Cranfield University

MSc in Aerospace Vehicle Design-Avionic Systems Design option

Cranfield University

Course overview

The MSc in Aerospace Vehicle Design – Avionic Systems Design option at Cranfield University is a one-year full-time postgraduate degree. It is designed for engineers who want to focus on designing avionic systems for aircraft. The course covers both the theory and practical aspects of avionic systems, including system integration, control, and sensors. Students also learn how to design and test these systems using simulation tools and labs.

This course trains students to design, test, and manage aircraft avionic systems. You will have the opportunity to fly during a Student Experience Flight in our National Flying Laboratory Centre’s (NFLC) light aircraft. This flight experience will complement your MSc studies, focusing on the effects of controls, aircraft stability and angle of attack. During the flight, you will have the opportunity to take control of the aircraft. 

This MSc programme is taught through a blend of lectures, group work, and hands-on sessions. It includes a group design project and an individual thesis. These help students gain real-world skills that are useful for jobs in the aerospace industry. The group design project allows students to work as a team to solve a real aerospace problem. The individual thesis lets students explore a topic in more depth with guidance from a supervisor.

Entry requirements

Grade Requirements:

A minimum of a second-class upper (2:1) UK honours degree in aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering or a related subject. International equivalent degrees are also accepted

English Proficiency:

An IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with no section below 5.5 in all skill components. Other equivalent English language tests, like TOEFL, are also accepted

Scholarships

  • Airbus Master’s Student Bursary

    €3,000 tuition fees.

  • Alumni Discounts

    The 20% course fee discount is available to Cranfield University and Cranfield School of Management graduates.

    Up to 20% of fees

  • Antony and Amanda Jenkins MBA Scholarship for Women Leaders

    Up to £10,000 towards the tuition fees (2 scholarships available).

  • Championing Diversity Bursary

    Up to £3,500

  • Changemaker Bursary

    Up to £3,500

  • Chevening Scholarships

  • Cranfield ALCS International Scholarship

    This scholarship offers a 20% fee discount to applicants holding an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject.

    Up to 20% of fees

  • Cranfield College of Aeronautics Heritage Scholarship

    £5,000 tuition fee bursary.

    Up to £5,000

  • Cranfield Excellence International Scholarships

    50 Scholarships of £10,000 and £15,000

  • Cranfield Excellence Merit Scholarships

    Funding value: up to £10,000 for international applicants and 20% for all nationals paying Home Fees.

  • Cranfield Faraday, Anderson and Parker Scholarship

    Up to £5500 towards tuition fee.

  • Delta Foundation Chevening Scholarship Taiwan

  • Frank Whittle Scholarships for the Cranfield Thermal Power MSc

    Up to 50% of the tuition fees for the MSc Thermal Power and Propulsion.

  • Global Clinical Supplies Group Scholarship

    £5,000

    Up to £5,000

  • Global Excellence Scholarship in Aerospace Dynamics

    A £10,000 contribution towards tuition fees.

    Up to £10,000

  • Mister Gees Foundation Scholarships

    £5000 towards tuition fees for a UK or international student studying a full-time Water and Wastewater Processes MSc - Environmental Science route.

    Up to £5,000

  • Norman C.T. Liu Women in Aviation Scholarship

    £10,000 towards tuition fees.

    Up to £10,000

  • Relithan (Technology) Scholarship

    £20,000 fund for both 25/26 and 26/27 starts.

    Up to £20,000

  • Sir Peter Gregson Scholarship

    Four Scholarships of £16,000 for a PhD.

    Up to £16,000

  • The Boeing Global Engagement Scholarship

    Funding value - up to £5,000 toward tuition fees.

  • The Professor Joe Nellis CBE MBA Scholarship

    Up to £10,000 towards tuition fees (one scholarship per year available).

Career opportunities

Graduates of the MSc in Aerospace Vehicle Design – Avionic Systems Design option from Cranfield University can work in:

  • Avionics system engineering
  • Aerospace design and integration
  • Flight control engineering
  • Navigation and sensor systems
  • Systems testing and validation
  • Defence and aerospace consulting

Cost of study

The cost of studying for an MSc in Aerospace Vehicle Design – Avionic Systems Design option at Cranfield University in 2025/26 is £31,775 per year for international students.

Admission

To apply for the Cranfield University MSc in Aerospace Vehicle Design – Avionic Systems Design option, an application can be submitted online on the school website. If you need help with the application, you can get in touch with our counsellors for detailed guidance.

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