Cranfield University

What is Cranfield University Known For?

Located in the rural village of Cranfield, Cranfield University is a specialist postgraduate institution and a global leader in technology, engineering, management and applied research. Its green campus offers a peaceful, focused environment for study, while remaining well connected—just 40 minutes from London by train.

Cranfield delivers education exclusively at postgraduate level, with over 5,000 students from around the world and a strong staff-to-student ratio that supports personalised learning. The University is widely recognised for its close collaboration with industry, governments and organisations, ensuring its teaching and research are highly relevant and impactful.

Our results are recognised in our awards and rankings, our partnerships, and the success of our alumni. The experience gained at Cranfield is transformational for both individuals and organisations alike. Rankings and Awards

Cranfield is one of the UK’s most business-engaged universities, working with around 1,500 organisations globally—from SMEs to multinational corporations and government bodies.

• Strong links with government departments and some of the largest and most successful global businesses including Airbus, Bill and Melinda gates Foundation, Jaguar Land Rover, McDonald’s, PepsiCo, Rolls-Royce (spans over 30 years), Unilever, UK Civil Aviation Authority and Yorkshire Water.
• Cranfield University Technology Park - our centre for innovation located just offsite - homes more than 60 companies.
• a collaboration agreement with Boeing, building on its 10-year partnership with Cranfield.
• a strategic partnership with EasyJet, Europe's leading airline.
• Links to Unilever, one of the world's largest consumer goods companies.

These connections provide students with access to internships, research projects and employment opportunities, while ensuring that courses are aligned with real industry challenges.

Where is Cranfield University and what’s the setting like?

Cranfield is at the centre of two very beautiful and interesting worlds, the modern city of Milton Keynes and the country town of Bedford. Both options are just a few miles away from campus and are accessible by car, or by public transport.

On campus you will find plenty of open spaces to relax, rejuvenate and simply enjoy. The open spaces are great for taking a break or for use as an alternative study area during the summer.

While Shrivenham, a Ministry of Defence establishment on the Oxfordshire/Wiltshire borders, lies in the picturesque Vale of the White Horse, seven miles from Swindon.

What are the standout course offerings?

Studying with us, you will join a community of a like-minded, stimulating professionals that will provide you with the knowledge you need to take your career further.

Most of our staff have industry backgrounds and are leading academic experts in their fields. Industry experts teach alongside our academic team on many of our programmes providing real-life challenges so that you learn in an environment similar to the business world you will go on to.

We offer a large choice of taught master’s programmes leading to the degrees of MSc, MBA, PgDip, PgCert and PgAward A to Z of taught courses

Our doctoral programmes will equip you with the skills you need to make an impact in your chosen field, either in academia or in practice.

Our PhD programme is internationally renowned, for its rigour, structure, faculty support and global perspective.

The global diversity of our doctoral community and the excellent support provided by faculty and staff, make Cranfield one of the best places in the world to undertake your doctoral degree.

Choosing the right MBA or management degree is a key step in shaping your future. Whether you're stepping up to senior leadership, changing direction, or even opening doors to new countries, Cranfield School of Management offers three distinct postgraduate programmes tailored to your goals: the Management MSc, the Full-time MBA, and the Executive MBA (EMBA).

Each programme offers a different experience depending on your level of experience, flexibility, and ambitions. Use the comparison table below to find the best fit for your career journey.

What are the entry requirements and fees?

We have the same minimum entry requirements for most of our taught course and research programmes. Here we explain those requirements and the range of assistance available to help you meet them.

Some courses may have additional entry requirements, so please check the specific course you are interested in before submitting your application. If you are an international student you may need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency when you receive an offer to study with us.

Minimum entry requirements

• A UK first or second class undergraduate degree with honours, in a relevant subject area; or
• An equivalent international qualification (find out whether your qualification meets our requirements by visiting our International entry requirements page); or
• Relevant work experience in combination with a degree below second class honours.

If you do not meet our formal entry requirements, but still feel you can demonstrate the ability to complete the course successfully, you may still be accepted onto a course. Each application will be considered on its merits.

Individual course pages will detail the appropriate tuition fees for the next available intake.

We know that funding your studies is an important consideration. That’s why we offer a wide range of scholarships and bursaries to support both UK and international postgraduate students. Whether you’re applying for a taught master’s or research programme, you could be eligible for financial support that helps you make the most of your time with us.

What is student life like?

Cranfield University offers a peaceful location in the English countryside, allowing you to focus on your studies, yet is only a short distance from many exciting cities and towns.

On campus, there is a true sense of community, helping you to forge friendships during your studies and leisure time, in a safe and peaceful environment. Whatever your recreational, social, or sporting interests, there are many opportunities to make friends and have a great time.

Green Spaces - on campus you will find plenty of open spaces to relax, rejuvenate and simply enjoy. The open spaces are great for taking a break or for use as an alternative study area during the summer.

Hartley’s Bar (within the CMDC) - offering a relaxed and welcoming environment, hosting regular events, including karaoke nights, live music, and themed evenings.

Eating - We have several cafés and restaurants, which serve everything from ice-creams, coffees, and international snacks to hot meals. Located in front of Cranberries, our Costa Coffee outlet provides freshly brewed tea and coffee, along with a variety of cakes, pastries, and light snacks. We also have a regular street food area offering a variety of different world foods for you to experience.

