Cranfield University

Cranfield University is a British postgraduate public research university that specialises in science, engineering, design, technology, and management. In 1946, Cranfield was established as the College of Aeronautics (CoA). The growth and diversification into other industries, including manufacturing and management, spurred by the progress of aircraft research throughout the 1950s and 1960s resulted in the establishment of the Cranfield School of Management in 1967. The College of Aeronautics was renamed the Cranfield Institute of Technology, received a royal charter, earned the authority to grant degrees, and transformed into a university in 1969. It got its present name in 1993.

This read will provide easy application tips and guidance to help you enter this esteemed university. Continue reading! 

 

Things To Consider Before Applying

Crafting a successful application to Cranfield University requires careful planning. Several key factors must be considered before the application process to ensure a smooth journey.

 

Entry Requirements

Cranfield University entry requirements stay the same for every programme. A UK lower second-class (2:2) or upper second-class (2:1) undergraduate degree with honours in a relevant subject area, an equivalent international qualification, or Relevant work experience combined with a degree below second-class honours.

If you do not meet the formal entry requirements but believe you can demonstrate the ability to complete the course successfully, you may still be considered for acceptance. Each application will be evaluated on its merits.

For more information on country-based entry requirements, you can check here.

The Indian equivalent of the above requirements is as follows: 

• Strong academics (12th & grad)
• Relevant subjects (Science, Engineering, Technology, and Management)
• Relevant Work Experience (portfolio)

 

Documents

Gathering all necessary Cranfield University documents in advance can help streamline your application. Ensuring all required documents are ready before the application process can prevent delays and complications.

• Copies of your degree certificates and transcripts of your academic record
• Two references, where this is required for your chosen course
• A personal statement outlining your suitability for the course and motivation for choosing Cranfield
• If applying for a research degree, a research proposal detailing your research interests
• If required, evidence of English language proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL scores.

 

Additional Requirements

• If you are still studying, you can submit an interim transcript.
• Electronic copies of documents are accepted during the application process; do not send original documents by post.
• You can apply for multiple courses, but your first choice will be processed first.
• If you do not meet the formal entry requirements, Cranfield may still consider your application if you can demonstrate the ability to complete the course successfully. Each application is evaluated individually on its merits.

 

Eligibility

Cranfield University eligibility criteria might vary depending on nationality, residency status, and specific programme requirements. Verify these criteria to determine eligibility and avoid issues during the application process. For Indian students, an upper second class of 65% marks and a lower second class of 55%  are required to apply for any bachelor's degree.

The application period for Cranfield courses is open-ended. However, students applying for a visa to study in the UK must do well before the programme's commencement.

 

How To Apply To Cranfield University?

Cranfield University's admission process is instead straightforward. Suppose you are aiming to pursue either a postgraduate or research degree. Here is a step-by-step process for applying for either of the programmes:

1. Choose Your Programme: Identify the full-time or part-time programme you wish to apply for, including taught courses or research degrees.
2. Complete the Online Application: Applications are submitted online through the Cranfield University application portal. You can access the application form from the course page or the university's website.
3. Prepare Required Documents: Gather the necessary documents to support your application, including:
   • Copies of your degree certificates and academic transcripts
   • A personal statement outlining your motivations and suitability for the course
   • Two references (if required for your chosen course)
   • For research degrees, a research proposal detailing your research interests
4. Submit Your Application: Complete the application form and submit it online. You will receive an email confirmation upon submission.
5. Access the Applicant Portal: Within a few days, you will receive your username and password to access the Applicant Portal (EVE), where you can:
   • Check the status of your application
   • Upload any additional documents if needed
   • Request changes to your application
   • Withdraw your application (before a decision)
   • Ask for a deferral if you have received an offer
6. Application Fee: Pay the fee of £75 (non-refundable) during the application process.
7. Await Response: After reviewing your application, you will receive a decision. If accepted, you must confirm your acceptance and follow the necessary steps to make visa and accommodation arrangements.

For more detailed information, refer to this guide or contact the admissions office with specific questions.

 

Deadlines

Understanding Cranfield University’s deadlines is essential to ensure your submission is considered. 

Taught Master’s Courses Application Deadline:

• Shrivenham courses: Generally by June
• Cranfield courses: Generally by July

Research Degrees Application Deadline:

• Generally by June
• Generally by  September
• Generally by January

 

Additional Information

• International students are encouraged to apply early due to the competitive nature of admissions and to allow sufficient time for visa applications and accommodation arrangements.

It's important to note that Cranfield University does not provide extensions for application deadlines, so timely submission is crucial. Students can also connect with UniScholars to update themselves regarding all the deadlines. 

Students who wish to understand the deadlines better can check the previous ones mentioned here. This will help students plan for the upcoming intakes!
 

