Aviation Management BSc (Hons) with foundation year

Get a holistic introduction to the aviation industry as a complex system comprising a large number of components and stakeholders, all interconnected by the need to comply with global and national regulations, and interdependent to operate safely, efficiently and sustainably.

This module introduces you to the challenges posed by the global environment and invites you to begin to form views about developing an ethical approach to management practices.

Module content includes:

• an introduction to the aviation ecosystem concept and its relationship with the global socio-economic context
• the aviation environment and contemporary challenges
• the role of global, regional and national regulators
• the physical geography of the world as it impacts aviation
• the sustainability challenges and opportunities facing those who manage the aviation industry, both currently and in the future.

Compulsory

Learn the core management and business functions as you begin your journey as a future manager in the aviation industry.

You will explore how these functions work together to create value in a contemporary aviation management context. Gain a fundamental understanding of the concepts of demand and supply, and cost and revenue in aviation services, along with methods for data collection, analysis and visualisation to secure fundamental skills in data management for aviation.

Module content includes:

• the role of management in value creation within an aviation business-systems approach
• business functions in an aviation organisation
• principle economic and financial concepts in aviation
• data analysis and data visualisation.

Compulsory

Learn the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to effectively manage airport planning and development projects. By integrating key project management principles with airport operations, gain an understanding of risk assessment, budgeting, resource management and change control. A strong emphasis is placed on sustainable airport planning and operational efficiency, enabling you to make informed decisions that promote safe, efficient and compliant airport development.

Module content includes:

• airport infrastructure and operations
• operational management and efficiency
• airport development and finance
• project definition and scope
• budgeting, cost and resource management
• time management and change control.

Compulsory

Get a broad introduction to the fundamental concepts of and approaches to aeronautical engineering. Cover the principal characteristics of modern aircraft propulsion, avionics systems, stability and manoeuvrability together with the essentials of aircraft structures and aerodynamics.

The module emphasises the importance of aircraft maintenance and meteorological factors affecting aircraft performance and safety. The connections between theory and practice are realised with emphasis being on the application of knowledge rather than on exposure to advanced science and mathematics.

Module content includes:

• aerospace engineering science
• engineering materials
• aircraft systems
• sustainable aviation
• introduction to aircraft maintenance
• aircraft safety.

Compulsory

Explore the intricacies of global supply chain and logistics management, with a particular focus on aviation cargo handling and operations. Examine the interconnected stages of the supply chain—from sourcing and transportation to warehousing and distribution—while also addressing the distinct challenges and innovations in air freight logistics.

By exploring digitalisation, technological progress, global trade dynamics and sustainability issues, this module aims to provide you with essential skills to evaluate, design and optimise supply chain processes and aviation cargo operations within a dynamic global context.

Module content includes:

• global logistics and supply chain management
• tactical decision-making in inventory management,
• warehousing and multi-modal transport
• air cargo operations. 

Compulsory

Get equipped with the knowledge and practical skills in aviation operations, safety and security and learn to develop sustainable solutions to the challenges posed by the high-risk aviation environment. Explore airport operations, risk management, regulatory compliance and crisis response strategies while engaging with real-world case studies, industry-standard software tools,⁴ and contemporary research.

By integrating management principles, data analysis and stakeholder engagement, this module helps you to make evidence-based decisions that could enhance business performance, operational efficiency, and meet regulatory compliance in the aviation industry.

Module learning includes:

• airport operations and infrastructure management
• aviation safety and risk management
• aviation security and threat management
• emergency planning and crisis response
• data-driven decision-making and technology in aviation management
• management and leadership in aviation.

Compulsory

Develop your knowledge and understanding of the theoretical concepts that underpin the marketing and customer management functions in the aviation industry.

Learn contemporary marketing theories related to the marketing mix, consumer behaviour, market research, pricing and revenue management, marketing strategy, integrated marketing communications and digital marketing as they relate to an aviation business, deriving marketing insights with the application of relevant analytical tools.

