Research degrees

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Research degrees

Cranfield's dynamic, research-intensive and specialised position means our research students are able to study exciting projects that have an impact globally and make a practical difference to the world.

Our passion for the areas we operate in and our long-standing relationships with some of the most prestigious companies in industry mean that studying at Cranfield will open doors for you.

• Applying for research degrees
• Research opportunities
• Cranfield's Doctoral Network
• Doctoral Training Centres
• Why Cranfield for research?
• Research and Innovation Office

Funded research opportunities

We have a range of existing research projects that you can become involved with. These are fully-funded opportunities, often in collaboration with industry and research councils.

To view all of the available research opportunities and to apply please visit the Research Opportunities page .

Self-funded research projects

If you have an area of research you would like to explore, start by reviewing our guidance on writing a research proposal . You can then use our people finder to identify academics whose expertise aligns with your interests or contact the theme leads for your area of interest who can then advise you:

Full details of the research degree application process are available in our application guide . If you have any further questions about applying, please contact admissions .

• Economics, Finance, Leadership and Management - Dr Nicky Yates
• Defence and Security – Professor Andrew Shortland
• Environment, Agrifood, Water and Energy – Professor Wilfred Otten
• Aerospace, Transport, Manufacturing and Materials – Professor Antonios Tsourdos

Employment-related research projects

If you and/or your employer have a concept for a research project linked to your area of work then we can help develop and support this. Many of our students are able to pursue a research degree whilst still working with their current employer and our flexible approach to learning and delivery ensures it is a balanced and fulfilling experience.

Emerging research interests

Cranfield is fully focused on identifying and meeting the real-world challenges of today and tomorrow. We currently specialise in the following areas:

Students interested in either individual research projects or employment-related research projects can find out more information about our specialist areas on our Grand Challenges page.

• Big data,
• Circular economy,
• Risk and resilience,
• Technology and leadership,
• Transforming developing countries.

Doctor of Philosophy - PhD

Full-time (3 years), part-time (6 years) Completion of a PhD involves original research work which results in either developing entirely new areas of study, or is concerned with the application of novel and existing ideas in new ways and new fields of activity. A programme of support and a dedicated supervisor, together with research training programmes, are provided to help you achieve your PhD. Our flexible approach to studying at Cranfield allows you to carry out part of your research away from the University, perhaps overseas, and as appropriate if you need to undertake extensive local fieldwork or want to research a problem of local relevance. Assessment is via the completion of a thesis which demonstrates a significant contribution to learning followed by a viva voce examination - a verbal defence of your written thesis. School of Management researchers on the PhD programme are registered for either 4 years (full-time) or 6 years (part-time). Further information can be found on the School of Management PhD page .

Full-time (3 years), part-time (6 years)

Completion of a PhD involves original research work which results in either developing entirely new areas of study, or is concerned with the application of novel and existing ideas in new ways and new fields of activity.

A programme of support and a dedicated supervisor, together with research training programmes, are provided to help you achieve your PhD.

Our flexible approach to studying at Cranfield allows you to carry out part of your research away from the University, perhaps overseas, and as appropriate if you need to undertake extensive local fieldwork or want to research a problem of local relevance.

Assessment is via the completion of a thesis which demonstrates a significant contribution to learning followed by a viva voce examination - a verbal defence of your written thesis.

School of Management researchers on the PhD programme are registered for either 4 years (full-time) or 6 years (part-time). Further information can be found on the School of Management PhD page .

Engineering Doctorate - EngD

Full-time (4 years) Completion of the degree of Doctor of Engineering recognises the completion of a structured programme of learning and/or skills development related to the subject. The programme is taken over four years. Students conduct PhD-equivalent research and undertake a master taught technical course whilst working closely with an industrial sponsor. Successful candidates are awarded the degree of Doctor of Engineering (EngD) and are addressed as doctor. Assessment is via the completion of a thesis which demonstrates a significant contribution to learning followed by a viva voce examination - a verbal defence of your written thesis.

Full-time (4 years)

Completion of the degree of Doctor of Engineering recognises the completion of a structured programme of learning and/or skills development related to the subject.

The programme is taken over four years. Students conduct PhD-equivalent research and undertake a master taught technical course whilst working closely with an industrial sponsor. Successful candidates are awarded the degree of Doctor of Engineering (EngD) and are addressed as doctor.

Assessment is via the completion of a thesis which demonstrates a significant contribution to learning followed by a viva voce examination - a verbal defence of your written thesis.

Master of Philosophy - MPhil

Full-time (2 years), part-time (4 years) An MPhil is a research-oriented master’s degree that offers a student with substantial grounding in state-of-the-art academic knowledge with advanced research skills. The thesis produced should demonstrate the candidate’s ability to conduct original investigations and to test ideas, exercising in-depth critical judgement in their area of study. Assessment is via the completion of a thesis which demonstrates a significant contribution to learning followed by a viva voce examination - a verbal defence of your written thesis.

Full-time (2 years), part-time (4 years)

An MPhil is a research-oriented master’s degree that offers a student with substantial grounding in state-of-the-art academic knowledge with advanced research skills.

The thesis produced should demonstrate the candidate’s ability to conduct original investigations and to test ideas, exercising in-depth critical judgement in their area of study.

Assessment is via the completion of a thesis which demonstrates a significant contribution to learning followed by a viva voce examination - a verbal defence of your written thesis.

Master of Science - MSc by Research

Full-time (1 year), part-time (2 years) This intensive research degree allows successful candidates to demonstrate their ability to conduct research, whilst benefiting from the support of their supervisors. At the end of the course a thesis is submitted and assessed by appointed examiners. Your research will represent a contribution to knowledge, or the application of existing knowledge to new situations.

Full-time (1 year), part-time (2 years)

This intensive research degree allows successful candidates to demonstrate their ability to conduct research, whilst benefiting from the support of their supervisors. At the end of the course a thesis is submitted and assessed by appointed examiners. Your research will represent a contribution to knowledge, or the application of existing knowledge to new situations.

Ongoing support

Throughout your studies, you will be supported by experienced faculty and benefit from the stimulation that comes from being part of a vibrant research community. You will work with your supervisor in close partnership with comprehensive guidance at every step of your journey. For more information please visit the Support Services page .

Let's talk about research

Our dedicated teams are here to help. Get in touch and we'll make sure you're pointed in the right direction.

Submit an enquiry

Call us on +44 (0)1234 758540

Browse our prospectus

• Browse our prospectus: Read our prospectus to find out if Cranfield University is right for you

Research support services

• Research support services: Our support services are here to help you throughout your journey as a research student

Industry collaboration

• Industry collaboration: The benefits of collaborating with us

Completing a PhD part-time

Cranfield University blog

by Lieutenant Commander Ed Oates

Submarine hunter by day, PhD student by night

Also of interest

• Application guide All the information you need about applying to study with Cranfield University
• Access our world-class facilities Gain hands-on experience in your field, and apply your research in a real-world environment
• International students Cranfield University is a truly international community with a global reputation
• Ways to meet us From Open Days to webinars, you can meet us at a range of events - virtually, on campus and around the world!

Research areas