This multi-disciplinary course focuses on giving you a sound academic base in the core disciplines of business management, with a particular focus on the international business environment. It will help you develop an understanding of the global business environment in which airlines and airports operate through the study of economics, human resource, marketing and finance.
Integral to this course is the development of decision-making skills, from an operational to an international strategic level. Transferable skills that are necessary for a career in international business management are developed through engagement with real-life and virtual business issues, giving you the opportunity to study key aspects of management and leadership. Our staff members have excellent links with members of the aviation community and will encourage you to develop your career path early on in your studies.
Your learning environment will mirror that of an international organisation as you’re encouraged to learn with and from your fellow students about their different backgrounds, cultures and perspectives. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit major international airlines and airports, and commercial aircraft manufacturers. You’ll hear from visiting lecturers from airlines, airports, maintenance organisations, consultancy organisations and aircraft manufacturers, and we also have a dynamic Aviation Society at the University which organises regular guest speakers and trips.
In addition to the University’s extensive facilities and resources, the School subscribes to database services, aviation journals and magazines appropriate to aviation management studies, and you’ll have access to these throughout your studies.
The teaching on this course received a 92% student satisfaction rate in the 2018 National Student Survey.
In the most recent Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) survey, 100% of all 2017 graduates from this course were in work or further study within six months.
Entry requirements
In addition to the University’s standard entry requirements, you should have:
- a minimum of grades CCC in three A levels (or a minimum of 96 UCAS points from an equivalent Level 3 qualification, eg BTEC National, OCR Diploma or Advanced Diploma)
- English Language and Mathematics GCSE at grade C/grade 4 or above (or equivalent)
All applicants must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. Applicants who require a Tier 4 student visa may need to provide a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. For more information about English qualifications please see our English language requirements.
Modular structure
The modules listed below are for the academic year 2018/19 and represent the course modules at this time. Modules and module details (including, but not limited to, location and time) are subject to change over time.
Year 1 modules include:
- Air Cargo Services and Operations
- Introduction to Transport Economics
- Introduction to the Aviation System
- Marketing for Aviation and Creative Industries
- Statistics for Travel and Tourism
Year 2 modules include:
- Corporate Airline Planning and Development
- Safety, Security and Psychology for Aviation Systems
- Skills, Methods and Analysis
- Sustainability, Business and Responsibility
- Creating a Winning Business 1
- Learning through Work
- Applied Research with Field Course
- Aviation and The Environment
Year 3 modules include:
- Commercial Challenges for Aviation
- Financial Management for Aviation
- Research Methods for Dissertations and Consultancy Projects
- Creating a Winning Business 2
- Learning through Work 2
- Professional Experience Year Placement
- Project Management
- Risk Management and Business Continuity
- Strategy in Tourism and Travel
What our students say
“The course allowed me to sit in meetings with Master’s students from prestigious universities and hold my own when talking about aviation strategy and commercial challenges.”
Former student now working in the Middle East for a major global carrier
“The course has helped me develop an understanding of the complexity of the aviation sector and allowed me to start work as a consultant for airport development internationally.”
Former student now working for a major civil engineering company
„I think that there is a need to understand that airlines and airports are complex businesses and that they are people-driven and require great management. This course helped me start a career in airport management.”
Former student now working at a major UK airport
After the course
Upon graduating, you’ll have a variety of career routes available to you, both in the UK and internationally. You’ll be equipped for management and leadership within the aviation sector, which ranges from operational management, strategic overview and planning, regulations and compliance and financial management.
As a postgraduate, you can develop an exciting career in PhD research, Aviation consultancies such as Mott Macdonald and major airlines and airports such as British Airways and London Heathrow respectively. Other career pathways include bodies such as National air Traffic Control and the Civil Aviation Authority.
The areas of aviation management you could work in include:
- Passenger handling management
- Airline Operations management – under wing
- Air cargo management
- Airline sales management
- Airline marketing management
- Revenue management
- Engineering management
- Cabin crew management
- Flight deck management
The specialist areas of aviation you could work in include:
- Airline finance and procurement
- Airline strategy
- Airline branding
- Airline IT support
- Airline Corporate Legal services
- Airline procurement
Some of the positions gained by our BSc graduates include Easyjet Route Planning Manager, Head of Environmental Policy at NATS, TUi Head of Operations, Head of Ground Operations at London City Airport, Head of Infrastructure Project at London Gatwick and Head of Customer Service at London Southend Airport.
