Research: A world-class destination
Studying for a research degree offers you access to the facilities and expertise to pursue your ideas in your chosen field.
At Cranfield, we provide the framework to apply your work to make a real difference to society. With our emphasis on specialist sectors, our strong links with industry and government, and our collaboration with some of the other top universities in the UK such as Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London and Warwick, you will work with some of the brightest minds in their fields.
Hear from some of our research students:
Oil and gas engineering laboratory at Cranfield campus
Research councils
Funding councils – under the umbrella organisation of UK Research and Innovation, which brings together seven different research councils, Innovate UK and Research England – have awarded Cranfield over £17 million in research grants in the past year alone.
Doctoral centres
Doing your research degree through a funded doctoral centre provides you with the structure to help you network with research students working in your field at partner universities.
This enables you to benefit from expertise and facilities across the UK, and a supportive network of people at different stages of their research degrees who can give you advice and support. Click here for more information on current research opportunities.
“I chose Cranfield University because of the link between academia and industry. I'm still not sure if I want to go into academia or industry but I think that I have chosen perfectly, as my PhD project is sponsored by industry, which means I will have both points of view. Along with your studies you can be involved with real-world problems and meet with real industry partners that give you a lot of new skills.”
Marta Sanzo Miro,
current student, Agrifood PhD,
(Food Systems and Management MSc 2020)
Your doctoral research experience
As part of a specialist postgraduate community, our research students work among like-minded professionals, benefiting from a wealth of multidisciplinary experiences.
The Cranfield Doctoral Network
The Cranfield Doctoral Network comprises eight doctoral communities, which are aligned with the University’s themes. These communities enable you to participate in a programme of events including seminars, lectures and other initiatives within each theme. One of these events is an annual conference where you will have the opportunity to showcase your research and network with your peers from across the University.
Transferable skills – Doctoral Researcher’s Skills Development
As part of Cranfield Enhance, in addition to your academic studies, we provide a framework for your ongoing professional development through workshops, webinars and other resources. This enriching experience encompasses four key areas, highly valued by employers:
- Knowledge and intellectual abilities,
- Personal effectiveness,
- Research governance and organisation,
- Engagement, influence and impact
What are the different research options?
There are several ways you can embark on a research programme with Cranfield, depending on your ambitions and circumstances. See the current opportunities here.
1
Employment-related research projects
If you or your employer have a challenge which you think could form your research project, we can support you to develop a solution while gaining a research qualification.
Benefits
- Opportunity to study in your own country while working.
- Opportunity to solve an actual problem in your workplace.
- Career development.
2
Funded research opportunities – studentships
We offer a range of pre-defined research projects that you can become involved with. These are funded opportunities, known as studentships, often in collaboration with industry and research councils. They offer a paid route – similar to a job in research.
Benefits
- Projects come with a fixed income (stipend).
- Pre-defined topic aligned with industry or government interests.
- Often involves multiple sponsors on a collaborative research project.
3
Individual research projects
If you have an area of research that you would like to explore further, we can help you develop your proposal.
Benefits
- Opportunity to explore and develop your own topic.
- Potential for funding.
- Structured programme with specialist support.
4
Research internships, visits and joint awards
We enjoy a set of international research partnerships with universities across the world. We are often able to arrange collaborative research degrees, short academic visits and undertake research internships with Cranfield academics. We are always willing to explore these opportunities with the relevant academic lead, or through our international office.
Benefits
- Opportunities to access our world class, pilot-scale experimental facilities.
- Opportunity to develop new collaborations with your current university and our industrial partners.
- Expand your knowledge and experience the UK research culture.
1
Employment-related research projects
If you or your employer have a challenge which you think could form your research project, we can support you to develop a solution while gaining a research qualification.
Benefits
- Opportunity to study in your own country while working.
- Opportunity to solve an actual problem in your workplace.
- Career development.
2
Funded research opportunities – studentships
We offer a range of pre-defined research projects that you can become involved with. These are funded opportunities, known as studentships, often in collaboration with industry and research councils. They offer a paid route – similar to a job in research.
Benefits
- Projects come with a fixed income (stipend).
- Pre-defined topic aligned with industry or government interests.
- Often involves multiple sponsors on a collaborative research project.
3
Individual research projects
If you have an area of research that you would like to explore further, we can help you develop your proposal.
Benefits
- Opportunity to explore and develop your own topic.
- Potential for funding.
- Structured programme with specialist support.
4
Research internships, visits and joint awards
We enjoy a set of international research partnerships with universities across the world. We are often able to arrange collaborative research degrees, short academic visits and undertake research internships with Cranfield academics. We are always willing to explore these opportunities with the relevant academic lead, or through our international office.
Benefits
- Opportunities to access our world class, pilot-scale experimental facilities.
- Opportunity to develop new collaborations with your current university and our industrial partners.
- Expand your knowledge and experience the UK research culture.