The Guided Weapon Systems MSc is a flagship 成人直播 military masters degree and has an outstanding reputation within the Guided Weapons community.
The course meets the requirements of all three UK armed services and is also open to students from NATO countries, Commonwealth forces, selected non-NATO countries, the scientific civil service and industry.
Overview
Start dateSeptember
DurationMSc: 11 months full-time, up to three years part-time; PgDip: up to 11 months full-time, up to two years part-time; PgCert: up to 11 months full-time, up to two years part-time
DeliveryThis varies from module to module but comprises a mixture of oral examinations, written examinations, informal tests, assignments, syndicate presentations and an individual thesis
QualificationMSc, PgDip, PgCert
成人直播 typeFull-time / Part-time
Campus成人直播 at Shrivenham
Who is it for?
This course is an essential prerequisite for many specific weapons postings in the UK and overseas forces. It also offers an ideal opportunity for anyone working in the Guided Weapons industry to get a comprehensive overall understanding of all the main elements of guided weapons systems.
It typically attracts 12 students per year, mainly from the UK, US, Canada, Australia, Chile, Brazil and those from several European forces.
Why this course?
The main objective of the Guided Weapon Systems course is to bring together the wide variety of disciplines constituting guided weapon systems technology and to present them in an integrated manner. It takes you on to an understanding of the principles of guided weapon systems technology and all interrelated and multi-disciplinary facets involved with the complete systems design process.
The course structure is modular in nature with each module conducted at a postgraduate level. The interactions between modules are emphasised throughout. A comprehensive suite of visits to industrial and services establishments consolidates the learning process, ensuring the taught subject matter is directly relevant and current.
Some visits are restricted to Five Eyes nations only (i.e. Aus/Can/UK/US/NZ). Please contact us for more information.
Informed by industry
The industry advisory panel consists of the main services customers:
The course comprises a taught phase and an individual project. The taught phase is split into three main phases:
Part One (Theory), Part Two (Applications), Part Three (Systems).
Course delivery
This varies from module to module but comprises a mixture of oral examinations, written examinations, informal tests, assignments, syndicate presentations and an individual thesis
Individual project
Each student has to undertake a research project on a subject related to an aspect of guided weapon systems technology. It will usually commence around January and finish with a dissertation submission and oral presentation in mid-July.
Modules
Keeping our courses up-to-date and current requires constant innovation and change. The modules we offer reflect the needs of business and industry and the research interests of our staff and, as a result, may change or be withdrawn due to research developments, legislation changes or for a variety of other reasons. Changes may also be designed to improve the student learning experience or to respond to feedback from students, external examiners, accreditation bodies and industrial advisory panels.
To give you a taster, we have listed the compulsory and elective (where applicable) modules which are currently affiliated with this course. All modules are indicative only, and may be subject to change for your year of entry.
Course modules
Compulsory modules All the modules in the following list need to be taken as part of this course.
Introductory and Foundation Studies
Module Leader
Dr Derek Bray
Aim
To provide you with the necessary background knowledge and information to be able to successfully complete the remainder of the course.
Syllabus
Introduction to GW. Terminology, fundamental technology and examples,
Introduction to missiles as part of a system-of-systems and its implications,
Matlab & Simulink. Introduction and worked examples.
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
Be familiar with the Library, IT and FLSC services at Shrivenham,
Understand the basic terminology involved with the wide variety of GW systems in service today,
Be acquainted with some of the mathematical and dynamic modelling methods and techniques used in many of the later modules,
Be familiar with the analysis tools used to carry out investigations and analysis throughout the course,
Be aware of the course structure and assessment requirements of the MSc and be able to write and submit a technical report based upon a simple technical investigation.
GW Propulsion
Aim
To provide you with an understanding of the principles, concepts and techniques of GW propulsion.
