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Avionic Systems Design Option - Aerospace Vehicle Design (AVD) logo
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Avionic Systems Design Option - Aerospace Vehicle Design (AVD)

Cranfield University
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Degree MSc
Duration 12 months
Delivery On-campus
Location Cranfield, United Kingdom
Language English

Program Overview

The Avionic Systems Design Option - Aerospace Vehicle Design (AVD) at Cranfield University is a MSc programme in Engineering over 12 months, delivered On-campus. This programme equips graduates with advanced knowledge and practical skills for professional and academic careers in the field.

Students gain a rigorous grounding in both the theoretical foundations and applied dimensions of engineering. The programme combines coursework, research components, and practical projects that develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and specialist expertise relevant to industry and research needs.

Graduates of the Avionic Systems Design Option - Aerospace Vehicle Design (AVD) programme are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, government, and the private sector across United Kingdom and internationally. The programme provides an internationally recognised qualification within the Bologna higher education framework.

Key Program Features

  1. Duration: 12 months
  2. Language of instruction: English
  3. Study mode: On-campus
  4. English requirement: IELTS 6.5
  5. Location: Cranfield, United Kingdom

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Avionic Systems Design Option - Aerospace Vehicle Design (AVD) programme are prepared for diverse careers in engineering:

  1. Design Engineer
  2. R&D Engineer
  3. Project Engineer
  4. Systems Engineer
  5. Technical Consultant
  6. Engineering Manager

Program Curriculum

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reflect the needs of business and industry and the research interests of our staff and, as a result, may change or be withdrawn due to research developments, legislation changes or for a variety of other reasons.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.

Design of Airframe Systems

Module Leader
  • Professor Craig Lawson
Aim
    To expand the your knowledge of airframe systems, their role, design and integration. In particular, to provide you with an appreciation of the considerations necessary and methods used when selecting aircraft power systems and the effect of systems on the aircraft as a whole.

Syllabus
    • Introduction to airframe systems,
    • Systems design philosophy and safety,
    • Aircraft secondary power systems,
    • Aircraft pneumatics power systems,
    • Aircraft hydraulics power systems,
    • Aircraft electrical power systems,
    • Flight control power systems,
    • Aircraft environmental control,
    • Aircraft icing and ice protection systems,
    • Aviation fuels and aircraft fuel systems,
    • Engine off-take effects,
    • Fuel penalties of systems,
    • Advanced and possible future airframe systems.
Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

  • Identify the main airframe systems and explain their purposes and principles of operation; including Secondary Power Systems (Pneumatic, Hydraulic and Electric), Environmental Control Systems, Ice Protection Systems, Flight Control Power Systems and Fuel Systems,
  • Formulate the requirements that drive the design of the main airframe systems,
  • For each of the main airframe systems: differentiate the various architectures and reasons behind the differences; identify types of equipment and major components used and assess their principles of operation; and perform basic sizing analysis for systems and major components,
  • Appraise the effects of airframe systems power provision on aircraft power plants and analyse fuel penalties resulting from a

    Admission Requirements

    Academic Requirements

    A first or second class UK Honours degree (or equivalent) in an engineering discipline. There is a limited opportunity for candidates with other qualifications to enter the course via a one-year Pre-Masters preparatory course, which provides the necessary level of knowledge of engineering principles applicable to aerospace design.

    Students requiring a Tier 4 (General) visa must ensure they can meet the English language requirements set out by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and we recommend booking aIELTS for UKVI test.

    English Proficiency: IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.

    Tuition & Financial Information

    Detailed tuition information is not available. Please contact the university for the most current tuition and fee information.

    Application Deadline

    Please contact the university for application deadline information.

    About Cranfield University

    Cranfield University logo

    Cranfield University

    Cranfield, United Kingdom

    Cranfield University is a distinguished institution of higher education committed to academic excellence, innovative research, and preparing students for leadership in their chosen fields. The...

    University Profile
    Application Information
    • Start Date 21 January 2026
    • Language English
    • Duration 12 months
    Apply Now
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