Cranfield University, UK - Ranking, Reviews, Courses, Tuition Fees

Overview

About Cranfield University

Cranfield University is a premier higher education institution in the UK, specialising in science, engineering, technology and management. The university’s predecessor was the College of Aeronautics, established in 1946 and based at the RAF station in Cranfield, Bedfordshire. The development of various aspects of aircraft research and design through the 1950s and 1960s led to significant growth and diversification into areas such as manufacturing and management.

The running theme throughout Cranfield’s history is a commitment to applied research which impacts the world in the fields of science, technology and management. The university works in partnership with academia, business and governments to deliver applied research and innovative education in science, engineering, technology and management.

Cranfield’s education portfolio is designed to be relevant to business and industry. The university is the UK’s largest provider of master's-level graduate programmes in engineering; it offers a flagship MBA, customised executive education and professional development programmes. The university has developed solutions to real-world problems in areas like aviation safety, water and sanitation, and humanitarian mine detection and clearance.

Cranfield’s campus is set within beautiful grounds in the heart of the classic English countryside, just 50 miles from London, between the vibrant towns of Bedford and Milton Keynes.

Cranfield is home to a truly international community, bringing together students from over 100 countries. Here, students will build global friendships, exchange cultures, and feel part of a welcoming, inclusive campus environment that supports both their academic journey and personal growth. The safe and close-knit campus also offers a wide range of recreational, social, and sporting activities and clubs - ensuring there’s always something to help students relax, stay active and make the most of their time outside the classroom.

University Ranking

Academic Ranking of World Universities

2025 801

2024 801

2023 801

Graduate outcomes

Cranfield University boasts an exceptional graduate employment rate of 93 per cent, reflecting the strong industry alignment of its postgraduate programmes and the success of the university in producing career-ready graduates.

Through partnerships with nearly 1,500 organisations, ranging from global multinationals to pioneering small and medium-sized enterprises, students undertake internships and work experience placements that give them real-world experience and directly enhance employability.

The university has a dedicated careers and employability service that offers a range of services to help students find their future career path and succeed in applications, including one‑to‑one coaching, CV workshops and on-demand guides to a range of topics related to careers.

The service also runs a selection of recruiter networking events and career fairs that enable students to meet potential future employers and understand the roles and career paths open to them.

Cranfield’s widespread alumni network provides ongoing mentorship, enabling recent graduates to access career guidance and industry insights long after they complete their education.

What's new

Cranfield University continues to lead the way in postgraduate education, with cutting‑edge programming and partnerships designed to enhance research, education, and industry collaboration.

Cranfield has gained specific recognition for excellence in the 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject, assessed across nearly 5,000 universities globally.

The university placed in the world’s top 200 for the broad subject area of Engineering and Technology and has improved in the narrow subject areas of Environmental Sciences and Business and Management, both of which are now in the UK top 20 and the global top 140.

Cranfield’s many other accolades include six Queen’s Anniversary Prizes, a recent GBP 69 million investment toward a hydrogen research hub, and 6^th place ranking in the UK for its School of Management Transformation MBA, according to the 2026 Financial Times rankings.

View our full Rankings and awards list here.

Finances

How much will it cost?

Average tuition fees per year

22,12,495 Postgraduate Fees are for indicative purposes, check with institution for details

Scholarships & funding

Cranfield University provides a comprehensive range of funding opportunities including scholarships, bursaries, grants, and loans, to support both domestic and international postgraduate students.

These awards are designed to ensure that all students at Cranfield have the resources needed to complete their studies in confidence. The university’s online funding finder tool enables students to search for external scholarships and bursaries, while its financial services team offers personalised advice throughout the year.

Early application is encouraged to maximise scholarship opportunities. Full details of the deadlines for application, and the eligibility criteria for each award, can be found on the university’s website. Eligibility criteria can vary so students are encouraged to explore all the options available.

Eligibility

Entry requirements

Most postgraduate programmes at Cranfield University require applicants to hold at minimum a UK lower second‑class honours bachelor’s degree (2:2), or an equivalent qualification from an internationally recognised institution.

Certain specialised courses may require a UK upper second‑class honours degree (2:1) or equivalent; prospective students should check the specific requirements on the individual course pages for their chosen programme. Applicants who do not meet this minimum grade requirement may still be considered if they can demonstrate substantial, relevant professional experience.

In addition to academic qualifications, all applicants for taught postgraduate degrees must submit copies of degree certificates and full academic transcripts, two academic or professional references (where required), and a personal statement outlining their suitability and motivations for the course.

Evidence of English language proficiency is required for any international candidates who have not completed prior studies in English – assessment systems include IELTS, TOEFL and a few others. Full details of these can be found online. Once an offer is made, successful applicants receive guidance on the next steps, including visa support, funding options, and arrival arrangements.

Department and Faculty

Teaching quality

Cranfield University’s teaching excellence is built upon a strong foundation of research-informed course content, small class sizes, expert tutoring and industry engagement.

The student‑to‑staff ratio is 6:1, one of the best in the UK, ensuring personalised attention and mentorship for every student, with plenty of opportunities for individual feedback. These small classes create a collaborative learning environment where professors get to know their students, promoting interactive discussions and peer support.

Classes are delivered exclusively by professors, guaranteeing that students benefit directly from faculty expertise and professional experience. Ninety-nine per cent of Cranfield’s academic staff hold the highest degree level in their field, reflecting the university’s emphasis on depth of knowledge and scholarly achievement.

A variety of innovative teaching methods, including problem‑based learning, simulation exercises, and live industry projects, immerse students in real‑world challenges and foster the sort of critical thinking that make Cranfield graduates so successful in securing top employment roles.

Department structure

Cranfield University’s academic structure is organised into two faculties each focusing on key thematic areas to deliver targeted postgraduate education and research.

The Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences

This faculty houses the aerospace integration research centre, breakthrough innovation hub, and advanced manufacturing and materials labs, which together support programmes in aeronautical systems, vehicle design, and production technologies.

It also hosts Cranfield’s courses and research on sustainability, energy materials, plant growth facilities, and water management research, delivering MSc and doctoral programmes in environmental engineering and resource resilience.

The faculty also delivers specialised MSc and research degrees addressing national security, cybersecurity, and defence technology, in collaboration with military and governmental organisations.

School of Management

One of the longest established business schools in Europe, Cranfield School of Management is a world leader in management education and research. As part of Cranfield University, the School of Management is uniquely placed to connect technology and leadership. It is one of an elite group of Schools worldwide to hold the triple accreditation of AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA. It was awarded the Small Business Charter accreditation in 2023.  

The School of Management excels in major rankings. It is consistently top 10 in the UK in the Financial Times European Business School Rankings and 6th in the world in the Financial Times Business School Teaching Power Rankings. The full-time Transformation MBA is ranked in the UK top ten by the Financial Times and Bloomberg.