Syllabus
Introduction: General features of missile propulsion systems and definitions/classifications,
Thermodynamics: Definitions, thermodynamic properties, 1st and 2nd laws of thermodynamics,
Gas Dynamics: Conservation laws, isentropic flow relationships, duct flows (convergent and convergent-divergent nozzles), Mach number; normal and oblique shock wave properties,
Performance Parameters: Thrust, specific impulse, effective exhaust velocity, specific propellant consumption, specific fuel consumption, efficiency (overall, thermal and propulsive),
Flight Mechanics: Range and velocity equations,
Introduction to Air-Breathers: Operating principles and design features of gas turbines (turbojets and turbofans), pulsejets, ramjets and scramjets; missile applications,
Gas Turbine Engines: jet propulsion principles; specific thrust and specific fuel consumption; efficiency (propulsive, thermal, overall) and thrust power; non-dimensional performance parameters; thermodynamic (Brayton) cycle analysis; turbojet and turbofan component design; gas turbine running line; worked design examples,
Rockets: Description and features, history, military applications, criteria of performance (thrust, specific impulse, total impulse, thrust coefficient, characteristic velocity, internal ballistics (combustion), burn rate, self-regulation, sensitivity, grain shapes (radial and end-burners),
Introduction to Rocket Propellants: Introduction to Liquid propellants (cryogenic and hypergolic), solid propellants (double base and composite), modifiers and additives,
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
Apply the underlying principles of thermodynamics and gas dynamics to thermomechanical jet propulsion for rockets and ramjet propulsion,
Critically analyse and compare and evaluate the performance of GW rocket motor systems using the parameters that are governed by their operating features,
Analyse, using thermodynamics and gas dynamics theory, the performance of a GW powerplant (rocket motor, gas turbine or ramjet),
Design propulsion systems by calculating the necessary parameters of individual subsystem components to meet specified overall requirements.
GW Aerodynamics
Aim
To provide you with an understanding of the principles, concepts and techniques of GW aerodynamics.
Syllabus
Fundamental Definitions: Fluids, fluid properties, basic equations, ISA,
Basic Aerodynamics: Viscous flow, Reynolds number, boundary layers, lift and drag, force and moment coefficients, wind tunnel testing,
Origins of Lift: Aerofoil section and wing geometry, physical theory, circulation theory, pressure distributions, lift curves, 3-D lift, centre of pressure, aerodynamic centre,
Compressible Flow: Subsonic and supersonic propagation of disturbances, von Karman’s rules of supersonic flow, sound waves, flows around convex and concave corners, Prandtl-Mayer expansion fans,
GW Aerodynamics Applications: Weapon aerodynamics, aerofoil sections, swept wing, slender delta wings, bodies (axial and normal force), wing/body combinations, controls, missile trim and stability, aerodynamic derivatives, aerodynamic interactions, high angle of attack aerodynamics, aerodynamic heating and heat transfer,
General Aerodynamics: Supporting tutorials,
Weapon Aerodynamics: Supporting tutorials.
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
Apply the fundamental laws of fluid mechanics and aerodynamics to subsonic and supersonic missile systems,
Estimate the aerodynamic characteristics of typical missile systems, as needed for subsequent stability and control analysis,
Evaluate the trade-offs involved between missile aerodynamic design and other disciplines.
GW Control Theory
Module Leader
Dr David Galvao Wall
Aim
To provide you with an understanding of fundamentals of classical/modern control theory with emphasis on how the principles can be applied as part of a GW control and guidance subsystem.
Syllabus
Introduction: introduction to feedback control, control states and outputs of a dynamical system, control objectives,
Modelling: Laplace transform, open-loop transfer function, closed-loop transfer function, state-space modelling, block diagram algebra,
S-plane Analysis and Time Response: pole-zeros, properties of transfer functions, inverse Laplace transform, time response, steady-state error, Ruth-Hurwitz stability criterion,
Frequency Response: Bode diagrams, polar plots, Nyquist and inverse Nyquist diagram, Nyquist stability criterion, closed loop frequency response, relative stability: gain and phase margins, sensitivity analysis in the frequency domain,
Frequency Response – Case 成人直播: loop analysis of feedback systems, frequency response performance criteria,
Root Locus: root loci plots, construction of root-locus, root locus design,
Compensation: lead compensation design, lag compensation design, lag-lead compensation design, PID compensation, compensation using Bode plots, pole placement,
Compensation – Case 成人直播: performance specification and design approach, control design and analysis,
State Space: canonical transformations, controllability and observability, state feedback design.
