Delivering education and research across the globe, including in some of the newest and most vulnerable civil societies in the world, we are recognised internationally for our credibility and impact.

We are a research-informed academic community that provides education, research and consultancy for leadership and management in the defence and security sector. We offer quality postgraduate programmes, short courses and continuing professional development courses.

While we are based in the UK, much of our programme is delivered overseas and we seek to build partnerships and strategic relationships with governments, NGOs and the international defence and security sector.

Our areas of expertise include:

  • Change Management;
  • Defence Economics;
  • Financial Management;
  • Human Resources;
  • Leadership;
  • Organisation Behaviour;
  • Project, Programme and Portfolio Management;
  • Security Sector Managment;
  • Strategic Management.

Find out more about our doctoral research programmes in a broad array of defence and security leadership, law and management fields.

Taught degrees

Defence Leadership MSc
In teach-out.

Defence and Security Programme – Leadership and Management Stream
In teach-out.

Defence and Security Professional Award in Leadership and Management, leading to a MSc by Research
A PG Cert and Diploma taught and assessed by Cranfield academics, and awarded by the Institute for Leadership and Management (ILM). On successful completion of the diploma, students are eligible to undertake a Cranfield MSc by research. To apply, please contact courses.shrivenham@cranfield.ac.uk.

Defence and Security Leadership Programme
To be launched in March 2025, subject to University approval. This will consist of two MSc degree options:

  • Defence and Security Leadership and Management MSc
  • Defence and Security Leadership and Diplomacy MSc

To register your interest, please contact Dr Robby Allen on robby.allen@cranfield.ac.uk.

International programmes

CDML deliver two MOD-sponsored short courses overseas across the globe; the countries are selected by the MOD:

Both courses have a variant delivered at Shrivenham each year.

The BAE Systems-sponsored Saudi MOD Development Programme Training
This programme, part of the Saudi MOD Transformation Agenda, is delivered by Cranfield academics in London and Riyadh in 2024/2025.

Indonesian Defence University MSc
Cranfield Academics from CDML deliver four modules of an Indonesian MSc in Defence Management.

Rabdan Academy (United Arab Emirates) Tawazun Talent Development Programme
Five modules delivered in the UAE.

A range of short Defence Management and Leadership courses delivered across the globe, recently in Ireland, Africa and the Middle East.