Cranfield University
Cranfield, United Kingdom • Founded 1946 • QS 2007 #158
Updated Sep 2026 · Source: cranfield.ac.uk
Overview
Cranfield University is a specialist postgraduate institution in Bedfordshire, England, teaching only master's, doctoral and executive-education students across engineering, technology, management and applied sciences.
Its main campus is at Cranfield, with a second site at Shrivenham, Wiltshire, used for defence and security programmes with the UK armed forces. It traces back to the College of Aeronautics, created in 1946 at the former RAF station in Cranfield, and now houses Cranfield School of Management, one of Europe's longest-established business schools, plus centres covering aerospace, manufacturing, energy, environment and transport systeMs. Cranfield partners with industry and government on applied research; in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework, 88% of its research was rated world-leading or internationally excellent.
It calls itself the largest UK provider of master's-level engineering graduates and runs a flagship MBA plus executive-education courses.
Location & Contact
Cranfield University's campus location, postal address, and admissions contact channels are below.
Academic Details
Cranfield University's key academic numbers — student body size, staffing, and accreditation context.
Academic Structures
Below is how Cranfield University is organised academically — the schools, faculties, and units.
Unit 5 items
- Cranfield Defence and Security
- Cranfield Health
- Cranfield School of Management
- School of Applied Sciences
- School of Engineering
Degrees
Also Postgraduate Diplomas
Master's 3 programs
- Administration
- Business Administration
- Natural Sciences
Doctoral 7 programs
- Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering
- Civil Security
- Energy Engineering
- Environmental Studies
- Management
- Production Engineering
- Transport Management
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Privy Council.
Aerospace, Transport Systems and Manufacturing (School) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Transport Management
Defence and Security (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Civil Security
Energy, Environmental Technology and Agrifood (School) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Agriculture
- Energy Engineering
- Environmental Studies
- Food Technology
Management (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Leadership
- Management
Programs Offered
Cranfield University's programme catalogue is grouped by level below.
61 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United Kingdom
Master of Business Administration 2 programmes
Master's Degree 55 programmes
Showing 10 of 55.
Postgraduate Certificate 3 programmes
Postgraduate Diploma 1 programme
Scholarships in United Kingdom
These scholarships are open to students studying in the United Kingdom and may apply to programmes at Cranfield University.
How to apply to Cranfield University
A short guide to applying to Cranfield University — five steps.
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1
Browse the programme catalogue
Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Cranfield University runs 61 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.
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2
Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Before applying to Cranfield University, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for United Kingdom.
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3
Get your documents ready
Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with Cranfield University's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.
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4
Apply through UCAS or direct entry
Route your application through UCAS (ucas.com) for undergraduate entry to Cranfield University. For postgraduate entry, apply directly through Cranfield University's own admissions portal at www.cranfield.ac.uk.
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5
Reach out and track your application
Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Reach the institution by phone at +44 (1234) 750 111. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cranfield University
Quick reference for Cranfield University: founding, control type, and recognition status.
In what year was Cranfield University established?
Cranfield University was founded in 1946 (approximately 80 years ago).
Where can I find Cranfield University?
The institution is located in Cranfield, United Kingdom.
Is Cranfield University public or private?
Cranfield University is a public institution.
How many students does Cranfield University have?
The institution has a student body of 5,000.
What is Cranfield University's ranking?
It ranks QS 2007 #158.
What programmes are available at Cranfield University?
Cranfield University offers master's and doctoral programmes.
What is Cranfield University's academic structure?
Cranfield University has 5 academic units.
Is Cranfield University officially recognised?
The institution holds recognition from Privy Council.
Where can I learn more about Cranfield University?
Cranfield University's official website is www.cranfield.ac.uk.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United Kingdom
Graduate-school placement rates among the United Kingdom's top universities set the upper bound for that signal. Cranfield University's placement rate relative to leaders is one signal of academic preparation depth.
Members of European University Association (EUA)
Other members of European University Association (EUA) are listed below.
Faculties at nearby universities
These universities are located near Cranfield University, listed below for students comparing options by location.
Where Else to Study Aerospace & Automotive Engineering
Universities in the United Kingdom with Aerospace & Automotive Engineering programmes appear below, alongside Cranfield University.
Universities Compared with Cranfield University
Universities of a similar scale and standing to Cranfield University are listed below.
Studying in United Kingdom: guides and resources
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