Cranfield School of Management
Cranfield, United Kingdom
Cranfield School of Management
Cranfield, United Kingdom
Founded
1967
Institution Type
Public Postgraduate
Total Students
5,000+
Accreditation
Triple (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA)
Cranfield School of Management: A Global Leader in Postgraduate Business Education
Cranfield School of Management: A Global Leader in Postgraduate Business Education
Cranfield School of Management is one of the oldest business schools in Europe, formally established in 1967 as part of Cranfield University in Bedfordshire, United Kingdom. As part of the UK's only exclusively postgraduate university, the school is uniquely positioned to connect technology and leadership, offering an education deeply rooted in real-world business challenges.
The school holds the prestigious triple accreditation from AACSB International, EQUIS, and AMBA, placing it among an elite group of business schools worldwide. Cranfield is globally recognised for its excellence in leadership development, its powerful industry links, and its applied research that has a real impact on the practice of management around the world.
With a diverse student body drawn from over 100 countries, Cranfield School of Management offers MBA programmes, specialist master's courses, executive education, and doctoral programmes. The school's mission is to transform the practice of management around the world by creating and disseminating applied knowledge.
Key Milestones
- 1946: Cranfield founded as the College of Aeronautics on a former RAF airbase, becoming the UK's first postgraduate college of aeronautics.
- 1967: Cranfield School of Management formally established, growing out of industrial need for management training, with the MBA programme tracing back to 1964.
- 1969: Cranfield awarded its Royal Charter, gaining university status and degree-awarding powers as the Cranfield Institute of Technology.
- 2001: Cranfield School of Management gained Triple accreditation (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA), one of the first few business schools in the UK to do so.
Academic Programmes at Cranfield School of Management
Academic Programmes at Cranfield School of Management
Cranfield School of Management offers a comprehensive portfolio of postgraduate programmes designed to develop high-performing leaders. From flagship MBA programmes to specialist master's degrees and doctoral research, every course is designed with strong links to industry and a focus on applied, practical learning.
MBA Programmes
Cranfield's MBA programmes are elite post-experience programmes focused on leadership development and practical business application, offered in full-time and executive formats.
- Full-time Transformation MBA
- Executive MBA (in partnership with Grant Thornton)
- MBA (Defence)
Finance and Accounting
Specialist master's programmes in finance equip students with the analytical skills and financial expertise needed for careers in banking, investment, and corporate finance.
- Finance and Management MSc
- Investment Management MSc
- Finance MSc
Management and Leadership
Programmes focused on developing general management capabilities, strategic thinking, and leadership skills for aspiring business leaders across all sectors.
- Management MSc
- Management and Corporate Sustainability MSc
- Management and Entrepreneurship MSc
Supply Chain and Logistics
Globally ranked programmes in supply chain management, recognised for producing graduates who lead logistics and procurement functions at major organisations worldwide.
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management MSc
- Procurement and Supply Chain Management MSc
- Supply Chain Management (Online) MSc
Marketing and Strategy
Programmes that develop strategic marketing expertise, combining data-driven insights with creative leadership for careers in brand management, consulting, and digital marketing.
- Strategic Marketing MSc
- Marketing and Digital Strategy (Online) MSc
- Strategic Marketing (Online) MSc
Doctoral Programmes
Research-focused doctoral programmes designed for those seeking to make a significant impact in academia or senior business leadership through rigorous scholarly inquiry.
- PhD in Management
- Executive DBA
- PhD in Finance
Admission Requirements for Cranfield School of Management
Admission Requirements for Cranfield School of Management
Master's Programmes (MSc)
- Academic QualificationFirst or upper second-class honours degree (2:1) or international equivalent
- English ProficiencyIELTS 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in each component) or equivalent
- Work ExperienceVaries by programme; some MSc courses welcome recent graduates
- Application MethodOnline application via the Cranfield University website
- Supporting DocumentsCV, personal statement, academic transcripts, two references
MBA Programmes
- Academic QualificationFirst or second-class degree or international equivalent
- Work ExperienceMinimum 3 years for full-time MBA; 5 years for Executive MBA
- English ProficiencyIELTS 7.0 overall or equivalent (TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo accepted)
- Entrance TestGMAT or GRE recommended but not mandatory
- InterviewAdmissions interview required for shortlisted candidates
Most MSc programmes operate on a rolling admissions basis. Apply early to secure your place, as popular courses fill quickly.
The Transformation MBA offers multiple application rounds with early application discounts. Check the Cranfield website for current round deadlines.
The primary intake for most programmes is in September, with some programmes offering a January start.
The Executive MBA has specific cohort start dates. Contact the MBA team for the latest intake schedule and deadlines.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships at Cranfield School of Management
Tuition Fees and Scholarships at Cranfield School of Management
Tuition fees at Cranfield vary by programme and student residency status. As an exclusively postgraduate institution, fees reflect the specialist nature of the education. The figures below are indicative; please visit the Cranfield website for the most current fee schedules.
| Programme | Home (UK/Ireland) | International |
|---|---|---|
| Management MSc (1 year) | GBP 16,995 | GBP 32,160 |
| Full-time MBA (1 year) | Contact university | GBP 46,405 |
| Executive MBA (2 years part-time) | GBP 39,500 | GBP 39,500 |
| Estimated Living Costs (annual) | GBP 9,000 - 12,000 | GBP 9,000 - 12,000 |
| Total | Varies by programme | Varies by programme |
Cranfield School of Management Scholarships
Cranfield offers a range of merit-based and need-based scholarships for UK, EU, and international students across its MSc and MBA programmes, with awards covering partial tuition fees.
