All UK MOD applicants for postgraduate(MSc/PgDip/PgCert) courses must be in a relevant role or due to be assigned to one imminently to be eligible for a funded place on one of the courses.
The application process for UK MOD personnel is detailed below including reference to the relevant DIN. All other applications should be made direct to Cranfield University.
List of available funded postgraduate courses
Click on the following links to review the detailed course content for each of the postgraduate courses that are available:
- Cyberspace Operations MSc – Due to the nature of the subject matter in this course a UK or 5EYES enhanced security clearance will be required
- Cyber Defence and Information Assurance MSc
- Defence Simulation and Modelling MSc
- Explosives Ordnance Engineering MSc
- Guided Weapon Systems MSc
- Information Capability Management MSc
- Military Aerospace and Airworthiness MSc
- Military Electronic Systems Engineering MSc
Eligibility for Alumni
UK MOD staff who have previously undertaken a Defence Academy funded postgraduate course of study with Cranfield University will not be eligible to apply for a funded place but may be permitted to undertake several associated modules, or a lower exit award such as the postgraduate certificate if there is an urgent business need. Such applications must come with a business case fully endorsed by the chain of command or line management.
See 2025DIN07-021 - Postgraduate Academic Scholarship opportunities starting September 2025. Closing Date for applications is Monday 12 May 2025. Applications must be made in accordance with the DIN and not be made direct to the University.
See 2024DIN07-136 - Army Opportunities for Postgraduate Study. Closing date for applications is Friday 25 April 2025. Applications must be made in accordance with the DIN and not be made direct to the University.
See 2025DIN07-015 - RAF Opportunities for Postgraduate Study. Closing date for applications is Monday 31 March 2025. Applications must be made in accordance with the DIN and not be made direct to the University.
Apply direct to Cranfield University via the MSc course links above below by Friday 25 April 2025. In completing the application form, applicants must provide a strong case to undertake the course of study, and provide a supporting statement from their line manager, including agreement to release the applicant to undertake the residential elements of the course. In the event MOD Civil Service applications exceed places, a Defence Academy Funding board will be convened to prioritise applications and results notified by Friday 30 May 2025.
If the closing date is missed, Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force applicants are to engage with the author of the DIN noted above to understand whether late applications will be considered.