Decision Dates

Cranfield University typically announces admission decisions within 21 working days (approximately four weeks) after receiving your application. However, decisions for research applications may take longer due to the complexity of the review process. For more specific dates, the university has set intake dates for research degrees as follows:

• Winter Intake is Generally announced by June: This intake allows students to start their research projects in the summer, providing ample time for initial research activities and networking opportunities for the winter semester. 
• Summer intake is Generally announced by January: This intake offers a mid-year start, catering to students who may need additional time to prepare for their research or are transitioning from other educational commitments.

These dates indicate when new cohorts will begin, and it is advisable to apply early to secure your place and allow time for visa and accommodation arrangements.

 

Cranfield University Selection Criteria

Cranfield University's selection process considers several criteria for admission to its postgraduate programmes. Here are the key selection criteria:

Academic Qualifications

• Degree Requirements: Applicants must hold a UK first-class or second-class (2:1) undergraduate degree with honours in a relevant subject area or an equivalent international qualification.
• Work Experience: Certain programmes, particularly the MBA, require a minimum of three years of professional work experience.

English Language Proficiency

• Non-native English speakers must provide evidence of English language proficiency through standardised tests such as IELTS (minimum score of 6.5) or TOEFL (minimum score of 92).

Supporting Documents

• Personal Statement: A statement outlining your motivations for applying and your suitability for the course is required.
• References: Two letters of recommendation may be required, especially for research programmes.
• Resume/CV: A current resume detailing your academic and professional background.

Additional Considerations

• Holistic Review: Each application is considered on its merits. You must meet the formal entry requirements but can demonstrate the ability to succeed in the programme to be accepted.
• No Standardised Tests Required: Standardised tests like the GMAT or GRE are not required for most postgraduate taught programmes. However, an average GMAT score of 680 is recommended for MBA admissions.

 

Cranfield University Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate for Cranfield University is approximately 68% for all the programmes it offers. This figure indicates that Cranfield University's admissions process is relatively easy, requiring applicants to meet specific academic and creative criteria. The university needs to publish detailed acceptance statistics, which may be due to its approach of assessing applicants based on their fulfilment of admission requirements rather than direct competition with other candidates.

 

Fees

Cranfield University fees can vary based on your programme of study and whether you are a domestic or international student. This will give you a comprehensive understanding of the costs and help you plan accordingly. Here's an overview of the fees:

Course Type	Student Category	Programme	Fee
Taught Courses	Full-time Courses
	Home Students	MSc Accounting and Finance	£24,885
		MSc Banking, Economics and Finance	£14,585
		MSc Business Data Analytics	£14,585
		MSc Finance	£24,885
		MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management	£15,475
		MSc Management	£17,845
		MBA	£46,405
	Overseas Students	MSc Accounting and Finance	£32,445
		MSc Banking, Economics and Finance	£27,910
		MSc Business Data Analytics	£27,910
		MSc Finance	£32,445
		MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management	£31,150
		MSc Management	£33,770
		MBA	£46,405
Taught Courses	Part-time Courses
	Home Students	Executive Logistics and Supply Chain Management	£19,250
		MSc Management and Corporate Sustainability	£13,890
	Overseas Students	Executive Logistics and Supply Chain Management	£19,250
		MSc Management and Corporate Sustainability	£26,580
Research Courses		Home Students	£9,000
		Overseas Students	£22,175

Additional Costs

• For self-funded students, a tuition fee deposit of £500 is required upon accepting an offer, which will be deducted from the total tuition fee.
• Additional fees may apply for extensions and specific research-related costs.

These fees apply to students whose initial registration date falls between 1 August 2024 and 31 July 2025. Cranfield University's official website provides more detailed information, including potential funding options and additional costs.

 

Confirmation Of Acceptance 

The Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is an electronic record held by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) that confirms Cranfield University has offered you a place to study in the UK. The CAS includes a unique reference number required to apply for a student visa.

Cranfield University will email you a CAS document confirming the details of your course of study and including the CAS number. Entering the CAS number on your visa application form allows UKVI to access your information electronically.

 

How Will Your CAS Be Issued?

Cranfield University uses a system called CAS Shield to manage the CAS process. Once the course start date is less than six months away and your application has progressed to the point where the CAS can be processed, you will receive an email from the university. The email will confirm that an account has been created for you in CAS Shield, and you can log in to the system to start completing the information needed to issue your CAS.

To be eligible to start the CAS process, you must have:

• Accepted your course offer
• Paid the tuition fee deposit (where applicable)
• Met all conditions of your offer

You may also be asked to provide evidence of your finances to study in the UK. This is to ensure that your finances will meet UKVI visa requirements. If you are required to provide these documents, you can do so securely by uploading them to CAS Shield.

You can log into CAS Shield to track your progress toward getting your CAS.

Once you have received your CAS, you should check all the information carefully. If you believe there is an error in the CAS document, you must not use the CAS number but should contact admissions immediately for further advice.