Cranfield University

What you'll study

The programme covers the technical, managerial and commercial aspects of sustaining complex systems from acquisition into operation and through disposal. Core subject areas include reliability, availability and maintainability (RAM); lifecycle cost modelling and affordability; maintenance strategy and policy; supply chain and spares management; obsolescence and configuration management; safety, risk and system resilience; and diagnostic and condition-based maintenance techniques.

Teaching typically combines lectures, case studies, computer-based simulation and workshop sessions. Students work on applied group exercises and an individual research project or dissertation that is frequently carried out in collaboration with an industrial or defence sponsor. Practical elements make use of systems engineering tools, logistics modelling software, test rigs and laboratory facilities to expose students to real-world sustainment problems and industry-standard methods.

• Reliability engineering and RAMS analysis
• Lifecycle costing and affordability assessment
• Maintenance strategy: corrective, preventive and predictive
• Supply chain management and inventory optimisation
• Systems safety, risk assessment and human factors
• Obsolescence management and configuration control
• Data analytics for condition monitoring and prognostics
• Project work and an individual through-life sustainment dissertation

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a good honours degree in engineering, physical sciences, mathematics or a closely related technical discipline. Candidates with a lower-class honours degree plus relevant professional experience, or those who can demonstrate equivalent vocational experience in a technical sustainment role, are also considered. International applicants must meet the Universitys English language requirements and provide equivalent academic evidence for entry.

Selection may include assessment of prior experience and motivation; candidates who are practising engineers seeking to progress into sustainment-focused roles are particularly welcome. Part-time and modular study options are often available to accommodate working professionals.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to roles that design and manage how systems are supported through their operational lives. Typical job titles include reliability engineer, maintenance manager, supportability engineer, logistics and spares planner, sustainment analyst, obsolescence manager, asset manager and programme support manager. Employers are commonly found in defence and security, aerospace and aviation, rail, energy and utilities, automotive, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), as well as specialist consultancies and systems integrators.

The programme also provides a route toward professional recognition and continuing development for engineers seeking to progress to senior technical or management positions responsible for the through-life performance and cost-effectiveness of complex assets.

Why study at Cranfield University

Cranfield is a specialist postgraduate university with a long record of applied research and vocationally oriented taught programmes in engineering, defence and transport. The Universitys close working relationships with industry and government organisations ensure that course content is relevant to current sustainment challenges and that students have opportunities to work on real industry problems.

Students benefit from practical, project-led learning, access to specialist laboratories and simulation facilities, and teaching from academics and practising professionals with experience in sustainment engineering. The strong alumni network and industry links make the course particularly valuable for those seeking to move into or advance within sustainment, logistics and asset-management careers.