Cranfield University
Overview of the university
About Cranfield
Located in the rural village of Cranfield, Cranfield University is a specialist postgraduate institution and a global leader in technology, engineering, management and applied research. Its green campus offers a peaceful, focused environment for study, while remaining well connected—just 40 minutes from London by train.
Cranfield delivers education exclusively at postgraduate level, with over 5,000 students from around the world and a strong staff-to-student ratio that supports personalised learning. The University is widely recognised for its close collaboration with industry, governments and organisations, ensuring its teaching and research are highly relevant and impactful.
Our results are recognised in our awards and rankings, our partnerships, and the success of our alumni. The experience gained at Cranfield is transformational for both individuals and organisations alike. Rankings and Awards
Cranfield is one of the UK’s most business-engaged universities, working with around 1,500 organisations globally—from SMEs to multinational corporations and government bodies.
- Strong links with government departments and some of the largest and most successful global businesses including Airbus, Bill and Melinda gates Foundation, Jaguar Land Rover, McDonald’s, PepsiCo, Rolls-Royce (spans over 30 years), Unilever, UK Civil Aviation Authority and Yorkshire Water.
- Cranfield University Technology Park - our centre for innovation located just offsite - homes more than 60 companies.
- a collaboration agreement with Boeing, building on its 10-year partnership with Cranfield.
- a strategic partnership with EasyJet, Europe's leading airline.
- Links to Unilever, one of the world's largest consumer goods companies.
These connections provide students with access to internships, research projects and employment opportunities, while ensuring that courses are aligned with real industry challenges.
Location
Cranfield is at the centre of two very beautiful and interesting worlds, the modern city of Milton Keynes and the country town of Bedford. Both options are just a few miles away from campus and are accessible by car, or by public transport.
On campus you will find plenty of open spaces to relax, rejuvenate and simply enjoy. The open spaces are great for taking a break or for use as an alternative study area during the summer.
While Shrivenham, a Ministry of Defence establishment on the Oxfordshire/Wiltshire borders, lies in the picturesque Vale of the White Horse, seven miles from Swindon.
Subject Areas
Studying with us, you will join a community of a like-minded, stimulating professionals that will provide you with the knowledge you need to take your career further.
Most of our staff have industry backgrounds and are leading academic experts in their fields. Industry experts teach alongside our academic team on many of our programmes providing real-life challenges so that you learn in an environment similar to the business world you will go on to.
We offer a large choice of taught master’s programmes leading to the degrees of MSc, MBA, PgDip, PgCert and PgAward A to Z of taught courses
Our doctoral programmes will equip you with the skills you need to make an impact in your chosen field, either in academia or in practice.
Our PhD programme is internationally renowned, for its rigour, structure, faculty support and global perspective.
The global diversity of our doctoral community and the excellent support provided by faculty and staff, make Cranfield one of the best places in the world to undertake your doctoral degree.
Choosing the right MBA or management degree is a key step in shaping your future. Whether you're stepping up to senior leadership, changing direction, or even opening doors to new countries, Cranfield School of Management offers three distinct postgraduate programmes tailored to your goals: the Management MSc, the Full-time MBA, and the Executive MBA (EMBA).
Each programme offers a different experience depending on your level of experience, flexibility, and ambitions. Use the comparison table below to find the best fit for your career journey.
Facilities
At Cranfield we have many world-class, large scale and national facilities that enhance the quality and value of our research and teaching. Here are just a few:
Aerospace Integration Research Centre (AIRC) - The AIRC is a purpose-built facility that houses cutting-edge aerospace research and development equipment. It includes a large-scale test bed for aircraft and engine systems, an engine test facility, and an advanced manufacturing workshop.
Breakthrough Innovation Hub - Providing design, build and testing spaces devoted to interdisciplinary research across science, engineering and design
Energy Materials Laboratory The EML's facilities enable the evaluation of the corrosion performance of metallic and ceramic materials in a range of environments.
Plant Growth Facility - Facility for experimental work involving plant physiology, plant phenotyping, and plant-microbe and plant-soil interactions.
Cranfield Management Development Centre - A world-class conference centre with customisable meeting facilities, comfortable accommodation, and an array of business services
Through-life Engineering Services (TES) Centre - A research centre that focuses on the development of technologies and strategies for through-life engineering services. The TES Centre was established in 2008 and is funded by several industry partners, including Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems, and Network Rail.
DARTeC (Digital Aviation Research and Technology Centre) - DARTeC is a research centre that focuses on digital aviation research and technology, launched in 2019 and is part of a collaborative effort with Boeing, Thales, and Saab. The centre has state-of-the-art facilities, including a digital control tower, a 3D printing laboratory, and a virtual reality centre.
World class Water Science facilities - Our facilities include an on-site sewage treatment works, with it’s own dedicated pilot-plant hall, and state-of-the-art clean water, fermentation, microbiology, wastewater and water chemistry laboratories that provide extensive analytical services.
Management Information and Resources - Students can access a wealth of management information, supported by our dedicated team of information professionals.
Funding
We know that funding your studies is an important consideration. That’s why we offer a wide range of scholarships and bursaries to support both UK and international postgraduate students. Whether you’re applying for a taught master’s or research programme, you could be eligible for financial support that helps you make the most of your time with us.
What is student life like?
Cranfield University offers a peaceful location in the English countryside, allowing you to focus on your studies, yet is only a short distance from many exciting cities and towns.
On campus, there is a true sense of community, helping you to forge friendships during your studies and leisure time, in a safe and peaceful environment. Whatever your recreational, social, or sporting interests, there are many opportunities to make friends and have a great time.
Careers and support
Our Careers and Employability Service team has significant real-world experience in the areas of coaching, recruitment, human resources and business development. We help students develop their personal career journey, so they can find meaningful employment.
- One-to-one coaching
- CV writing and interview preparation workshops
- Learning resources
- Career mentoring
Programs and courses at Cranfield University
70 courses at Cranfield University, listed alphabetically:
Articles and news
Further reading
As an international student you may require a valid visa to study at Cranfield University.
Read more about the requirements in our guide to United Kingdom international student visa requirements.