Cranfield Air Transport Management MSc

[JetSet408]

Hi all

I have recently been accepted onto the Cranfield University MSc in Air Transport Management. I am really looking forward to this opprtunity and have heard many great things about the course, staff and facilities. I am particuarly interesting in obtaining information about the course from past,existing and prospective students. Any information would be warmly recieved!

Many Thanks

Jetset!

[BoeingBoeingGone]

Hi Jetset.

Welcome to the forums. I have also just joined today.

I was a participant in the Cranfield Air Transport MSc myself recently, and have to say it was a rather mixed bag both academically and socially.

I dont know whether or not you have managed to go to an open day, but the location of Cranfield necessitates your own transportation. It provides a rather lonely and soul-less environment in which to study, however it is manageable for one year. Also be advised that the course requires a lot of work and deadlines are rigorous.

The staff who although appear helpful are regularly away on consultancy projects. Although this arguably allows for up to date course content and industry expertise, it can be rather frustrating to say the least. Do not expect regular contact with supervisors - it is often the case that you will have to liaise with secretarial staff in order "book" a slot which can be rather inconvenient given the fees paid for their time.

The work although interesting at times can be quite general and does not necessarily cater for everyones interests. Most lectures are crammed into the first term so be prepared for hard work, followed by holidays which entail revision and numerous projects ready for exams in the new year. Once an assignment is complete, be prepared to recive the next straight away. No rest for the wicked :-)

If you have any more questions, please ask away. I am also interested in hearing from previous students especially with regard to how they felt the course added to their employability.

Regards,
BBG

[JetSet408]

Dear BBG,

Many Thanks for the prompt response,it means a great deal. Unfortunately I havent managed to make it down to the Open Day this year,however when i went for my Interview I managed to have a brief look around the place. From speaking to current students they actually informed me that the night life can be quite entertaining on campus with particular reference to the Students Union Bar. How did you find this during your stay?

It is interesting that you mention the availability of staff within the department. Unfortunately I have also heard this being a problem from a previous post, which I hope can be recified before my studies begin because at the end of the day i am paying a substantial amount of hard cash to partake in this course. Do you believe that this course is a sound investment financially from your experience?

I really dont envisage the workload as being an issue as I am coming from industry where hard work is the name of the game. I have also heard that the course involves an end of year group project? Can you inform me how this works and for how long it lasts? Any further input from anyone else involved with the course would be much appreciated!

Thanks!

Jetset 408

[rm2242]

Hi Jetset!

You are right to ask questions. The course does require careful consideration as to the level of financial investment thought beneficial. May i recommend searching these forums for previous posts regarding this course. Also have a look at the forum on airliners dot net - there is some information posted there.

As for employability - be cautious. Middle management is extremely difficult to get into. You will likely have to work your way up despite having the MSc. I believe this is particularly so for the UK where airlines are either consolidating or pushing for increased workforce productivity. Jobs are maybe not quite so forthcoming as they were when the prospectus was written. Being from industry will help.

Also the location aspect - VERY isolated. Yes it is an academic environment, but make sure you have a retreat!!! And as for the night-life..... HA! It has to be seen to be believed! Blink and you will miss. :-)

Regards.
2242

[JetSet408]

Thanks rm2248 for you response

I have heard that from a few people I have spoken to regarding the location of Cranfield!Although i expect the year to be predominantly work orientated a few beers at the weekend is a must. Also the uni's proximit to Luton should facilitate trips abroad for the class. Is it common for the class to partake in vacations together or possibly with staff. Also does the department organise trips to airlines throughout the year?

Thanks
Jetset408

[rm2242]

JetSet,

Yes i guess so sometimes. Tends to be smaller groups of students though. Most have their free time well and truly booked and the place tends to be dead over the holidays so getting everyone together dosent happen often. The uni tends to be very multinational in its intake and as such most go home for holidays. And term time is mostly work orientated of course.

You asked of the group project - that is where a group (typically 7 or so) collectively draws up a business case for a start up airline. Im not sure if this is still the case. This is perhaps the best opportunity for socialising :-) But it is demanding, so dont expect to still be friends with your peers afterwards! It is really worth approaching a year at Cranfield with the view of it being a means to an end!

rm2242

[JetSet408]

Wow the group project does sound interesting and very challenging,however given the industry i think it may stand us in good stead. Bit demoralising about the whole socialising aspect i would really like the class to socialise at least once a week and perhaps organise trips to airlines on an on-going basis and sure a few pints never harmed anyone! Do u feel you gained a lot from the course rm2242? Has it placed you in an advantageous position regarding employments opportunities? Ive got to the stage of my life where its make or break and have conciously taken this decision to partake in the course to further my career and from what I have heard Cranfield can offer me this. other points what has been your your experiences regarding

1. The fresher vs industry experience breakdown
2. Male to female ratio
3. Lecturer to student ratio and have the staff been proactive regarding
a hands on approach to students

Thanks

Jetset408

[Cyrano]

Jetset408:

See this thread or this one.

PM me if you have specific questions after that and I'll try to answer from my experience.

C.

[JetSet408]

Beginning to sound like its not all its cracked up to be!!Still interested in hearing further comments regarding employibility!!!

Regards
Jetset408

[Ed666]

Jetset408, check your PMs