 Crossland was born in London, England.Upon leaving Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys in 1940 he gained employment as an engineering apprentice with Rolls-Royce, gaining his education through part-time study culminating in the award of a PhD from the University of Bristol in 1953.His teaching career began at Luton Technical College in 1945, and, after teaching at Bristol University he became Professor of Mechanical Engineering at The Queen's University of Belfast, where he went on to act as Pro-Vice Chancellor before his retirement in 1982.