Cranfield University

What you'll study

The programme concentrates on the core principles and practical challenges of military electronic systems. Typical taught topics include:

• Radar and sensor systems: fundamentals of detection, tracking, imaging and sensor integration.
• Communications and networked systems: tactical radio systems, data links, resilience and secure communications.
• Electronic warfare and spectrum management: threat analysis, jamming, countermeasures and electromagnetic spectrum operations.
• Signal processing and measurement techniques: time and frequency domain analysis, filtering, modulation and estimation.
• Systems engineering and integration: requirements capture, architectures, life‑cycle considerations and test & evaluation.
• Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and survivability: interference mitigation, hardening and platform integration issues.

The PGCert is delivered as a short, modular programme suitable for part‑time study by practising engineers. Teaching methods combine lectures, applied coursework, laboratory demonstrations and case studies drawn from defence contexts. Successful completion typically requires passing a small number of taught modules drawn from the University’s Military Electronic Systems portfolio.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a relevant undergraduate degree in engineering, physics or an applied technical discipline, or to have equivalent professional qualifications or experience. Typical candidates include graduate engineers, military officers and technical specialists working in defence or aerospace.

Cranfield welcomes applicants with industrial or military experience who may not hold a formal degree but can demonstrate substantial relevant professional experience; such applications are assessed on a case‑by‑case basis. Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to meet the University's standard postgraduate English language requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates use the PGCert to update or specialise their technical skills for roles in defence and related industries. Common career trajectories include:

• Systems engineer or integration engineer working on platform electronics and sensor suites.
• Electronic warfare engineer or spectrum manager in armed forces or defence contractors.
• Communications engineer for tactical and secure networks.
• Test and evaluation specialist for electronic and sensor systems.
• Technical manager, capability developer or advisor in government, defence procurement organisations or defence technology companies.

The short, focused nature of the PGCert also makes it suitable for professionals seeking continuous professional development or a pathway onto further postgraduate study.

Why study at Cranfield University

Cranfield is a specialist postgraduate university with an applied, industry‑facing approach and long‑standing engagement with defence organisations. The Military Electronic Systems provision is developed and taught by staff with practical experience of defence engineering and systems, and benefits from Cranfield’s collaborations with defence establishments and industry partners.

Students profit from access to specialist laboratories, applied teaching materials and case studies drawn from current defence practice, alongside a learning environment geared to mid‑career professionals. The programme is structured to be compatible with ongoing professional commitments, supporting part‑time and modular enrolment.