Learn skills for continuous service delivery and improvement, as well as methods and tools for customer service process design and service quality management, ensuring a great customer journey. Ethics and legal principles underpinning marketing and customer service will be delivered to ensure sustainable marketing and customer service practices.

Module content includes:

• airline marketing concepts
• market research, data and digitalisation
• contemporary factors influencing the airline marketing practices
• the role of customer service management and customer journey mapping
• customer service communication skills, problem-solving models and methods to collect feedback
• service quality, standards and customer service policy design
• ethical framework and leadership.

Compulsory

This module aims to equip you with essential skills and techniques applicable to various applied research contexts in aviation.

Learn about the research process, understand the role of a literature review and how to conduct one, and explore quantitative and qualitative data collection methods and analysis techniques.

Demonstrate your ability to apply academic research skills and professional practitioner skills, such as problem-solving, creativity and technical abilities, while adhering to ethical codes of practice.

The module emphasises methodical planning, record keeping, self-management and effective communication.

Module content includes:

• introduction to research methods, process and ethics
• literature review
• research design
• quantitative data analysis and statistics
• qualitative data analysis
• data collection methods
• research writing and presenting.

Compulsory

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

This module aims to equip you with the knowledge and analytical skills for planning effective airline networks, scheduling flights, and understanding the role of airports in route development.

You will utilise quantitative network analysis, demand forecasting techniques and qualitative information to plan and optimise simulated airline networks. Assess the factors influencing air travel demand and supply and its fluctuations, emphasising the importance of both long-term planning and a coherent and efficient scheduling process across the airline operation.

By considering the interdependence of resources such as aircraft, crew and support functions, learn to maintain service quality and maximise revenue. Through optimisation theory and practice, simulate the schedule planning process, preparing for real-world aviation challenges.

Module subjects include:

• network planning and management
• airline network structures and connectivity concepts
• network and schedule planning regulatory environment
• demand analysis, forecasting and route feasibility
• network and schedule planning and optimisation
• stakeholder engagement and relationships in route development.

Compulsory

Develop your ability to critically evaluate and build the long-term strategic direction of aviation businesses. You will be introduced to strategic and financial management decision analysis tools. Learn to evaluate and develop sound and financially feasible corporate, business and functional level strategies in aviation businesses.

You'll also be introduced to theoretical perspectives on Human Resource Management (HRM) and explore current areas of debate. This will demonstrate how the effective management of people is crucial for airlines to achieve sustained competitive advantage.

Module content includes:

• aviation strategy, development, evaluation and financial analysis
• aviation strategic contexts
• theoretical perspectives in people management in aviation.

Compulsory

Explore a range of current conceptual and thematic issues related to sustainability and aviation. You will be exposed to the paradoxical controversy of how the global increase in aviation contributes to climate change and other social problems such as over-tourism, while supporting global economic growth.

The module will consider a range of policy and technological proposals to manage or mitigate the negative impacts of the increase in global aviation. Develop your informed critical perspectives on these issues and offer possible management and policy recommendations.

Module content includes:

• theoretical concepts
• sustainable transport and aviation
• sustainable tourism and aviation
• sustainable aircraft and technologies
• policies and regulation for sustainable aviation.

Compulsory

Learn to apply and develop your research skills and extend your knowledge, understanding and critical thinking.

You will choose an appropriate academic topic or an applied aviation industry problem and utilise your independent learning skills to research this area in-depth and provide recommendations with relevance for practitioners.

The project produced by you should demonstrate knowledge of the subject and showcase critical analysis of the models, concepts and theories associated with the subject selected. You should evaluate evidence and provide pragmatic recommendations to help solve the research problem.

Successful completion of the project will require methodical planning, record keeping and self-management, effective communication, execution and delivery of an individual project. As part of this module, you are required to submit an online ethics application, to obtain ethical approval for the project that you are proposing to undertake. Support and guidance will be supported by project supervision.

Compulsory