Cranfield University

What you'll study

This option combines core aircraft vehicle design principles with dedicated modules on avionic systems, embedded software and systems integration. Teaching emphasises systems thinking, regulatory context, hands-on laboratory work and integrated design projects that mirror the multidisciplinary nature of modern aircraft development.

• Core aircraft design modules: aircraft configuration and layout, flight mechanics and stability, structural concepts and materials, and propulsion fundamentals that provide the vehicle-level context for avionics decisions.
• Avionic systems and architectures: avionics systems architecture, sensor and actuator integration, communication and databus technologies, MIL-/ARINC-style avionics protocols and networking.
• Embedded software and certification: development of real-time embedded systems, software lifecycle and design assurance considerations relevant to aerospace (standards and certification principles introduced without prescribing specific regulatory texts).
• Control, guidance and navigation: flight control systems, guidance algorithms, inertial and satellite navigation integration, sensor fusion and fault-tolerant design.
• Systems engineering and integration: requirements engineering, modelling and simulation, verification and validation methods, human factors and maintainability considerations for avionics.
• Laboratory and practical work: hands-on labs in avionics test-beds, hardware-in-the-loop, embedded development platforms and signal/communications test equipment available on campus.
• Design projects and dissertation: a taught group aircraft design project that integrates avionics design within the wider vehicle architecture, followed by an individual research project or dissertation on a topic such as avionics integration, certification evidence, embedded architectures, UAV avionics or flight-test instrumentation.
• Optional and specialised topics: unmanned systems, mission systems, cyber-security for aerospace, advanced sensors and novel avionics technologies, depending on elective availability.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a good honours degree (upper second-class or international equivalent) in aerospace/aeronautical engineering, electronic/electrical engineering, computer science, avionics or a closely related subject. Candidates with a lower second-class degree plus relevant industrial experience or proven technical ability may be considered.

Applicants whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate a suitable level of English language proficiency through an accepted qualification. Shortlisted applicants may be asked for references, a CV and evidence of relevant project work or industrial experience.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to roles across the aerospace and defence supply chain and related sectors. Typical job titles include avionics engineer, systems engineer, embedded software engineer, flight-test engineer, certification/airworthiness engineer, sensor systems engineer and design engineer for aircraft or unmanned systems.

Employers include aircraft manufacturers, Tier 1 avionics suppliers, defence primes, systems integrators, airlines, civil aviation authorities and specialist engineering consultancies. The programme also provides a strong foundation for research degrees or technical leadership roles in avionics development, systems engineering and flight systems integration.

Why study at Cranfield University

Cranfield is a postgraduate-focused university with a long-established reputation in aerospace engineering and vehicle design. The course is delivered on an engineering campus with purpose-built laboratories, flight test and propulsion facilities, avionics test equipment and close collaboration with industry partners.

Teaching blends academic research and applied engineering practice: modules are delivered by academics and experienced industry practitioners, and the programme’s project-based assessment mirrors real-world multidisciplinary design challenges. Strong industry links, opportunities for industry-sponsored projects and a campus environment dedicated to postgraduate engineering study make Cranfield particularly suited to graduates seeking accelerated technical progression in aircraft and avionic systems design.