School of Management

Cranfield School of Management helps people and organisations create real-world impact. As a postgraduate-only, top-ranked business school, our work is centred on leadership, innovation, sustainability and organisational transformation.

Whether you want to advance your career, develop talent within your organisation, or collaborate with our expert faculty, this page will help you find the right next step.

Cranfield 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.

For anyone considering Cranfield, especially 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, Environmental Management for Business

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

Cranfield University 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.

Cranfield School of Management is one of the oldest business schools in Europe. As part of Cranfield University, the UK’s only wholly postgraduate university, we are uniquely placed to connect technology and leadership. Our contribution to global innovation is world-leading, changing the way society thinks, works and learns.

We are proud of our links with industry. They are an integral part of our history and vital for our future. Management has been part of Cranfield University since the fifties. The University was founded on an old RAF site as the first postgraduate college of aeronautics. The School of Management grew out of industrial need for management training and was formally established in 1967 (although the Cranfield MBA dates back to 1964). The airfield the University grew up around is still in use.

We are globally recognised for our excellence in leadership development and for our powerful industry links and real-world focus.

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.

We design our programmes in flexible and innovative ways, supported by state-of-the art learning technologies, to meet your personal or organisation’s needs. You can study full-time or on a flexible modular or part-time basis.

Key to this is our faculty, who are actively engaged in consultancy and business-relevant research, putting them in close touch with the needs of business and government. They are committed to practicality, which means they are consistently current and topical in their teaching. They bring not only experience, but rigour to their programmes.

Organisations as diverse as Jaguar Land Rover, BAE Systems, Royal Dutch Shell, L’Oréal, UNICEF and the African Development Bank have benefited from our work, which ranges from management research projects, through staff talent management development on our MBA courses, to customised executive programmes.

Our Management MSc provides a three-month internship with a leading UK company, offering students hands-on experience and direct exposure to professional environments. Complemented by a one-month study tour in Spain, the programme combines practical learning with international insight—bridging academic theory with real-world application and equipping students with the skills, confidence, and global perspective to accelerate their careers.

The Strategic Marketing MSc equips you with advanced knowledge and practical skills to thrive in today’s fast-evolving marketing landscape. A unique feature of the programme is the flexibility to tailor your individual project to align with your career goals. Eligible students can choose from three pathways: a traditional academic project, a company-sponsored project, or an internship-based project.

Thousands of people come to Cranfield each year to benefit from our executive and professional development programmes

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 is located in the English countryside, close to the vibrant city of Milton Keynes and the historic town of Bedford, both just a short distance from campus. There is a strong sense of community on campus, making it easy to build friendships and get involved in social, recreational and sporting activities.

Students can enjoy a range of facilities, including open green spaces, cafés and restaurants, a well-equipped gym, and indoor and outdoor sports facilities. Social spaces such as Hartley’s Bar host regular events, creating opportunities to relax and connect with others.

Cranfield also supports a diverse community, with facilities for worship and family-friendly activities organised throughout the year. Look at other activities available during your time at Cranfield by visiting our Life at Cranfield page

What facilities does Cranfield School of Management offer?

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.

Management Information and Resources - Students can access a wealth of management information, supported by our dedicated team of information professionals.

How does Cranfield 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

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.

Cranfield and the Strategic Marketing MSc have been truly transformative. From day one, the dynamic learning environment, collaborative culture, and exposure to real-world projects has made every moment enriching. A highlight was being part of the winning team in the Estée Lauder Marketing Consultancy Project - it gave me invaluable hands-on experience with a global brand and brought classroom theory to life.

Vartika Singh, Alumni, Strategic Marketing MSc

Accommodation

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.