Overview
In today’s globalised world, we have come to rely heavily on civil aviation – not only for international tourism, but also to keep the supply chains of many industry sectors running smoothly. For perishable commodities, such as fresh food or cut flowers, there is no alternative.
This MSc course seeks to prepare students to be successful senior managers and leaders in the highly competitive international air transport industry. To help deliver this, the course has been designed to offer two alternative pathways.
The ‘Business Management’ pathway is for graduates of any discipline, wishing to acquire and develop high-level skills central to the application of a sustainable, analytical and problem-solving approach to Air Transport Management. This pathway provides an opportunity for graduates in any discipline with an interest in aviation to re-orientate their studies and prepare for management roles in the air transport sector. This pathway can set you on course to achieve exemption from the academic requirement for Membership of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT).
The ‘Leading Change’ pathway is designed specifically for graduates who have already studied Aviation or Air Transport Management at undergraduate level and who are seeking to extend and deepen their learning and capabilities in the field. This pathway introduces advanced concepts such as alternative views of strategy, change and project management not usually covered in undergraduate aviation management courses. Students on this pathway are also challenged to develop their leadership capabilities with the goal of being ready to challenge convention and identify potentially disruptive and sustainable solutions to management problems in the sector.
Coventry University has an established reputation within the air transport and aerospace industry and a key advantage is the many opportunities for professional interaction through a programme of industry site visits, visiting guest lecturers and possibilities for participation on client-based group and individual project work.
Work placement option
This master's programme provides you with the additional option to apply for a 'work placement' opportunity during your first semester with us. The 'work placement' is designed to further develop your skills, knowledge and professional experience with the aim of maximising your employability prospects. Please note that the optional placement modules incur an additional tuition fee of £4,000. Find out more about the work placement pathway.
Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that any such opportunities referred to on this webpage may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.
Why Coventry University?
An award-winning university, we are committed to providing our students with the best possible experience. We continue to invest in both our facilities and our innovative approach to education. Our students benefit from industry-relevant teaching, and resources and support designed to help them succeed. These range from our modern library and computing facilities to dedicated careers advice and our impressive Students’ Union activities.
COVID-19
The University may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via emerging online technologies and methods across all courses. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2020/2021 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.
Due to the ongoing restrictions relating to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.
Global ready
An international outlook, with global opportunitiesEmployability
Career-ready graduates, with the skills to succeedStudent experience
All the support you need, in a top student cityAccreditation & Professional Recognition
This course is accredited and recognised by the following bodies:
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT)
The Business Management pathway on this course is currently accredited by The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) and has accreditation until 2023 and offers full exemption from the educational requirements for Chartered Membership*. Accreditation for the ‘Leading Change’ pathway is being sought (subject to the student achieving a minimum overall pass mark of 50%).
Chartered Management Institute
As part of this course you will undertake a professional development module which is currently accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) for the 2020-21 intake. Upon successful completion of the module, you will gain the CMI Leading Strategic Change through Creativity and Innovation at no additional cost. Further details can be found under the ‘course detail’ tab and on the Professional Development module homepage.
Coventry University’s accreditation with CMI is currently ongoing for the relevant modules and is regularly reviewed and monitored by the CMI through their quality systems. Whilst Coventry University anticipates that these reviews will continue to be successful, if they were to be unsuccessful, the relevant module in this course would no longer be accredited and we would notify applicants and students of this change as soon as possible.
Affiliate Members of CMI on enrolment onto this course
What our students say...
My Master’s Degree from Coventry University provided me with the necessary skills and knowledge to quickly secure a job with one of Europe’s largest airlines. Just short of two years from graduating from Coventry, I am now Director of Passenger Services of two fast growing international airports in Germany. With less industry experience than other candidates, having a Master’s degree in Air Transport Management has undoubtedly provided me with a strategic advantage in this competitive industry.
Course information
The programme aims to foster an analytical understanding of the holistic nature of aviation management, together with a comprehensive knowledge of the functional nature of the business of air transportation, including the objectives, physical and human requirements needed to facilitate high quality and seamless transportation of people, products and services throughout the world.
Referring to current developments in international and national aviation businesses, we can teach you to systematically and creatively evaluate all aspects of air transport management (ATM) to improve business and management practice.
The subject range is vast and diverse, incorporating, for example, aspects of marketing and product development, such as how to create an effective brand and inflight experience for a modern airline or how to influence consumer choices, as well as how human factors impact safety culture. Particular attention is given to the tools and techniques used to establish the best combination of people and technology, including project management, logistics, production management and many more practices promoted by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT).
