditation & Long-Term Value: The course maintains strong industry recognition, and graduates gain eligibility to join the Cranfield College of Aeronautics Alumni Association (CCAAA) for ongoing professional networking.

• Graduation Outcomes: Alumni progress into both civil and military aviation sectors, contributing to aircraft design, maintenance, and certification, with a strong foundation for leadership roles in engineering projects.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates can pursue research degrees such as PhD in Aerospace Engineering or Structural Mechanics, or specialized certifications in advanced materials and aerodynamics, leveraging Cranfield’s world-class research facilities and industry links.