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module you will understand the control system fundamentals relevant to guided weapon systems. A successful student will be able to:
Construct Ordinary Differential Equations for dynamic system modelling of guided weapon subsystems and validate the results,
Formulate the Laplace transform and State-Space representations of dynamic systems for Control Analysis,
Numerically analyse the dynamic response of guided weapon subsystems with the application of time and frequency response methods,
Apply the frequency and root-loci methodologies for the design of guided weapon appropriate compensators,
Design feedback compensators to improve dynamic system response and critically analyse and evaluate control system performance with relation to guided weapon systems.
GW Electro-optics and Infrared Technology
Aim
To provide you with an understanding of the principles, design and analysis of EO/IR and laser technologies. This is in the context of STA and homing and beam-riding methods for GW applications. Students will then be able to relate this to the design and analysis of a GWS.
Syllabus
EO/IR Theory: Radiometry and power calculations, signature generation (solid and gaseous) contrast, minimum resolvable temperature difference, atmospheric effects, detector type (thermal, photon, two dimensional arrays, fibre sensors), cooling requirements, simple electronic processing, modulation transfer function, minimum resolvable temperature difference, fundamentals of optical systems, fundamentals of digital image processing, detector performance characteristics, modulation transfer function, laser systems (principles and applications).
EO/IR Application: EO/IR seeker systems, EO/IR STA systems, Laser-based STA, designation and beam riding emitter and sensor methods.
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
Assess the performance of EO/IR systems based on analysis of the underlying principles and technology,
Evaluate and justify the choices of EO/IR systems for the STA and homing in a Guided Weapon system,
Critically assess the performance of laser-based technologies in the context of target acquisition, designation, beam riding.
GW Control and Guidance
Aim
To provide you with an understanding of the principles, methods and design of guided weapon autopilot and guidance systems and the interaction between autopilot, guidance and other missile sub-systems.
Syllabus
Introduction to Missile Control and Guidance: Introduction to closed loop control applied to guided weapon guidance, classification of guidance methods, autopilots and guidance loop performance requirements. Interaction between control, guidance and other key GW sub-systems,
Control & Actuation Methods: Aerodynamic control methods, flight stability and control surface positioning. Thrust vector control (TVC), side thrusters and bonkers. Pneumatic hydraulic and electric actuation systems,
Missile Instrumentation: Control sensors, accelerometers, mechanical angle and rate gyroscopes, solid-state rate sensors, roll resolvers and altimeters,
Missile Dynamics & Autopilots: Heading and velocity control, missile lateral, roll and altitude dynamics. Lateral roll and altitude autopilots design and application of state space, root-locus and frequency response methods to autopilot design,
Homing Guidance: Active, semi-active and passive homing, homing guidance loop dynamics and kinematics. Proportional navigation (PN) type guidance and modern homing guidance algorithms. Guidance performance and sensitivity analysis,
Target Tracking: System and performance requirements, tracker loops and system type, multi-spectral sensors. Alpha-beta trackers and Kalman filters,
Command Guidance: Line-of-sight (LOS) systems, LOS-beam riders, command off the line-of-sight (COLOS), command guidance loop dynamics, kinematics and stability, LOS trajectories and coverage diagrams, augmented CLOS,
Navigation Guidance: Navigation guidance loop dynamics, kinematics and stability, inertial navigation and GPS integration, terrain reference systems, hybrid and compound guidance.
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
Evaluate missile autopilot categories required by various missile guidance systems and design roll, altitude and lateral autopilot systems using closed loop control methods;
Compare the types of guidance techniques employed on modern guided weapons and classify their usage to design application appropriate command, homing and navigation guidance systems using closed loop control methods;
Evaluate the interactions between the tracking, guidance and autopilot loops of a missile control system and other key GW sub-systems;
Classify and evaluate the parametric relationship between guidance, control and other key guided weapon sub-systems;
Analyse and critically evaluate the performance of guided weapon guidance and autopilot systems.
