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MSc: Ultra-precision Technologies & Applications

STUDENT BROCHURE

CORPORATE BROCHURE

STUDENT INFORMATION
The mission of the IKC is to establish a world leading Centre of Excellence that delivers 'disruptive' technologies to industry.  It will enable the development and manufacture of a wide range of next generation products which are dependent on functional ultra precision and structured surfaces (UPSS).

UPSS technologies are pivotal to a range of high technology products. Already there is an increasing demand for components reliant on such surfaces across a wide spectrum of markets. These include optoelectronics and displays, medical devices, aerospace, defence, space and automotive sectors. In combination, the annual turnover of these sectors is estimated at over £75 billion in the UK and they represent a major percentage of UK export trade. 

In addition to providing for ongoing application oriented research in UPSS, the IKC is specifically charged with developing technology transfer mechanisms to allow industry to benefit from this valuable research portfolio.  One of the first “deliverables” will be an MSc programme in Ultra-precision Technologies and Applications.  This will be a “mould-breaking” course because of its unusual format.  It will be delivered by three universities (Cranfield, University College London, Cambridge) across different sites including OpTIC. It is strongly supported by EPSRC and John O’Reilly (previously Chief Executive of the EPSRC and currently Vice Chancellor at Cranfield) has expressed his personal endorsement.  It will be available from Autumn 2007. 

The MSc will comprise a project definition module plus 8 technical modules, each of one week duration, delivered every 12 months.  An MSc will be awarded to individuals completing the eight modules over a minimum of one year full time up to a maximum of three years, passing related examinations or assignments, and completing a project based thesis; (40% modules; 40% thesis; 20% group project). 

Entrance qualifications for the MSc would normally be an honours degree in an appropriate subject.  However, applicants with a HNC and significant relevant industrial experience would be considered for an MSC or a Post Graduate Diploma from Cranfield if they completed the full course or a Post Graduate Certificate if they successfully completed just the modules. 

Further, the modules will be made available as CPD short courses to people wanting to attend only individual modules.  Additional Short Courses will also be prepared by the universities as part of the “knowledge transfer” deliverables of the IKC. 

   0.   Programme Introduction, project scoping, planning, H&S      
         (Cranfield/Cambridge/OpTIC)      
   1.   Computer Aided Engineering and Sensors  (Cranfield)
   2.   Metrology  (OpTIC) 
   3.   Managing innovation & new product development  (Cranfield)
   4.   Computer Aided Engineering & Sensors  (Cranfield)
   5.   Optical design and fabrication (OpTIC) 
   6.   Laser micromachining and surface structuring  (Cambridge)
   7.   Surface engineering and coatings  (Cranfield) 
   8.   Modern optical technologies (OPTIC)

COMPANY INFORMATION

Why this course
High technology products fundamentally depend on a range of ultra precision systems and processes. Next generation products for space,
aerospace, energy production, displays, sensors and advanced medical devices demand ultra precision technologies in order to achieve their
superior functionality. This MSc programme has been designed to equip engineers and scientists with the key enabling technologies that permit next generation high technology products and processes to be realised.
Students will study aspects of ultra precision technologies including: the philosophy of determinism, fundamental precision design and metrology principles, critical computer-based design and application tools, detailed knowledge of ultra precision processes and their application. Strategic approaches to safeguard technology innovation are reviewed.

World-class programme and research facilities

The MSc in Ultra Precision is a truly world-class programme, led by Cranfield University, with support from the Opto-electronics Technology
and Incubation Centre (OpTIC) in North Wales, the Optical Science Laboratory of University College London and the Institute of Manufacturing at the University of Cambridge.
These universities are recognised as leaders in their field. The programme has been designed to equip individuals and companies with an understanding of the underlying principles of important ultra precision technologies as well as provide exposure and understanding of their state-of-the-art commercial applications.

Contact
For further information please contact:
Enquiries Office, Cranfield University
Telephone: +44 (0) 1234 754086
Email: appliedsciences@cranfield.ac.uk