Aerospace Materials MSc

Program Overview

---

The MSc in Aerospace Materials at Cranfield University equips students with specialized skills to develop and design sustainable materials for next-generation aircraft and spacecraft. The program emphasizes industry collaboration, hands-on experience, and a focus on environmental impact, preparing graduates for careers in the aerospace sector.

Program Outline

---

Degree Overview:

---

Overview:

The MSc in Aerospace Materials develops specialist skills to enhance and design new materials for next-generation aircraft and spacecraft. This program focuses on addressing environmental impact and sustainability within the sector. It aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills to develop innovative and sustainable materials for the aerospace industry.

---

Objectives:

• To equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to develop and design new materials for aerospace applications.
• To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between materials, processes, and properties.
• To focus on sustainable approaches for materials and energy solutions for next-generation aircraft and space systems.
• To develop skills in materials selection, characterization, and analysis.
• To cultivate hands-on experience using advanced manufacturing and characterization techniques.

---

Description:

The MSc in Aerospace Materials is a one-year, full-time program delivered through a combination of taught modules, group projects, and individual research projects. The program draws on the expertise of Cranfield University's research centers in Surface Engineering and Precision, Composites and Advanced Materials, and Welding and Additive Manufacturing.

---

Key features:

• Focus on sustainability and environmental impact in the aerospace industry.
• Access to world-class facilities and research expertise.
• Strong emphasis on real-world application through industry-led projects.
• Collaboration with leading aerospace companies such as Airbus, BAE Systems, Safran, and Rolls-Royce.

---

Outline:

---

Content:

• The program covers a wide range of topics related to aerospace materials, including:
• Introduction to Materials Engineering
• Sustainable Aerospace Materials
• Composites Manufacturing for High Performance Structures
• Functional Materials
• Failure of Materials and Structures
• Finite Element Analysis
• Materials Selection
• Surface Science and Engineering

---

Structure:

• The program is divided into four modules, each worth 20 credits.
• Students also complete a group project (20 credits) and an individual research project (40 credits).
• The program can be completed in one year of full-time study or up to three years of part-time study.

---

Course Schedule:

• The program typically starts in October for full-time students and can be started in either October or January for part-time students.
• Teaching modules are typically delivered in one-week blocks between October and March.
• The remaining time is dedicated to independent study, project work, and supervision.

---

Individual Modules:

• Introduction to Materials Engineering: This module covers the fundamentals of materials science and engineering, with a focus on aerospace applications.
• Sustainable Aerospace Materials: This module explores the use of sustainable materials in aerospace applications, including the environmental impact and performance of different materials.
• Composites Manufacturing for High Performance Structures: This module provides students with a comprehensive understanding of composites manufacturing techniques and their application in high-performance aerospace structures.
• Functional Materials: This module explores the use of functional materials in aerospace applications, including their properties, applications, and potential for innovation.
• Failure of Materials and Structures: This module covers the principles of failure analysis in aerospace materials and structures.
• Finite Element Analysis: This module introduces students to the principles of finite element analysis, which is used to simulate the behavior of materials and structures.
• Materials Selection: This module provides students with the skills and knowledge required to select appropriate materials for specific aerospace applications.
• Surface Science and Engineering: This module explores the role of surfaces in aerospace materials, including corrosion, wear, and surface engineering techniques.

---

Assessment:

---

Assessment Methods:

• The program uses a variety of assessment methods, including:
• Coursework (essays, reports, presentations)
• Examinations
• Group projects
• Individual research projects

---

Assessment Criteria:

• The assessment criteria for each module are specific to the learning outcomes of that module.
• Students are assessed on their ability to demonstrate:
• Knowledge and understanding of the subject matter
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Communication and presentation skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

---

Teaching:

---

Teaching Methods:

• The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:
• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Laboratory work
• Seminars
• Guest lectures from industry experts

---

Faculty:

• The program is taught by a team of experienced and qualified academics with expertise in aerospace materials and related fields.
• The faculty includes professors, senior lecturers, and research fellows.

---

Unique Approaches:

• The program has a strong focus on industry collaboration, with projects often sponsored by leading aerospace companies.
• Students have access to world-class facilities, including the Surface Engineering and Precision Center, the Composites and Advanced Materials Center, and the Welding and Additive Manufacturing Center.
• The program emphasizes hands-on experience through laboratory work, group projects, and individual research projects.

---

Careers:

---

Career Paths:

• Graduates of the program can pursue a variety of careers in the aerospace industry, including:
• Aerospace Engineer
• Materials Engineer
• Research and Development Engineer
• Design Engineer
• Manufacturing Engineer
• Project Manager

---

Career Opportunities:

• Graduates of the program are highly sought after by leading aerospace companies worldwide.
• Recent graduates have secured positions at companies such as Airbus, Rolls-Royce, Safran, and GKN Aerospace.

---

Other:

---

Accreditation:

• The Aerospace Materials MSc is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS), Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining (IOM3) and Institution of Engineering & Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for further learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).

---

Location:

• The program is offered at Cranfield University's main campus in Bedfordshire, UK.

---

Part-Time Option:

• The program is available as a part-time option for students who are in full-time employment.

---

International Students:

• The program welcomes students from all over the world.

---

Additional Information:

• For more information on the program, please visit the Cranfield University website.