GW Energetics
Aim
To provide you with an understanding of the principles, concepts and techniques of various key facets of GW design, including propellants, explosives, warheads, fuzes and terminal effects.
Syllabus
Warheads: Introduction to the design of warheads in relation to the type of attacks; review of the characteristics of blast, fragmentation and shaped charges and their effects on the design of warheads; assessment of the effect of different warheads on various types of target; review of the explosives components and the safety and arming systems in guided weapons,
Non-conventional Warhead Technologies: nuclear, chemical & biological warheads,
Explosives: Review of explosives suitable for warheads and of the various designs of a range of warheads; evaluation of the methods whereby a requirement for a lethal package may be translated into a design; calculation of the characteristics of explosives and high explosives,
Terminal Effects: Selection of material’s mechanical and physical properties for both the missile and the warhead components,
Fuzes: Review of fuze types and technologies involved as well as the selection of fuze type for different target types and trajectories,
Rocket Propellants: Liquid propellants (cryogenic and hypergolic), solid propellants (double base and composite), hybrid propellants, modifiers and additives.
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
Identify the requirements for GW warheads, including choice of explosive and fuzing,
Select and evaluate the warhead, explosive and fuze for use in a GW designed for a given scenario to include terminal effects,
Analyse the performance of different rocket propellants, and the GW operational requirements that impact their selection.
Radar Principles
Aim
To provide you with an understanding of the fundamental principles of radar, allowing you to relate this to the design and analysis of radar systems.
Syllabus
Introduction: comparison with other sensors, frequency bands, relationship between size, wavelength and range, target data, historical notes,
Radar detection theory: radar range equation, Pd, Pfa and SNR relationships, FAR, No. hits, Integration (quadrature detection),
Pulsed Radar Parameters: PRF, pulse width, duty ratio, peak and average powers, min range, eclipsing, max unambiguous range, low PRF, spectrum of pulsed radar, signal bandwidth, matched reception, range resolution. Search radar application,
Losses: effect of clear air, precipitation, multipath; Losses associated with radar system, including the antenna (beam-shape loss),
CW and FM ranging: The Doppler effect, Doppler sensing, clutter rejection, Doppler filtering/velocity gating. Two phase linear saw-tooth modulation, ranging, effect of Doppler, velocity and range measurement. Missile seeker,
Radar cross-section: principal factors; surface reflection effects; forms of scattering; echo mechanisms; variation of RCS with angle; typical values; Swerling models,
Pulse compression: frequency coding (FMOP); Phase coding (PMOP); matched filtering; range and velocity resolution; Compressed pulse width; Range-velocity coupling,
Clutter: surface and volume backscatter coefficient; spatial and temporal variation; estimation of clutter return and signal-to-clutter ratio for volume and surface clutter; statistical description for clutter; clutter spectrum and de-correlation time,
Pulse-doppler radar: principle of operation; clutter spectrum; characteristics of HPRF and MPRF systems; FMICW in range measurement; multiple PRFs in range measurement. Airborne early-warning radar: requirements; design drivers and solution; typical parameters. Battlefield surveillance radar: requirements; system design; unambiguous range and velocity measurement,
MTI radar: System diagram; clutter rejection by single and double delay line cancellers; blind speed,
GMTI: MTI from an airborne platform, target measurement accuracy in range and in angle; clutter Doppler spread Tracking Radar. Monopulse and conical scan angle- trackers; range and velocity gates for range and Doppler tracking; angle-tracking errors; track-while-scan systems; continuity tracking synthetic-aperture radar: Cross range resolution, unfocussed SAR, focussed SAR, array length, array processing, resolution, Doppler Beam
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
Analyse radar detection performance in noise and clutter, relating these principles to conventional radar system design,
Assess the performance and identify particular operational advantages of modern multi-function radar and SAR systems Skills and Other Attributes,
Critically assess the detection performance of a radar system, given its design parameters,
Produce a viable radar system design, given a suitable specification of the required radar performance,
Generate and analyse radar waveforms and target echoes with MATLAB.
