Course Overview

New and emerging generations of connected aircraft are entering service at pace. Aviation digitalization spans aircraft, airlines, airports, airspace, MRO, ground operations, lessors, and the broader ecosystem. The industry seeks new skills in the Internet of Things, robotics, AI, machine learning, AR/VR, big data analytics, predictive maintenance, blockchain, etc. While digital technology is similar to other industrial sectors, the safety-conscious and highly-regulated aviation industry imposes technology adoption hurdles specific to aerospace regulations and culture.

• Unique Cranfield global research airport learning environment.

• World-leading research centers - Cranfield University IVHM Centre has been leading research in predictive health maintenance with technology major aircraft manufacturers adopt. 

• Digital MRO, hangar laboratories, and the Cranfield Boeing 737-400 ground demonstrator.

• HILDA digital high-performance computing ecosystem with up to 10.5 Petaflops processing power, 2.5 PB storage, and 200GBits/s network.

• Work with industrial standard aviation IT systems.

Practical research projects make up 60% of the study. The group design project (GDP) develops the students’ professional practice to work as part of a team, plan and manage projects, and communicate ideas and results. The GDP design, implement, validate, and test an aspect of digital aviation, applying the knowledge acquired in the taught modules and integrating the various methods learned.

The individual research projects (IRPs) allow the students to specialize in a digital aviation topic relevant to their career development. The real-world relevance of the research project topics is a compelling differentiator in the job market.

General Eligibility

A first- or second-class UK honors degree in engineering or equivalent in engineering, engineering science, physics, applied mathematics, or other appropriate applied science.

Applicants who do not fulfill the standard entry requirements can apply for the Pre-master's course, successful completion of which will qualify them for entry to this course for a second year of study.

Part Time Work Details

20 hours of work permit weekly for international students.

Language Requirement

• IELTS 6.5 overall and 5.5 in all skill components.