Aviation Management BSc (Hons)

Course overview

This course is ideal for individuals with an enthusiasm for commercial aviation and who wish to develop and expand their understanding and engagement with the industry.

The course aims to encourage aspirations for management and positions of leadership that will shape the future of the industry.

• The course focuses on the management of the multifaceted aviation industry from day one. You will be encouraged to explore the complex inter-relationships that exist between various stakeholders, such as airlines, airport operators, regulators, representative bodies and industry suppliers, in what is a dynamic and challenging environment.
• The course brings together management and transport systems theory, economics, data analysis, aerospace engineering, logistics, transport geography, regulation and safety, and aims to provide a progressive learning journey, culminating in a holistic appreciation of the complexities of the global aviation ecosystem.
• The course weaves together the aviation ecosystem with business awareness, strategic thinking, technical understanding and operational application, by embedding research-active teaching and industrial engagement. You will be guided through the foundations of aviation management towards a focused and applied business and operational appreciation. In your final year of study, you will be encouraged to demonstrate a strategic, independent and critical approach to problem identification and resolution, which culminates in the submission of your dissertation.

Why you should study this course

The course is delivered in an environment that offers an opportunity for individuals from a broad range of subject interests, experiences and backgrounds, to develop their commercial and technical knowledge, skills and capabilities commonly required to chart a successful career within the aviation industry.

You will be taught by current academics who have global and varied industry and academic experience in aviation (staff may be subject to change).

Additionally, you can expect to:

• study the multifaceted aviation ecosystem and its interaction within the dynamic environment in which it operates
• develop your understanding of the cohesive nature of the sector and the interaction between business and operational management
• enhance your knowledge of the professional responsibilities within aviation, including an understanding of the associated ethical and legal issues, and the need for continuing professional development
• be provided with opportunities to attend guest lectures (subject to availability) by a variety of high-profile speakers from leading aviation organisations, with the aim of deepening and enriching your learning experience – recent speakers have come from prominent airlines, airports and aviation consultancies²
• participate in hosted site visits to major and regional airlines and airports within the UK and overseas² (subject to availability) and experience the international nature of the aviation industry.

Careers and opportunities

Upon successful completion of the course you can expect to be able to:

• develop sustainable solutions to aviation management problems, recognising the diversity of stakeholders that make up the global aviation industry
• select and apply a range of research skills, management tools and strategies, to resolve current and future challenges
  promote, defend and justify recommendations using appropriately sourced evidence and data
• identify, analyse and evaluate data from various sources to support decision making, business improvement, effective governance and regulatory compliance
• work in teams and as an individual, to deliver outcomes that recognise the diverse and international context of the aviation industry
• select and deploy relevant software and technologies to support management decision making and sustainable aviation operations
• manage relationships and behaviours that support management processes, business outcomes and professional development in aviation
• evaluate and synthesise contemporary theory and research findings to propose innovative solutions to aviation management problems
• apply a range of management strategies and the principles of project management to achieve tangible outcomes to aviation management challenges and problems
• consider and apply the fundamental principles of transport systems design and aeronautical engineering to inform sustainable management decision-making within the aviation industry.

This course aims to prepare you for a wide range of career options within the aviation industry, either in the UK or overseas – from airline and airport management to air transport consultancy, roles with industry suppliers and manufacturers or in international logistics.

Previous graduates have progressed to roles in airport and airline operations management, consultancy, finance and revenue management as well as various graduate schemes and further study.