GW Power Electronics and Communication Systems
Module Leader
Dr Derek Bray
Aim
To provide you with an understanding of the electronics theory required in a Guided Weapon and relate this to the GW power chain, actuation and communications technology and requirements. To also provide you with the necessary understanding of signal processing methods for reliable sensor information and communication signals and the necessary command and control functions.
Syllabus
Electronics basic principles, fundamentals of electronic circuits and functionality, pulse width, frequency and amplitude modulation methods, DC, AC and 3-phase AC principles, brushed and brushless motors for actuation,
Importance of Electrical Power Supplies (EPS) in a GW, role of intelligent and performance enhancement of EPS for a Guided Weapon system, power generation and distribution for a Guided Weapon, EPS design in association to switching characteristics,
Probability, random variables, probability distributions, covariance, correlation. Noise sources, noise bandwidth, noise figure, noise temperature. Cascaded networks. Mathematical representation of noise, correlation and convolution, Matched filters, the z-transform. Advantages/ disadvantages of DSP, sampling and quantisation, digital filters, DFT and FFT, the effect of filters on sensor and communications information, DSP applications in communications and radar,
Communication methods for short, medium and long-range missile systems. Transmitter and receiver communication system models, multipath effects,
Command and control for different missile systems and environments,
Guided Weapon EPS Design: A MATLAB based tutorial exploring the critical EPS design factors for an air-launched guided weapon system. To consider the EPS performance enhancement and key realisation constraints within the context of GW systems.
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
Synthesise electronic circuit models for guided weapons and analyse their performance,
Assess the importance of electrical power supplies (EPS) in a GW and justify the role of intelligence and performance enhancement for a GW EPS,
Analyse how signal processing methods can improve the signal quality, performance and security of sensor information and communication methods in a Guided Weapon System,
Evaluate the performance of C2 systems within the context of GW.
Missile System Design
Aim
To comprehend the systems design principles of all major classes of modern missiles in the land, sea and air domains, and the parametric trade-offs associated with missile system design.
Syllabus
Systems Design: Multi-disciplinary optimization of all relevant GW system and subsystem technology areas, datalinks.
Hydrodynamics: Buoyancy, virtual mass effects, cavitation and ventilation.
Air Systems: Air-air weapons, air-surface weapons, UAV-mounted GW and UCAVs, tutorials.
Guided Weapon Parametric 成人直播: Introduction to the parametric study exercise with reference to background theory. Introduction and demonstration of supporting software.
Structures and Materials: Implications of structural design on GW system performance; Main failure modes in materials in the GW context; review on composite materials, steels, aluminium alloys and materials for radomes, airframes, nozzles and rocket motor insulation; exploration on the use of radar absorbing materials; Impact of material selection on GW system performance.
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
Compare, contrast and evaluate the technology associated with the various in-service worldwide missile systems in use in the land, sea and air domains and the differing approaches to their design requirements;
Assess the suitability of a set of missile system operational requirements;
Critically assess the key parameters affecting the performance of a guided weapon system (specifically regarding the fields of propulsion, aerodynamics, warheads, control, guidance and autopilots), and analyse the inter-linked parametric trends between missile subsystems;
Apply the knowledge and skills gained throughout the course to design and defend a GW concept that satisfies specified requirements.
GW Systems Integration
Aim
To provide you with the skills and knowledge to create new and manage existing complex weapon systems and their integration.
Syllabus
System of Systems: definitions, Performance setting and performance assessment, dependencies, interrelationships, modelling, safety cases,
Physical Integration: Environment definition, Environmental data gathering,
Data Integration: Power and Command and Control, knowledge of start position, sensor errors,
Domain Specific Issues: Air/Maritime/Land, challenges of integrating into each environment, load/unload, character release and jettison, casual weapon procedure, render safe procedure,
Trials Planning: Fundamental requirements of validation, safety, trials equipment (independent flight termination system, tele-breakup unit), sequence, telemetry (instrumentation plan, go-no-go criteria), pit testing, jettison, missile simulator round, live fire.
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
Assess the challenges of integrating a guided weapon onto platforms with consideration of integrated logistic elements.
Appraise the system-of-systems interactions, dependencies and interrelationships of a missile in the operating environment using a performance model.
