Cranfield University

Cranfield University 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.
• 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.

World-class facilities

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.

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 like the business world you will go on to.

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.
• 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.

Funding your studies with us

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.

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

Life on campus

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.

Join us for one of our events

Come and meet us in person at one of our open days or join us online for one of our webinars.