Overview
- Start dateSeptember
- DurationMSc: 11 months full-time, up to three years part-time; PgDip: up to 11 months full-time, up to two years part-time; PgCert: up to 11 months full-time, up to two years part-time
- DeliveryThis varies from module to module but comprises a mixture of oral examinations, written examinations, informal tests, assignments, syndicate presentations and an individual thesis
- QualificationMSc, PgDip, PgCert
- Study typeFull-time / Part-time
- CampusÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ at Shrivenham
Who is it for?
This course is an essential prerequisite for many specific weapons postings in the UK and overseas forces. It also offers an ideal opportunity for anyone working in the Guided Weapons industry to get a comprehensive overall understanding of all the main elements of guided weapons systems.
It typically attracts 12 students per year, mainly from the UK, US, Canada, Australia, Chile, Brazil and those from several European forces.
Why this course?
The main objective of the Guided Weapon Systems course is to bring together the wide variety of disciplines constituting guided weapon systems technology and to present them in an integrated manner. It takes you on to an understanding of the principles of guided weapon systems technology and all interrelated and multi-disciplinary facets involved with the complete systems design process.
The course structure is modular in nature with each module conducted at a postgraduate level. The interactions between modules are emphasised throughout. A comprehensive suite of visits to industrial and services establishments consolidates the learning process, ensuring the taught subject matter is directly relevant and current.
Some visits are restricted to Five Eyes nations only (i.e. Aus/Can/UK/US/NZ). Please contact us for more information.
Informed by industry
The industry advisory panel consists of the main services customers:
- Royal Navy,
- Royal Air Force,
- Army,
and a variety of industry contacts:
- Dstl,
- Roxel,
- Thales,
- MBDA.
Course details
The course comprises a taught phase and an individual project. The taught phase is split into three main phases: Part One (Theory), Part Two (Applications), Part Three (Systems).
Course delivery
This varies from module to module but comprises a mixture of oral examinations, written examinations, informal tests, assignments, syndicate presentations and an individual thesis
Individual project
Each student has to undertake an research project on a subject related to an aspect of guided weapon systems technology. It will usually commence around January and finish with a dissertation submission and oral presentation in mid-July.
Modules
Keeping our courses up-to-date and current requires constant innovation and change. The modules we offer reflect the needs of business and industry and the research interests of our staff and, as a result, may change or be withdrawn due to research developments, legislation changes or for a variety of other reasons. Changes may also be designed to improve the student learning experience or to respond to feedback from students, external examiners, accreditation bodies and industrial advisory panels.
To give you a taster, we have listed the compulsory and elective (where applicable) modules which are currently affiliated with this course. All modules are indicative only, and may be subject to change for your year of entry.
Course modules
Compulsory modules
All the modules in the following list need to be taken as part of this course.
Introductory and Foundation Studies
Module Leader |
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Aim |
To provide you with the necessary background knowledge and information to be able to successfully complete the remainder of the course. |
Syllabus |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
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GW Propulsion
Aim |
To provide you with an understanding of the principles, concepts and techniques of GW propulsion. |
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Syllabus |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
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GW Aerodynamics
Aim |
To provide you with an understanding of the principles, concepts and techniques of GW aerodynamics. |
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Syllabus |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
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GW Control Theory
Module Leader |
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Aim |
To provide you with an understanding of fundamentals of classical/modern control theory with emphasis on how the principles can be applied as part of a GW control and guidance subsystem. |
Syllabus |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you will understand the control system fundamentals relevant to guided weapon systems. A successful student will be able to:
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GW Electro-optics and Infrared Technology
Aim |
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Syllabus |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
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GW Control and Guidance
Aim |
To provide you with an understanding of the principles, methods and design of guided weapon autopilot and guidance systems and the interaction between autopilot, guidance and other missile sub-systems. |
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Syllabus |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
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GW Energetics
Aim |
To provide you with an understanding of the principles, concepts and techniques of various key facets of GW design, including propellants, explosives, warheads, fuzes and terminal effects. |
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Syllabus |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
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GW Structures, Aeroelasticity and Materials
Module Leader |
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Aim |
To provide you with an understanding of the principles, concepts and techniques of various facets of GW design, especially involving the key disciplines of structures, vibrations & aeroelasticity and materials. |
Syllabus |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
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Radar Principles
Aim |
To provide you with an understanding of the fundamental principles of radar, allowing you to relate this to the design and analysis of radar systems. |
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Syllabus |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
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GW Power Electronics and Communication Systems
Module Leader |
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Aim |
To provide you with an understanding of the electronics theory required in a Guided Weapon and relate this to the GW power chain, actuation and communications technology and requirements. To also provide you with the necessary understanding of signal processing methods for reliable sensor information and communication signals and the necessary command and control functions. |
Syllabus |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
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Missile System Design
Aim |
To comprehend the systems design principles of all major classes of modern missiles in the land, sea and air domains, and the parametric trade-offs associated with missile system design. |
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Syllabus |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
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GW Systems Integration
Aim |
To provide you with the skills and knowledge to create new and manage existing complex weapon systems and their integration. |
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Syllabus |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
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Elective modules
One of the modules from the following list needs to be taken as part of this course.
GW Electronic Warfare
Aim |
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Syllabus |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
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Hypersonic Guided Weapons
Aim |
The aim of this module is to: provide a general overview of hypersonic guided weapon systems and technology; introduce you to the theoretical design of hypersonic guided weapon subsystems; demonstrate how these subsystems form the overall weapon system. |
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Syllabus |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
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Teaching team
The Course Director is Dr David Galvao Wall.
You will be taught by Cranfield's leading experts with capability expertise, industry knowledge and collective subject research, including:
Accreditation
The MSc of this course has been accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society under licence from the UK regulator, the Engineering Council.
Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC). An accredited degree will provide you with some or all of the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills for eventual registration as an Incorporated (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng). Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees, and an accredited degree is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords.
Your career
Successful students will have a detailed understanding of Guided Weapons system design and will be highly suited to any role or position with a requirement for specific knowledge of such systems. Many students go on to positions within the services which have specific needs for such skills.
Cranfield Careers and Employability Service
Cranfield’s Career Service is dedicated to helping you meet your career aspirations. You will have access to career coaching and advice, CV development, interview practice, access to hundreds of available jobs via our Symplicity platform and opportunities to meet recruiting employers at our careers fairs. Our strong reputation and links with potential employers provide you with outstanding opportunities to secure interesting jobs and develop successful careers. Support continues after graduation and as a Cranfield alumnus, you have free life-long access to a range of career resources to help you continue your education and enhance your career.
How to apply
Click on the ‘Apply Now’ button to start your online application.
See our Application guide for information on our application process and entry requirements.