Propose a test and evaluation programme for a guided weapon from the design to acceptance across the operating environment.
Examine in detail and justify a safety assessment at weapon, platform, and system levels, including rules and regulations.
Appraise the systems integration aspects of a guided weapon onto a platform and within a specific operating domain.
Elective modules One of the modules from the following list needs to be taken as part of this course.
GW Electronic Warfare
Aim
To provide you with an understanding of the principles, design and analysis of the electronic threats to radar and EO/IR systems and how they may be protected.
Syllabus
RF Countermeasures (including stealth) and counter-countermeasures, RF directed energy weapons, RF protection measures,
EO/IR countermeasures (including stealth) and counter-countermeasures, laser directed energy weapons, laser countermeasures and electro-optic protection measures,
Missile sensor and airframe damage assessment and impact on kinematic and dynamic performance.
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
Critically assess the choice of electronic defence measures against specified GW threats and evaluate how a GW may behave to counter such defences,
Evaluate the performance of RF DEW systems and assess their suitability in counter-GW applications,
Evaluate the performance of LASER DEW systems and assess their suitability in counter-GW applications,
Analyse the impact of DEW systems on the performance and effectiveness of missile systems.
Hypersonic Guided Weapons
Aim
The aim of this module is to: provide a general overview of hypersonic guided weapon systems and technology; introduce you to the theoretical design of hypersonic guided weapon subsystems; demonstrate how these subsystems form the overall weapon system.
Syllabus
Introduction to Hypersonic Weapons: General overview of hypersonic GW, emerging technologies, MTCR rules,
Aerodynamics: Supersonic aerodynamic principles, hypersonic flow, Shock layers, entropy layers, viscous interaction, high temperature effects, low density effects, Newtonian flow model, hypersonic guided weapon applications,
Hypersonic Flight Dynamics and Stability: ICBM ballistics, orbital mechanics, re-entry, stability of hypersonic vehicles,
Guidance, Navigation and Control: Classical & nonlinear control applications for hypersonic vehicles, navigation methods, sensors for navigation, trajectory optimisation and hypersonic vehicle navigation,
Hypersonic Aeromechanics: Aeroelasticity, structures and materials for hypersonic applications,
Hypersonic Electronic Warfare: Communications, missile signatures and detection, plasma flow,
Hypersonic threats and countermeasures.
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
Evaluate the challenges of operating a guided weapon at hypersonic velocities;
Assess the trade-offs between the various subsystems and technologies used in a hypersonic guided weapon;
Compare, contrast and appraise the key requirements for design of both offensive and defensive hypersonic weapon systems;
Critically analyse the design of countermeasures and defences against hypersonic guided weapons.
Teaching team
The Course Director is Dr David Galvao Wall.
You will be taught by 成人直播's leading experts with capability expertise, industry knowledge and collective subject research, including:
The Guided Weapon Systems MSc has been accredited by the under licence from the UK regulator, the as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Candidates must hold a CEng accredited BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree to comply with full CEng registration requirements.
Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC). An accredited degree will provide you with some or all of the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills for eventual registration as an Incorporated (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng). Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees, and an accredited degree is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords.
Your career
Successful students will have a detailed understanding of Guided Weapons system design and will be highly suited to any role or position with a requirement for specific knowledge of such systems. Many students go on to positions within the services which have specific needs for such skills.
成人直播’s Career Service is dedicated to helping you meet your career aspirations. You will have access to career coaching and advice, CV development, interview practice, access to hundreds of available jobs via our Symplicity platform and opportunities to meet recruiting employers at our careers fairs. Our strong reputation and links with potential employers provide you with outstanding opportunities to secure interesting jobs and develop successful careers. Support continues after graduation and as a 成人直播 alumnus, you have free life-long access to a range of career resources to help you continue your education and enhance your career.
How to apply
Click on the ‘Apply Now’ button to start your online application.
See our Application guide for information on our application process and entry requirements.
Got a question for us?
Our dedicated teams are here to help. Get in touch and we'll make sure you're pointed in the right direction.