- Coverage: Up to 20-50% of tuition fees depending on programme
- Eligibility: Based on academic merit, professional experience, and potential
- Application: Automatically considered upon programme application
GREAT Scholarships (British Council Partnership)
Cranfield participates in the GREAT Scholarships campaign in partnership with the British Council, offering scholarships to students from selected countries toward tuition fees.
- Award Amount: GBP 10,000 toward tuition fees
- Eligible Countries: Bangladesh, China, Egypt, Malaysia, Pakistan, Thailand
- Application: Apply via the Cranfield website with country-specific requirements
Campus and Facilities at Cranfield University
Campus and Facilities at Cranfield University
Cranfield's campus is located in the peaceful Bedfordshire countryside, approximately 50 miles north of central London. The campus is unique in the UK for having its own airport and offers a focused, community-oriented environment for postgraduate study.
The purpose-built School of Management houses lecture theatres, seminar rooms, and the Management Information Resource Centre with Bloomberg terminals.
The residential management training centre features 186 bedrooms, 27 meeting rooms, conference facilities, and Hartley's Bar for networking events.
The expansive campus offers plenty of open spaces for relaxation and study, with cafes, restaurants, sports facilities, and a true sense of community.
Housing and Dining
Accommodation Options
Cranfield University offers halls of residence to suit a range of budgets and requirements, including family housing and accessible rooms.
- On-campus halls of residence with various room types
- Family housing and flats for couples available
- Off-campus options in Cranfield village, Bedford, or Milton Keynes
Dining and Services
The campus provides a self-contained community with multiple dining options, shops, and social facilities for students.
- Several cafes and restaurants serving international cuisine and hot meals
- On-campus shops, post office, and social clubs
- Hartley's Bar with regular social events, live music, and themed evenings
Student Life at Cranfield School of Management
Student Life at Cranfield School of Management
Student life at Cranfield is shaped by a close-knit, international community of postgraduate professionals. The campus offers a true sense of community, helping you forge friendships during your studies and leisure time in a safe and peaceful environment.
Location: Cranfield, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom
Location: Cranfield, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom
Cranfield and the Surrounding Area
Cranfield is a rural village in Bedfordshire, offering a peaceful setting for focused study while being well-connected to major cities. Milton Keynes is a 40-minute bus ride away, and London is approximately 40 minutes by train, providing easy access to cultural, professional, and social opportunities.
Proximity to London
Just 50 miles north of central London, Cranfield offers easy access to the capital's business districts, cultural attractions, and international airports including Heathrow, Luton, and Stansted.
Innovation Triangle
Cranfield sits within the innovation triangle formed by London, Oxford, and Cambridge, placing students at the heart of the UK's most dynamic knowledge economy.
Milton Keynes
The nearby city of Milton Keynes offers shopping, entertainment, restaurants, and a thriving business community, all within easy reach of the Cranfield campus.
English Countryside
The Bedfordshire countryside provides a tranquil and distraction-free environment, ideal for intensive postgraduate study, with beautiful landscapes and historic villages to explore.
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Top Employers of Cranfield Graduates
Practical Information for International Students
Practical Information for International Students
For International Students
Cranfield provides dedicated visa and immigration guidance for international students, including assistance with Student visa applications and CAS issuance. A course deposit or evidence of sponsorship is required before a CAS is issued.
Applicants who do not meet the English language entry requirements can apply for Cranfield's Pre-sessional English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses to prepare for their studies.
The Careers and Employability Service offers lifelong career support including coaching, CV reviews, interview preparation, networking events, and access to the Symplicity career platform for students and alumni.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
Cranfield School of Management: Worldwide University Rankings
Cranfield School of Management: Worldwide University Rankings
Cranfield School of Management consistently ranks among the top business schools globally. As an exclusively postgraduate university, Cranfield is excluded from some mainstream undergraduate-focused rankings but excels in specialist business school and subject-level rankings.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Supply Chain Management (QS) | QS Business Masters Rankings | Top 50 Globally |
| Strategic Marketing (QS) | QS Business Masters Rankings | #25 Globally |
| Management MSc (FT) | Financial Times Masters in Management | #4 in the UK |
| International Trade (QS) | QS International Trade Rankings | #5 Globally |
Features
To transform the practice of management around the world by creating and disseminating applied knowledge.\nTo be a world leading management school for responsible management thinking and practice\nTo conduct research that has a real impact on the practice of management around the world\nTo be an employer of choice for faculty who are passionate about transforming the practice of management.\n\n
Accommodation
Off-Campus Accommodations Students wishing to live off-campus need to research availability on their own, and should arrive well before the start of term to do so.
Work While Studying
See guidelines on working while studying here.
Co-op/Internship Participation
Even if you do NOT meet our minimum English requirement (IELTS or TOEFL), you still can get conditionally accepted in the program of your choice with the condition of completing our English program prior to starting your chosen program.
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
September - July
Location
College Rd, Cranfield, Wharley End, Bedford MK43 0AL, United Kingdom
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