Cranfield University
Cranfield, United Kingdom
Cranfield University
Cranfield, United Kingdom
Founded
1946
Institution Type
Public Postgraduate
Total Students
5,000+
International Students
100+ Countries
Cranfield University: Overview & History
Cranfield University: Overview & History
Cranfield University is the UK's only exclusively postgraduate university, specialising in science, engineering, technology, and management. Located on a 250-hectare campus in Bedfordshire approximately 50 miles north of London, the university is uniquely situated on a former RAF airfield and is one of the few universities in the world to own and operate its own airport.
Founded in 1946 as the College of Aeronautics, Cranfield has grown from its aviation roots into a globally respected institution delivering applied research and transformational postgraduate education. The university partners with over 1,500 companies and organisations worldwide, including Airbus, Rolls-Royce, Boeing, and Unilever, ensuring its teaching and research remain highly relevant to industry needs.
With 88% of its research rated world-leading or internationally excellent in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework, Cranfield is a six-time recipient of the Queen's Anniversary Prize. Its School of Management holds the prestigious triple accreditation from AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS, placing it among an elite 1% of business schools worldwide.
Key Milestones
- 1946: Founded as the College of Aeronautics on a former RAF airfield in Bedfordshire.
- 1967: Cranfield School of Management established, growing into one of Europe's leading business schools.
- 1969: Incorporated by Royal Charter as Cranfield Institute of Technology with full degree-awarding powers.
- 1993: Royal charter amended to adopt the name Cranfield University; became wholly postgraduate in 2003.
Academic Structure at Cranfield University
Academic Structure at Cranfield University
Cranfield University's academic structure is organised into four schools, each focusing on specialist thematic areas to deliver targeted postgraduate education and applied research. The university offers over 150 degree courses and 400 professional development programmes across its specialist themes of aerospace, defence and security, energy, environment, manufacturing, transport, water, and management.
School of Aerospace, Transport and Manufacturing
Brings together three principal themes of the university: Aerospace, Manufacturing and Materials, and Transport Systems. Home to facilities such as the Aerospace Integration Research Centre and the Digital Aviation Research and Technology Centre (DARTeC).
- MSc Aerospace Vehicle Design
- MSc Advanced Motorsport Engineering
- MSc Manufacturing Technology and Management
School of Water, Energy and Environment
Focused on themes of Energy and Sustainability, Environment and Agrifood, and Water. Leads the university's response to the green economy agenda in clean growth, climate adaptation, and infrastructure renewal.
- MSc Environmental Engineering
- MSc Water and Wastewater Engineering
- MSc Renewable Energy Technology
Cranfield School of Management
One of Europe's oldest and most highly ranked business schools with triple accreditation from AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS. Offers MBA, specialist master's, doctoral, and executive education programmes with strong industry partnerships.
- Full-time MBA (Transformation MBA)
- MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management
- MSc Strategic Marketing
Cranfield Defence and Security
Based at the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom at Shrivenham, this school leads Cranfield's research, education, and consultancy in defence and security fields. Works closely with the UK Ministry of Defence and international security organisations.
- MSc Cyber Defence and Information Assurance
- MSc Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology
- MSc Defence and Security
Centre for Aeronautics
One of the world's largest centres of postgraduate education and research in aircraft design, aerodynamics, and advanced modelling. Trains engineers for leading aerospace companies globally.
- MSc Aerospace Dynamics
- MSc Thermal Power and Propulsion
- MSc Autonomous Vehicle Dynamics and Control
Centre for Environmental and Agricultural Informatics
Combines research groups with over 50 years of experience contributing to societal challenges such as sustainability, enhancing natural capital, and future global food systems resilience.
- MSc Environmental Management for Business
- MSc Food Systems and Management
- MSc Applied Bioinformatics
Admission Requirements for Cranfield University
Admission Requirements for Cranfield University
Master's (MSc) Programmes
- Academic QualificationUK First Class or 2:1 Honours degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant subject
- IELTS ScoreOverall 6.5, minimum 5.5 in each component (some programmes require 7.0)
- TOEFL iBT92 overall (minimum 18 reading, 17 listening, 20 speaking, 17 writing)
- Supporting DocumentsTranscripts, CV/resume, personal statement, two references
- Application FeeGBP 75 (non-refundable for most taught programmes)
Doctoral (PhD) & MBA Programmes
- PhD Academic RequirementMaster's degree in a relevant discipline; research proposal required
- MBA Academic RequirementGood honours degree (2:1 or equivalent); minimum 3 years' full-time work experience
- MBA English RequirementIELTS 7.0 overall, or TOEFL iBT 100, or PTE 68
- GMAT/GREOptional but recommended for MBA; 80th percentile preferred for GRE
- PhD ApplicationApply at least 13 weeks before planned start date
No fixed deadline for most courses, but early application recommended. International students for Cranfield campus should apply by July; Shrivenham courses by June.
Select programmes in aerospace and engineering offer a March start date. Check individual course pages for availability.
Research degree applications are accepted year-round. Apply at least 13 weeks before your intended start date.
Scholarship deadlines vary by award. Early application is strongly encouraged to be considered for available funding.