Gym - enjoy our well-equipped fitness centre which is split between a free weights room, a functional training room and a general-purpose gym with a range of resistance and cardiovascular machines.

Outdoor Sports Facility - grassed, multi-use playing field features full-size football, rugby and cricket pitches and is also ideal for training, while our multi-use games area features two floodlit, fully fenced, five-a-side pitches with synthetic artificial turf.

Relaxation and Therapy - A range of therapeutic and professional services are offered by external companies operating at our Cranfield sports centre.

Worship - We have an ecumenical chapel where Christian groups can meet and Roman Catholic mass is celebrated, a Mosque for daily and Friday prayer, Quran study, Eid and Ramadan observations, and close links with other local places of worship.

Bringing a Family to Cranfield? to keep children entertained the Cranfield Students Association regularly organises a comprehensive programme of fun and engaging activities including parties, games, and events throughout the year.

Look at other activities available during your time at Cranfield by visiting our Life at Cranfield page

What facilities does Cranfield University offer?

Cranfield is home to world-class, large-scale facilities that create a unique “living laboratory” for education and research. These include its own global research airport, advanced laboratories, and specialist centres that enable real-world testing of innovative technologies and solutions.

This hands-on, applied approach means students and researchers work on real challenges—developing solutions that deliver economic, social and environmental impact.

• Cranfield School of Management is an internationally recognised business school with over 35,000 alumni worldwide. With triple accreditation and a consistent presence in global rankings, it is part of an elite group of business schools.
• Aerospace Integration Research Centre (AIRC) - The AIRC is a purpose-built facility that houses cutting-edge aerospace research and development equipment. It includes a large-scale test bed for aircraft and engine systems, an engine test facility, and an advanced manufacturing workshop.
• Breakthrough Innovation Hub - Providing design, build and testing spaces devoted to interdisciplinary research across science, engineering and design
• Energy Materials Laboratory - The EML's facilities enable the evaluation of the corrosion performance of metallic and ceramic materials in a range of environments.
• Plant Growth Facility - Facility for experimental work involving plant physiology, plant phenotyping, and plant-microbe and plant-soil interactions.
• Cranfield Management Development Centre - A world-class conference centre with customisable meeting facilities, comfortable accommodation, and an array of business services
• Through-life Engineering Services (TES) Centre - A research centre that focuses on the development of technologies and strategies for through-life engineering services. The TES Centre was established in 2008 and is funded by several industry partners, including Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems, and Network Rail.
• DARTeC (Digital Aviation Research and Technology Centre) - DARTeC is a research centre that focuses on digital aviation research and technology, launched in 2019 and is part of a collaborative effort with Boeing, Thales, and Saab. The center has state-of-the-art facilities, including a digital control tower, a 3D printing laboratory, and a virtual reality center.
• Water Science Institute - Our facilities include an on-site sewage treatment works, with it’s own dedicated pilot-plant hall, and state-of-the-art clean water, fermentation, microbiology, wastewater and water chemistry laboratories that provide extensive analytical services.
• Management Information and Resources - Students can access a wealth of management information, supported by our dedicated team of information professionals.

How does Cranfield University support your career?

Our Careers and Employability Service team has significant real-world experience in the areas of coaching, recruitment, human resources and business development. We help students develop their personal career journey, so they can find meaningful employment.

• One-to-one coaching
• CV writing and interview preparation workshops
• Learning resources
• Career mentoring

What do students say about Cranfield University?

I hope I am able to pioneer some water-saving and reuse initiatives, especially in Uganda where this concept still seems to be fairly new. I find myself lucky to work in a corporation where I will able to apply my new skills and experiences from studying at Cranfield.

Samantha Ayesigwa

For anyone considering Cranfield, specially those passionate about sustainability and business, I wholeheartedly recommend this incredible institution. It is more than just a university; it is a gateway to a future where you can make a real difference in the world. As a full-time working single parent, juggling multiple responsibilities while returning to studies after 15 years feels like spinning nine plates at once. If I can do it, I truly believe anyone can, with a bit of courage, determination, and perseverance.

Himesha Randeni

The MSc programme has been a transformative journey, offering unparalleled opportunities to collaborate with brilliant peers, engage in impactful projects, and learn from some of the best minds in the field. I owe a profound debt of gratitude to the exceptional faculty at Cranfield.

Nipun Goyal

My experience at Cranfield University in general and this course in particular have helped me to develop my self-confidence and has given me the courage to constantly push my limits and explore new experiences without trepidation or fear. Furthermore, as the programme was very intense and focussed on collaborative work, I have been able to hone my teamwork and communication skills, which will be very helpful in all aspects of life

Mehdi Benaiche

How can I apply to Cranfield University?

To apply you will need to register to use our online system. Once you have set up an account you will be able to create, save and amend your application form before submitting it.

Once your online application has been submitted together with your supporting documentation, it will be processed by our admissions team. You will then be advised by email if you are successful, unsuccessful, or whether the course director would like to interview you before a decision is made. Applicants based outside of the UK may be interviewed either by telephone or video conference.

What else should I know about Cranfield University?

Living on campus can be a great way for you to meet and socialise with other students, and to benefit from the supportive infrastructure and sense of community spirit this brings. However, we also understand that many students will still want to have the opportunity to live with partners and families, which is why we also offer affordable family homes and apartments for couples.

All are within easy reach of teaching facilities and campus amenities.

Take a look at our full range of accommodation options available.