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Fees can be paid in full up front, or in equal annual instalments. Students who complete their course before the initial end date will be invoiced the outstanding fee balance and must pay in full prior to graduation.
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Self-funded students pay a non-refundable deposit, which is offset against the tuition fee. See our Fees page for more details.
Fee notes
Academic years
The fees outlined apply to students whose initial date of registration falls on or between the below dates:
2026-2027 1 August 2026 and 31 July 2027
All students pay the tuition fee set by the University for the full duration of their registration period.
Additional fees for extensions to the agreed registration period may be charged.
Eligibility for Home fee status is determined with reference to UK Government regulations. As a guiding principle UK or Irish nationals who are ordinarily resident in either the UK or Republic of Ireland pay Home tuition fees. All other students (including those from the Channel Islands and Isle of Man) pay Overseas fees.
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.
Chevening Scholarships
Chevening Scholarships are awarded to outstanding emerging leaders to pursue a one-year master’s at 成人直播 university. The scholarship includes tuition fees, travel and monthly stipend for master’s study.
Commonwealth Scholarships for Developing Countries
Students from developing countries who would not otherwise be able to study in the UK can apply for a Commonwealth Scholarship which includes tuition fees, travel and monthly stipend for master’s study.
Airbus Master’s Student Bursary In partnership with Airbus, 成人直播 offers three €3,000 Master’s bursaries for students on selected Defence and Security, Aeronautics, and Space courses, including those at the Shrivenham campus.
We welcome applications from talented individuals of all backgrounds and each application is considered on its individual merit. Usually applicants must hold:
A UK first or second class undergraduate degree with honours, as a minimum, or equivalent international qualification.
Ideally applicants will have studied in science, engineering or mathematics subjects.
If you do not meet the above entry requirements but still feel you can demonstrate the ability to complete the course successfully, you may still be accepted onto a course with a lower qualification and relevant experience. Ideally your experience will be in a related role. Exceptional applicants may be accepted on experience alone.
ATAS clearance
This course requires Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) clearance.
ATAS is run by the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and applies to international students, except exempt nationalities, who need a visa to study in the UK. Further information can be found in our Application guide.
Security clearance for Shrivenham
Some 成人直播 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 hold suitable clearance. For further information please refer to the Security clearance for Shrivenham section of our Application guide.
English language
To study for a formal award at 成人直播 you will need to demonstrate that you can communicate effectively in English in an academic environment. Full details of how you can meet this requirement can be found in our entry requirements page.
Approved English tests for Guided Weapon Systems MSc
Please note that:
We verify all test scores with the test providers.
We are only able to accept tests taken within two years of the course start date.
All elements of the test results must be demonstrated in one test, we are unable to accept a combination of scores across two or more tests.
In extremely rare circumstances we may reject a test score if one element of the test has a very low score. This only happens if the score would affect your ability to study with us, or the score does not meet UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requirements.
IELTS
, and 1 (we also accept tests) - 7.0 overall and 6.0 in all skill components.
TOEFL
(we accept both TOEFL iBT and TOEFL iBT Home Edition tests, however we do not accept MyBest scores) - score scales for TOEFL tests changed from 21 January 2026:
Tests taken prior to 21 January 2026 - 100 total and minimum skill component scores of 20 reading, 20 listening, 21 speaking and 20 writing.
Tests taken from 21 January 2026 - 5 overall and 4 in all skill components.
Cambridge Assessment English
Any Cambridge Assessment English test meeting the required scores will be accepted. The following are recommended as being within the scale score range: , - Cambridge English Scale score of 190 overall and 175 in all skill components.
Kaplan
- 525 overall and 460 in all skill components. 成人直播 applicants and offer holders are entitled to a 25% discount. Register for a test using this to benefit from the discount.
Pearson PTE
, , 1 - 68 overall and 62 in all skill components.
Skills for English 1 (SfE UKVI Speaking, listening, reading, and writing at level C1 test) - Overall Pass outcome.
Trinity College London
- 105 overall and 90 in all skill components.
Tests taken prior to the introduction of numeric scoring can only be accepted at ISE III (C1) level with a pass in all skill components.