Course Specification
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Modules
We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.
In more detail...
Dependent on an effective global infrastructure, air transportation in the 21st century is a transnational industry, which generates over US$425 billion per year and directly employs more than 5.6 million people worldwide (ICAO 2019). Air Transport Management (ATM) requires airlines, service providers and authorities on the ground to work together to ensure day-to-day operations run safely and smoothly amid pressures for increasingly low-cost operations in a rapidly changing global environment.
This course aims to develop managers who will make a significant contribution to senior level aviation management with an emphasis on the specific roles and skills required in real life-situations. We'll help to familiarise you with issues and concerns as diverse as the impact of aviation on the global economy, the environment and on people in terms of employment and the ability to conduct business and keep in touch with friends and family. You will also consider the threat posed by terrorism, bio-hazards and the challenges of managing an increasingly crowded airspace.
We currently have extensive links across the aviation industry, with companies as diverse as Airbus, British Airways, Lufthansa, Cathay Pacific Airways, TUI, Jet2, Airbus, London Heathrow Airport, Birmingham Airport Ltd, Star Alliance, UBM Aviation Routes and many others. We currently also have an established link with the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Airports Council International (Europe), International Association of Aviation and Aerospace Education (ALICANTO), Air Transport and Aeronautics Education and Research (ATAERA and other professional and regulatory organisations.
A distinctive aspect of our programme is the strong industry contact we can offer. You may have opportunities to visit small, regional and hub airports and airlines (subject to availability and additional costs my apply). Past visits have included Birmingham, Coventry, East Midlands, Dublin, London Heathrow and Luton Airports, where you can evaluate passenger and cargo operations, aviation safety, security and emergency planning. You may also have opportunities to hear directly about the experiences of our guest speakers from airlines, aviation consultancies and suppliers, including aviation software, airport slot coordination, handling agents and equipment manufacturers (subject to availability).
You will be taught by academic staff, who together, have decades of relevant aviation industry experience, both here in the UK and overseas in airport, airline and tour operations management. Their research expertise ranges from airline strategy to global issues and human factors in aviation with recent and ongoing research in the areas of regulatory liberalisation, sustainability and airspace regulation among others.
If you are already working within the industry, it may be possible to fit part-time study around your professional career.
- Coventry University has received the prestigious ‘Gold Award’ in the 2017 Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).
- Exceptional student experience on the course. The programme achieved the score of 89% on overall student satisfaction in the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2018.
- Seminars from guest speakers from airlines, tour operators, suppliers and air transport consultancies, which have previously included AAIB, ACL Airport Co-ordination Ltd, Air Transport News, Aviation Security International, NSAI, East Midlands Airport, Birmingham Airport Ltd, Seabury, SSA and York Aviation (subject to availability).
- Study in our £50m Engineering and Computing building, with access to significant industry simulation software and aviation data sources, including Airline Business, AirlineOnline, Air Transport World, Arena, Simulate, capstats.com, flightglobal.pro, Apex and airportcharges.com.
- Current strong industry links have been established with a number of companies and organisations including: a number of UK, European and other overseas airports; airlines including British Airways, DHL, Jet2 and TUI; IATA, ICAO, ALICANTO, ATAERA, ACI (Europe), air transport consultancies and suppliers; tour operators; handling agents; and aircraft manufacturers including Airbus, Swissport, ACL Airport Coordination Ltd, UBM Aviation Routes/ASM, rdc Route Development Company, SH&E, Seabury Aviation, York Aviation, 3Sixty digital marketing).
- Active engagement in the iIndustry events organised by IATA, ACI (Europe), ALICANTO (ICAO), ATRS, EATEO & ATAERA etc.
- Opportunity for students to participate in iIndustry renowned events such as World Routes, Routes Europe (Subject to availability, application, meeting visa requirements and additional costs)
Free subscription to the industry-standard online news and database service Cirium and Routesonline, providing you with news updates from the aviation sector as it happens.
Your main study themes are:
- Finance, Economics, Marketing and Data Analytics: We will encourage you to look at how airlines in particular set and achieve their strategic objectives, as well as considering demand for aviation products and services, together with their associated costs. Revenue management will be considered alongside key industry trends, problems, and developments which influence how technology helps market products and services effectively and ethically.
- Planning Design and Operations: We aim to develop the knowledge and skills to manage both the development of airports as complex systems aimed at delivering a service to different stakeholders, such as airlines, airports, passengers, owners and service providers. We will consider the physical, environmental and economic factors which constrain the capacity and operation of an airport in terms of the movement of aircraft, the services provided to airlines and the usage of passengers and cargo terminals. Operationally we will consider scheduling, route structure and planning, fleet acquisition and assignment, crew scheduling, maintenance scheduling, gate assignment and aircraft load planning.
- Safety, Security and Business Resilience: Business Management pathway students will explore current approaches and applicable regulations to aviation safety and security, encompassing Safety Management Systems (SMS), human factors and the use of technology applicable to aircraft, airports, flights and airline operations. We also consider essential procedures for coping with air and ground emergencies. Leading Change pathway students will examine advanced research in the field of crisis and resilience management and consider how to strategically apply this to the air transport sector.
- Project Management: This practical transferable skillset is not only highly valued by employers, it is an essential capability for managers in today’s commercial and operational environment.
You can start in September. The course can be studied full-time over one year or on a part-time basis with modules studied alongside the full-time students. Whilst we would like to give you all the information about our part-time offering here, it is tailored for each course each year depending on the number of part-time applicants. Therefore, the part-time teaching arrangements vary. Please request information about studying this course part-time.
Your course will be based on a series of lectures, with associated seminars and practical workshop classes. We incorporate a wide range of learning and teaching methods as part of our innovative activity-led learning, such as projects, problem-solving scenarios, case studies or enquiry-based learning in a classroom, laboratory or work setting.
For example, in considering airline strategy, we use a number of real-life case studies drawn from the current fast-moving global airline scene. For example, how Middle Eastern Carriers have challenged and changed the wider global airline operating environment or how Low Cost Carriers are evolving to meet increasing competition and increasing customer expectations.
We aim to run an inspiring programme of guest speakers (subject to availability), which in the past has featured: an airline start-up guru and chief operating officer; a security manager; chief fire officer; highly experienced airline scheduling expert; professional and personal development expert; a vice-president of airline route development and Ryanair’s former head of new routes; and the chief operating officer at Birmingham Airport.
We may also organise an exciting programme of field trips, which have in the past included visits to DHL Air Cargo Hub at East Midlands Airport and the British Airways Emergency Coordination Centre at Heathrow, Heathrow Terminals 2 and 3 and Birmingham Airport. Where possible, you will also be given opportunities to attend conferences organised by Routes and the Royal Aeronautical Society. The university regularly hosts an IATA training seminar and students are invited to attend.
Please note that we are unable to guarantee any trip, internship, placement or study abroad opportunities and that any such opportunities referred to on this webpage may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.
This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which could vary depending upon the module. We utilise diversified assessments such as reports, essays, presentations, group work and in-class tests to provide opportunities for learners to apply skills learnt on the course to solve real-world aviation industry problems. We embed our module delivery with formative sessions so that learners can independently achieve the intended outcomes of the summative assessment.
The Coventry University assessment strategy aims to ensure that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards the achieving the intended learning outcomes.
On successful completion of the programme you should be able to:
- Select and apply appropriate systematic methods of analysis to critically evaluate and solve complex air transport management problems.
- Critically evaluate and synthesise appropriate theory and practice underpinning the strategic management of aviation, including legal and regulatory requirements.
- Critically analyse current challenges in global aviation and propose innovative or disruptive operational solutions, based on technical, environmental, economic and social criteria.
- Make and justify decisions for selecting, developing and optimising appropriate systems and processes to ensure aviation safety and security; efficient operational management and the establishment of effective business continuity planning.
- Demonstrate the application of regulatory and ethical principles associated with financial, marketing and other aspects of strategic management in the air transport sector.
- Apply the necessary study and research skills to support the analytical, critical and reflective requirements of written, oral and group assignments.
- Demonstrate knowledge, understanding and application of the skills required to deliver effective project planning, resourcing and scheduling, individually and as part of a team.
- Clearly communicate research concepts, solutions and recommendations and demonstrate a professional approach to written and / or oral presentation.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principles of entrepreneurial practice and the theories and practices of leadership.
Actual teaching contact hours will vary depending on the requirements of a particular semester, you will study two taught semesters and 1 project semester over the course of the year. For taught semesters, In a typical week your contact hours will be divided amongst personal tutorials, medium group teaching in tutorial sessions, labs and workshops activities as well as large group teaching in lectures. Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study approximately 35 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules. The number of contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 12 contact hours per week in the taught semesters. Your project- based semester will be supervisor supported, self-directed study in the region of 38 hours per week as well as supervisor meetings around 1 hour per week and optional workshops supporting your project, which can add up to 10 additional hours across your project semester.
The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials. As an innovative and enterprising institution, the University may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the University may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.
The University may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via emerging online technologies and methods across all courses. In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2020/2021 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.
Due to the ongoing restrictions relating to Covid-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.
The University is committed to providing a global educational experience, which is reflected throughout the teaching experience. The course has previously recruited diverse international graduates and promotes multicultural experiences.
Air transport management is a global business and to increase your employability, the course content reflects this. We benefit from strong relationships with air transport and aviation management programmes through Europe, in the United States the Middle East, ASEAN and East Asia, including Purdue University, Emirates Aviation University, City University of Hong Kong and University of Indonesia. There may be opportunities for you to complete international study or work placements as part of your course.
In addition to the international field trips and student mobility opportunities provided by our Global Leaders Programme (GLP), we have introduced Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) projects, which have proved highly popular across other courses within the University, providing the chance to collaborate on projects with students on similar courses throughout the world.
Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that any such opportunities referred to on this webpage may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.
Entry Requirements
Tuition Fees
We pride ourselves on offering competitive tuition fees which we review on an annual basis and offer a wide range of scholarships to support students with their studies. Course fees are calculated on the basis of what it costs to teach each course and we aim for total financial transparency.
Additional costs
This course may incur additional costs associated with any field trips, placements or work experience, study abroad opportunities or any other opportunity (whether required or optional), which could include (but is not limited to) travel, accommodation, activities and visas.This course may incur additional costs associated with any equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire.
EU student fees
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year remain eligible for the same fees as home students and the same financial support. Financial support comes from Student Finance England, and covers undergraduate and postgraduate study for the duration of their course, providing they meet the residency requirement.
For tuition fee loans
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year must have resided in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland for the three years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that three year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
For maintenance loans
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year must have resided in the UK and Islands for the five years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that five year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
Career prospects
Graduate Immigration Route visa
Based on current information from the UK Government, international students whose study extends beyond summer 2021 may be eligible for a visa under the UK Government’s Graduate Immigration Route, which will enable students to stay and work, or look for work, in the UK at any skill level for up to two (2) years. Check the most up to date guidance available to check your eligibility and any updates from the UK Government before making an application or enrolment decision.
Air transport is one of the world’s growth industries and is projected to continue to experience ongoing growth until at least 2050. This growth brings significant challenges in recruitment of suitable personnel at all levels, including management.
After the United States, the UK has the second largest aerospace industry in Europe and the third largest in the world, second largest aerospace industry in Europe and the third largest in the world, employing around 230,000 people in over 3,000 companies, including BAE Systems, GKN and Rolls-Royce, and a range of international companies with operations in the UK, such as Airbus, Cobham, Agusta-Westland, Finmeccanica, Thales, Boeing and Bombardier. There are opportunities nationally and globally with aerospace companies, airlines, airports and third party service providers including handling agents and tour operators.
This programme is designed with the aim of developing the strategic managerial skills necessary to meet the challenges currently facing the air transport industry today. You should also develop a wide range of transferrable professional skills during your studies, including the ability to produce written reports and deliver oral presentations, engage in self-directed study, operate as part of a team, demonstrate a critical awareness of professional, legal, social and ethical issues. As such, it aims to equip you with the skills and expertise required to pursue a successful career in various sectors of the air transport industry, such as airlines, air navigation service providers, airport companies and authorities, civil aviation departments, air transport consultancies and aerospace companies.
Coventry University is committed to preparing you for your future career and giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. The university’s Talent Team provide a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your career.
Where our graduates work
Previous graduates are now following management careers with airlines and airport operators, regulatory and industry representative bodies and consultancy in the UK and around the world.
Disclaimer
By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2021/22 Contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.
The tuition fee for the course that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For UK and EU students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation. Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, EU students should be aware that there may be a change to UK laws following the UK’s exit, this may change their student status, their eligibility to study part time, and/or their eligibility for student finance. We will act in accordance with the UK’s laws in force in relation to student tuition fees and finance from time to time.
For International students the tuition fee that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For international students, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation.
