Aviation Digital Technology Management MSc

Program Overview

---

The MSc in Aviation Digital Technology Management at Cranfield University equips professionals with the skills to apply digital technologies to the aerospace industry. The program combines taught modules, individual research projects, and a group project to prepare graduates for careers in digital aviation, addressing the increasing demand for intelligent and automated aircraft and systems. With a focus on hands-on learning and industry collaboration, the program provides graduates with the knowledge and skills to drive innovation and advancements in the digital aviation industry.

Program Outline

---

Degree Overview:

The MSc in Aviation Digital Technology Management aims to equip professionals with the necessary skills to apply digital technologies to the aerospace industry. This program focuses on transforming aeronautical and engineering graduates into digital technology experts, opening up opportunities beyond aircraft design and manufacturing.

---

Objectives:

• Develop graduates with the ability to innovate and apply digital technology in the aerospace industry.
• Provide graduates with the digital skills and capabilities required to develop a career focused on sustainability and efficiency in aviation.
• Address the increasing demand for intelligent and automated aircraft and systems.

---

Program Description:

This full-time one-year MSc program prepares graduates for careers in the digital aviation industry. The curriculum includes a combination of taught modules and individual and group research projects.

• Taught Modules (40%):
Covering topics such as aviation digitalisation, data-centric aircraft systems, digital aviation operations and maintenance management, digital engineering, predictive maintenance technology, aerospace inspection and monitoring tools, digital aviation supply chain management, and communications and cybersecurity in aviation.
• Individual Research Project (40%):
Students specialize in an area of digital aviation relevant to their career aspirations, conducting research and working on a project with industry partners.
• Group Project (20%):
Students collaborate on a real-world project, working with industry sponsors to tackle a practical challenge within a 12-week timeframe. This project aims to develop professional skills in teamwork, project management, and technical presentations.

---

Program Length:

• Full-time: One year
• Part-time: Up to three years (PgCert: 1 year; PgDip: 2 years)

---

Delivery Mode:

• Full-time/Part-time
• Taught modules delivered through lectures, group discussions, case studies, laboratory experiments, and coursework.
• Individual research projects supervised by Cranfield faculty and industry partners.

---

Location:

• Cranfield campus

---

Program Highlights:

• Emphasis on digital skills and their application in the modern aviation industry.
• Hands-on experience through research projects and access to Cranfield's Digital Aviation Research and Technology Centre and Aerospace Integration Research Centre facilities.
• Group project simulating real-world industry challenges.
• Opportunities to work with industry partners on research projects.

---

Other:

• Cranfield University holds a strong reputation in the field of aerospace, reflected in its QS World University Rankings.
• The program is accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, fulfilling the academic requirements for registration as a Chartered IT Professional and Chartered Engineer.

---

Outline:

---

Taught Modules:

• Aviation Digitalisation: Introduces the aviation industry's ecosystem and explores future opportunities for digitalization.
• Data-centric Aircraft Systems: Covers the principles of data-centric engineering and data-driven AI techniques to build highly reliable aircraft systems.
• Digital Engineering: Provides a comprehensive understanding of digital engineering principles, tools, methods, and current practices.
• Predictive Maintenance Technology: Introduces the basics of predictive maintenance technology used in the aviation industry.
• Aerospace Inspection and Monitoring Tools: Explores various aerospace inspection and monitoring tools and systems.
• Digital Aviation Operations and Maintenance Management: Addresses the digitalization of aviation operations and maintenance management.
• Digital Aviation Supply Chain Management: Examines the digitalization of aviation supply chain management.
• Communications and Cybersecurity in Aviation: Introduces the cybersecurity principles associated with avionics and communication technologies.

---

Group Project:

• Students work on a real-world industry challenge, developing professional skills in teamwork, project management, and technical presentations.

---

Individual Research Project:

• Students specialize in an area of digital aviation relevant to their career aspirations, conducting research and working on a project with industry partners.

---

Assessment:

---

Assessment Methods:

• Coursework assignments
• Examinations
• Group project presentations
• Research project reports and presentations

---

Assessment Criteria:

• Technical understanding of digital aviation technologies.
• Ability to apply digital technologies to solve aviation industry challenges.
• Professional skills in teamwork, project management, and communication.
• Research and analytical skills.

---

Teaching:

---

Teaching Methods:

• Lectures
• Group discussions
• Case studies
• Laboratory experiments
• Coursework
• Individual and group supervision

---

Faculty:

• Experienced academic staff with expertise in digital aviation, aerospace engineering, and related fields.
• Industry professionals involved in teaching and research supervision.

---

Unique Teaching Approaches:

• Emphasis on hands-on learning through research projects and access to Cranfield's state-of-the-art facilities.
• Project-based learning through the group project, simulating real-world industry challenges.
• Collaboration with industry partners on research projects, providing students with practical experience.

---

Careers:

---

Potential Career Paths:

• Engineering and management roles in the aviation ecosystem.
• Opportunities in airlines, MROs, financiers, airports, and future spaceport operators.
• Careers in the growing number of technology companies that provide ERP solutions for aircraft operations.
• Opportunities in the wider aerospace and defense industries.

---

Career Opportunities:

• Graduate will be equipped with advanced skills applicable to various aviation, air traffic, air transport, security, defense, and aerospace industries.
• Program prepares graduates for diverse career choices in current and emerging roles.

---

Career Outcomes:

• Graduates have the potential to pursue successful careers in the digital aviation industry, contributing to innovation and advancements in the field.

---

Other:

• The MSc in Aviation Digital Technology Management is a relatively new program, launched in response to the growing demand for digital skills in the aviation industry.
• The program is designed to address the future needs of the aviation industry, preparing graduates for leadership roles in the development and implementation of digital technologies.
• The program is supported by Cranfield's strong reputation in aerospace research and its extensive network of industry partners.

The program's emphasis on hands-on learning, industry collaboration, and research opportunities makes it a valuable option for individuals seeking careers in this exciting and rapidly evolving field.