Air Transport Planning and Management MSc

Course summary

This course has been developed to meet the needs of graduates worldwide seeking to gain greater knowledge and experience of the air transport industry, and looking to progress into senior roles in management, operations and commercial planning of airlines, airports, government departments and aviation-related businesses such as aircraft manufacturing, finance and consultancy. It is designed to provide a strong theoretical and analytical basis, coupled with the application of many practical techniques and strategies.

The course builds on the successful series of aviation short courses that have attracted participants from around the globe to the University each year. The School has a long-established interest in air transport research, consultancy and teaching, having been set up by the renowned aviation academic Professor Rigas Doganis some 40 years ago. The University's association with aviation goes back much further, however, as it was here in the 19th century that Sir George Cayley first demonstrated the principles of flight.

Modules on both the one-year full-time course and the two-year part-time course are taught in blocks of five days at a time. Students take six taught modules in total (over one year on the full-time course, or two to three years on the block release part-time course) and complete a research dissertation. Email contact and tutorial support is provided between the module blocks along with guest lectures and workshop sessions for full-time students. International students who require a student visa will need to apply for the one-year full-time course.

Top reasons to study with us

• Gain industry insider knowledge – International industry speakers and practitioners contribute to our programme, bringing you their latest expert knowledge and experience to boost your learning
• As well as lectures, this is a practical course with hands-on activities such as simulation exercises, management games, and workshops, plus visits to airports and aviation facilities are organised to enhance your practical experience of the industry
• Our expertise covers the three main areas within air transport – airlines, airports and air traffic management
• We’ll support you in choosing a topic of your choice for your research dissertation by providing guidance and industry contacts
• Flexible teaching – Modules are taught in blocks allowing you to study full-time or part-time to accommodate your time commitments, also giving you the opportunity to combine some sessions with our specialist short course activities, enabling you to further enhance your knowledge and expertise

Course climate action statement

The course aims to promote sustainable practices, both through teaching the latest developments in air transport sustainability and through individual behaviour, such as carbon footprint reduction, waste reduction and ethical aspects of climate change causes. The course strives to teach the state of the art in the industry and hence promote future solutions for higher levels of air transport sustainability.

This course brings together people who wish to move into the industry and those already working in the aviation field who seek to progress their careers further.

If you’re a full-time student without a background in the air transport industry, you’ll be well placed to take up a junior position in a planning, management and operational role with airlines and airports after completing this course. You’ll also be well equipped for employment as an analyst with consultancies, government bodies, and aircraft manufacturers.

If you have an industry background you should be able to return to your position with new skills and understanding, plus a greater maturity of approach. You’ll be well placed to move into senior managerial, policy or research functions. The competitive nature of the industry will also provide many new opportunities for suitably qualified personnel.

A strong performance on the MSc can provide you with the opportunity to study further by registering for a research degree in our School of Architecture and Cities.

By obtaining this MSc qualification, you’ll be well equipped with the knowledge, understanding, and skills needed to participate in the activities of professional and industry bodies, such as the Air Transport Research Society, AirNeth, and the German Aviation Research Society.

This course will prepare you for roles in the aviation industry such as:

• Analyst
• Civil Servant
• Commercial planner
• Consultant
• Management trainee

Graduate employers

Graduates from this course have found employment at organisations including:

• British Airways
• China Southern Airlines
• Heathrow Airport
• IndiGo
• United Airlines
• Vietnam Airlines
• Wizz Air