Course description
Safety and Accident Investigation - Air Transport MSc/PgCert/PgDip: Course Description: This part-time masters degree is designed specifically for aircraft accident investigators and those working in related fields such as government agencies, manufacturers, operators, infrastructure providers and safety regulators. The MSc in Safety and Accident Investigation (Air Transport) provides an academically recognised, high standard qualification - a fundamental part of aviation safety. This programme builds on the strengths of our accident investigation short courses, run with the support of the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch. It includes a choice of highly focused modules addressing core skills, management, engineering, operations and specialist techniques. Start Months: January or MayFull Time/ Part Time:Part time School: School of Aerospace, Transport and Manufacturing Theme: Transport Systems Entry Requirements: A first or second class UK Honours degree (or equivalent) ideally in a related subject. Other recognised professional qualifications or several years relevant industrial experience may be accepted as equivalent; subject to approval by the Course Director. For further and specific information please visit the course page. English Language: If you are an international student you will need to provide evidence that you have achieved a satisfactory test result in an English qualification. The minimum standard expected from a number of accepted courses are as follows: IELTS - 6.5 TOEFL - 92 Pearson PTE Academic - 65 Cambridge English Scale - 180 Cambridge English: Advanced - C Cambridge English: Proficiency - C In addition to these minimum scores you are also expected to achieve a balanced score across all elements of the test. We reserve the right to reject any test score if any one element of the test score is too low. We can only accept tests taken within two years of your registration date (with the exception of Cambridge English tests which have no expiry date). Students requiring a Tier 4 (General) visa must ensure they can meet the English language requirements set out by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and we recommend booking a IELTS for UKVI test. Duration: January or May Course format: TaughtMSc/PgCert/PgDipOverview:We have been a centre of excellence in the field of accident investigation for almost 40 years. Designed specifically for aircraft accident investigators and those working in related fields, this course will provide you with an academically recognised, high standard qualification. Who is it for?: The MSc in Safety and Accident Investigation (Air Transport) allows you to receive an internationally recognised qualification in the field of accident investigation. The majority of students join this course with the intention of receiving a qualification that will allow them to further their career development in accident investigation or other safety related areas of the air transport industry. Why this course?: We have been a centre of excellence for aircraft accident investigation for almost 40 years. In 2011, we were awarded a Queen’s Anniversary Prize for our world leading work in aviation safety through research and training in air accident investigation.An important aspect of this course is the use of hands-on workshops and simulations to develop the practical skills required as an investigator. This is complemented by sessions and modules that enable you to conduct rigorous research and scientific analysis, along with technical writing, investigation and interviewing techniques.The course format is suitable for professionals based all over the world, as teaching is in modules, and research and assessments can be completed remotely if necessary. Cranfield University is very well located for visiting part-time students from all over the world, and offers a range of library and support facilities to support your studies. This enables students from all over the world to complete this qualification whilst balancing work/life commitments. Informed by Industry: The Industry Advisory Board for this course is made up of representatives from several organisations who have an interest in safety and accident investigation. The board meets annually to ensure the course content remains relevant and up-to-date. Current members include:Chief Inspector, Air Accidents Investigation BranchHead of Corporate Safety, Cathay Pacific AirwaysBoard Member, Civil Aviation AuthorityExecutive Vice President Safety, EmiratesManager, Air Safety Investigations, Rolls-RoyceDirector of Flight Safety, Airbus.Your teaching team: You will be taught by a wide range of experts from across Cranfield University, including members of the Cranfield Safety and Accident Investigation Centre. Teaching staff on this course include Professor Graham Braithwaite who heads the Centre. In addition, the course draws upon a wide range of external presenters from investigation agencies including the UK Air, Rail and Marine Accident Investigation Branches, the military and investigation agencies abroad. Course details: The programme commences with attendance on the Aircraft Accident Investigation module, which may be completed as two three-week modules in Fundamentals of Investigation and Applied Aircraft Accident Investigation. Upon completion of these core modules, you can then select four optional modules (15 options are currently offered, covering core skills, management, engineering, human factors and specialist techniques). Most optional modules are one week and many are offered as standalone short courses.Individual project:During year three, you will undertake a supervised research project on a subject of your choice within the aircraft accident investigation field. Building on pioneering work in the area of medical imaging, one of our recent MSc graduates has developed a state-of-the-art technique with his research project ‘Using 3D Computed Tomography in Aircraft Accident Investigation.’Further examples of recent titles include:Why is it (still) doing that? An exploratory analysis of automation-related aircraft incidents experienced by airline pilotsEstimating touchdown descent rate of the CL-605 using FDR data and empirical correlations derived from flight testRisk assessment process for in-service structural related issues: delivering a practical solution. Assessment: Taught modules 50%, Individual research project 50% Funding Opportunities: To help students find and secure appropriate funding, we have created a funding finder where you can search for suitable sources of funding by filtering the results to suit your needs. Security clearance for Shrivenham:Some Cranfield University courses are delivered at the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, Shrivenham which is a Ministry of Defence (MOD) site. All applicants to courses that are wholly or partially delivered at Shrivenham must complete the BPSS (HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard V4 April 2014) prior to registration on the course or must already hold a security clearance to this level or higher.Your application and BPSS clearance application will be shared during the application process with the MOD who have ultimate discretion over whether to admit applicants to the Shrivenham site. This information will be returned by the MOD to Cranfield University after checks are completed and no copies will be retained by the MOD. Your career:The MSc in Safety and Accident Investigation (Air Transport) allows you to receive an internationally recognised qualification in the field of accident investigation. The majority of students join this course with the intention of receiving a qualification that will allow them to further their career development in accident investigation or other safety related areas of the air transport industry.Previous students have been employed by dedicated government investigation agencies, airframe and power plant manufacturers, air traffic services, safety regulation, insurers, and the military.