Tuition Fees & Scholarships at Cranfield University
Tuition Fees & Scholarships at Cranfield University
As an exclusively postgraduate university, Cranfield's tuition fees vary by programme and student fee status. Fees are set per programme rather than per year, as most taught courses are completed in 11-13 months. Contact the university directly for the most current fee schedule for your chosen programme.
| Fee Category | UK Students | International Students |
|---|---|---|
| MSc Engineering Programmes | Contact university for current fees | GBP 20,000 – GBP 30,000 |
| MSc Management Programmes | Contact university for current fees | GBP 25,000 – GBP 37,000 |
| Full-time MBA | Contact university for current fees | GBP 40,000 – GBP 46,000 |
| Living Costs (estimated annual) | GBP 9,000 – GBP 12,000 | GBP 9,000 – GBP 12,000 |
| Total | Varies by programme | GBP 29,000 – GBP 58,000 (total with living costs) |
Cranfield Scholarships
Over 100 different scholarships and bursaries are available for students, covering partial tuition fees ranging from 15% to 50% depending on the specific award.
- Coverage: 15% to 50% of tuition fees
- Eligibility: Based on academic excellence, financial need, or other criteria
- Application: Via individual course pages on the Cranfield website
Commonwealth Scholarships
Full scholarships jointly funded by Cranfield University for students from developing Commonwealth countries, covering tuition and living expenses.
- Coverage: Full tuition fees plus living stipend
- Eligibility: Citizens of developing Commonwealth nations
- Funding Sources: Prodigy Finance and Lendwise loans also available (GBP 5,000 – GBP 100,000)
Campus & Facilities at Cranfield University
Campus & Facilities at Cranfield University
Cranfield's main campus occupies a 250-hectare site in the Bedfordshire countryside, built around a former RAF airfield that remains operational as the Cranfield Global Research Airport. The campus provides a self-contained, village-like environment with academic buildings, residential areas, sports facilities, and recreational spaces designed for postgraduate students and staff.
A GBP 35 million facility built in partnership with Airbus and Rolls-Royce for cutting-edge aerospace research and development.
A GBP 65 million centre spearheading the UK's research into digital aviation technology and future flight systems.
Central learning space providing access to specialist collections, digital resources, and collaborative study areas for postgraduate students.
Housing & Campus Life
Accommodation
Cranfield offers both catered and self-catered on-campus accommodation, from halls of residence to shared houses, apartments for couples, and houses for families.
- Single student halls of residence
- Couple and family housing options
- Off-campus support for nearby Bedford and Milton Keynes
Facilities & Amenities
The campus features specialist research facilities including the Crash Impact Centre (one of only two FIA-approved test centres globally), a Plant Phenotyping Facility, and the Breakthrough Innovation Hub.
- Gyms, sports halls, and outdoor sports fields
- Cranfield Global Research Airport
- On-campus restaurants, shops, and medical facilities
Student Life at Cranfield University
Student Life at Cranfield University
Cranfield offers a mature, professional student community of over 5,000 postgraduate students from more than 100 countries. The Student Union organises a wide range of social, recreational, and cultural activities, while the campus's self-contained setting fosters close-knit relationships and cross-cultural connections.
Location: Cranfield, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom
Location: Cranfield, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom
Life in Cranfield & Surrounding Area
Cranfield is a quiet village in Bedfordshire offering a peaceful, focused environment for postgraduate study. The campus is just 40 minutes from central London by train, with the vibrant towns of Milton Keynes and Bedford each about 8 miles away, providing shopping, dining, entertainment, and excellent transport links.
London Access
Central London is approximately 50 miles south and reachable in about 40 minutes by train from nearby stations, offering world-class culture, employment, and entertainment.
Milton Keynes
A modern city just 8 miles away with extensive shopping, restaurants, a theatre district, and excellent rail connections to London and the North.
Bedford
A historic county town 8 miles east with a riverside setting, cultural festivals, independent shops, and affordable living options for students.
Airport Connections
London Luton Airport is the closest international airport, while Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted are all easily accessible via train and coach.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Network
Career Outcomes & Alumni Network
Top Employers of Cranfield Graduates
Practical Information for Students
Practical Information for Students
For International Students
Cranfield provides comprehensive guidance on UK Student Visa applications, CAS letters, ATAS certificates, and pre-arrival documentation for international students from over 100 countries.
For students who do not meet the English language entry requirements, Cranfield offers pre-sessional English for Academic Purposes courses and Pre-Master's pathways through Kaplan International College.
Orientation programmes, cultural integration support, and ongoing welfare services help international students adjust to life in the UK and make the most of their Cranfield experience.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
Cranfield University: Worldwide Rankings
Cranfield University: Worldwide Rankings
As an exclusively postgraduate university, Cranfield is excluded from many mainstream university league tables that focus on undergraduate institutions. However, it consistently ranks highly in specialist subject rankings, employability metrics, and sustainability assessments by leading global ranking bodies.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering | QS World University Rankings by Subject | #55 globally, #5 in the UK |
| Business and Management Studies | QS World University Rankings by Subject | Top 150 globally |
| Environmental Sciences | QS World University Rankings by Subject | Top 200 globally |
| Full-time MBA | Financial Times Global MBA Rankings | 8th in the UK, Top 100 globally |
Features
Cranfield University is a global postgraduate university focused on technology, engineering, and management. It has a strong industry focus, high staff-to-student ratio, and over 50% international students from more than 100 countries. Known for applied research and innovation, it offers specialized programs in aerospace, manufacturing, business, and defense. The university emphasizes employability, research impact, and real-world problem solving, making it a leading destination for professional and academic advancement.
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 - January
Location
College Rd, Wharley End, Bedford MK43 0AL, United Kingdom
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