Advanced Lightweight and Composite Structures

Advanced Lightweight and Composite Structures MSc offers comprehensive training in the design, analysis, and manufacturing of cutting-edge lightweight and composite materials and structures. This programme is designed for graduates aiming to develop expertise in the application of advanced composite technologies in aerospace, automotive, marine, and other high-performance industries. Throughout the course, students will explore fundamental principles of materials science, structural mechanics, and manufacturing processes specific to lightweight and composite structures. The curriculum combines theoretical lectures with practical projects, laboratory work, and industry-led challenges to ensure students gain hands-on experience and develop innovative problem-solving skills. Topics covered include composite material properties, structural optimization, durability and inspection of composite parts, and manufacturing techniques such as Resin Transfer Moulding and Automated Fibre Placement. The programme also emphasizes sustainability and lifecycle considerations in the design of lightweight structures, preparing graduates to contribute to environmentally conscious engineering solutions. Students will have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and computational tools, enabling them to undertake advanced simulation and testing activities. Collaborations with industry partners provide opportunities for networking, internships, and real-world project work, enhancing employability upon graduation. The MSc prepares students for careers in research, development, and engineering roles focusing on the integration of lightweight materials into innovative structural solutions. Graduates will be equipped with a deep understanding of the technical, economic, and environmental aspects of advanced composite structures, positioning them at the forefront of technological developments in lightweight design. This programme is suitable for engineering and science graduates seeking to specialise in cutting-edge structural materials and their applications in high-performance industries.

You will complete eight compulsory modules.

The course employs a wide range of teaching methods designed to create a demanding and varied learning environment including structured lecture programmes, tutorials, case studies, hands-on computing, individual projects, and guest lectures.

Group project

The group project aims to address one of the greatest challenges graduates face, which is the lack of experience in dealing with the complexities of working within a design team. This part of the course takes place from March to May. It is student-led and consolidates the taught material which develops both technical and project management skills on an industrially relevant project.

On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:

• Set objectives, plan and manage projects
• Evaluate a project brief set by a client
• Develop a set of project objectives appropriate to the client’s brief
• Plan and execute a work programme with reference to key project management processes (e.g. time management; risk management; contingency planning; resource allocation).

The projects are designed to integrate knowledge, understanding and skills from the taught modules in a real-life situation. This module is typically delivered through collaboration with an industrial sponsor.

Past Group Projects include:

• Scaling analysis of a composite aircraft wing box structure
• Design of auxetic sandwich panels in interior sub-components of civilian Aircrafts
• Design of a test rig for repeated debris impact on composite panels
• Design of a 9g safety barrier wall in converted passenger aircraft for freight applications
• Redesign of a crashworthy helicopter troop seat
• Improved crash protection for a low volume sports car
• Martian hard surface landing system
• Design of a one-stage gas gun
• Investigation of injuries caused by Unmanned Aircraft (UAV) collision
• Structural design of a light duty modular electric vehicle
• Aircraft ditching onto water.

Individual project

Individual research project topics can vary greatly, allowing you to develop your own areas of interest. It is common for our industrial partners to put forward real-life practical problems or areas of development as potential research topics. This section of the course takes place from April to August.

The research projects are devised to provide a research challenge allowing you to; define the problem, perform appropriate analysis and research, draw conclusions from your work, communicate your findings and conclusions and enhance your skills and expertise. This will enable you to plan a research project, demonstrate a thorough understanding of your chosen topic area, including a critical evaluation of existing work, design appropriate analysis, plan an independent learning ability and manage a well-argued thesis report demonstrating original thought.

Past individual research projects:

• Damage characterisation of composite laminates under repeated low velocity impact
• Investigation of size effects on modelling composite delamination damage using Cohesive Zone Methods
• Optimisation of lightweight functionally graded structure for high impact resistance
• Crashworthiness behaviour of hybrid foam-filled composite tubular structures
• Ballistic impact characterisation of aerospace grade woven composite materials
• Mechanics of composite corrugated morphing skin
• Ice Impact on Composite Structures
• Enhanced mechanical performance of additive manufactured hybrid metal components

Cranfield University is a member of the European SOCRATES Mobility Programme and students may apply to undertake their Individual Research Project at other member institutions within Europe.

Assessment

Taught modules 40%, Group project 20%, Individual research project 40%

University Disclaimer

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 modules and (where applicable) some elective modules affiliated with this programme which ran in the academic year 2018–2019. There is no guarantee that these modules will run for 2019 entry. All modules are subject to change depending on your year of entry.

Compulsory module

• Advanced Composite Analysis and Impact
• Introduction to Continuum Mechanics
• Thin-walled Structures
• Finite Element Methods
• Materials Characterisation and Failure Simulations
• Structural Stability
• Crashworthiness
• Advanced Simulation for Impact

A first or second class UK Honours degree or equivalent in mathematics, physics, computing or an engineering discipline. Candidates with a degree in a less applicable discipline, or mature applicants with alternative qualifications may be accepted subject to the discretion of the course director.

English Language

If you are an international student you will need to provide evidence that you have achieved a satisfactory test result in an English qualification. Our minimum requirements are as follows:

• IELTS Academic – 6.5 overall
• TOEFL – 92
• Pearson PTE Academic – 65
• Cambridge English Scale – 180
• Cambridge English: Advanced - C
• Cambridge English: Proficiency – C

In addition to these minimum scores you are also expected to achieve a balanced score across all elements of the test. We reserve the right to reject any test score if any one element of the test score is too low.

We can only accept tests taken within two years of your registration date (with the exception of Cambridge English tests which have no expiry date).

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 a IELTS for UKVI test.

Applicants who do not already meet the English language entry requirement for their chosen Cranfield course can apply to attend one of our Presessional English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses. We offer Winter/Spring and Summer programmes each year to offer holders.

The Advanced Lightweight and Composite Structures MSc at Cranfield University offers a range of financing options to support prospective students in funding their postgraduate studies. Tuition fees for the program vary depending on whether students are UK/EU or international applicants. For the latest fee information, prospective students should consult the official Cranfield University website, as fees are subject to annual updates. In addition to tuition fees, students should consider living costs, accommodation, and study materials.

Cranfield University provides several scholarships and bursaries to eligible students, which can significantly reduce the financial burden. These include merit-based scholarships, need-based bursaries, and region-specific awards. The university encourages applicants to explore external funding opportunities, such as government loans, research council funding, and industry sponsorships, which may be available depending on the student’s country of residence and background.

The university also offers various financial planning advice and support services through its Student Financial Support team, helping students understand fee structures, available funding sources, and application procedures. Payment plans may be available, allowing students to spread their tuition payments over the course of the academic year. Additionally, students are sometimes eligible to access student loans from government schemes or private lenders, depending on jurisdiction and eligibility criteria.

International students are advised to explore specific scholarship programs designed for overseas applicants, as well as any financial aid packages provided by their home countries. Cranfield University’s strong links with industry can also facilitate sponsorship opportunities, internships, and employer-funded study arrangements, which can further assist in financing the education.

Overall, Cranfield University strives to make postgraduate education accessible through a variety of financial support options. Prospective students are encouraged to consult the official website and contact the admissions and financial support teams for tailored advice and detailed information on funding pathways for the Advanced Lightweight and Composite Structures MSc program.

The MSc in Advanced Lightweight and Composite Structures is accredited by Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) & Royal Aeronautical Society (RAes) on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Candidates must hold a CEng accredited BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree to comply with full CEng registration requirements.

• Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)
• Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS)