Air Transport Management MSc

Postgraduate

Focus on the sustainable development and management of air transport industry systems as you prepare for leadership roles in the sector.

Year of entry

2025-26

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
With Professional Placement

Duration

1 year full-time
Up to 2 years full-time with professional placement

Course code

EEST001

Start date

September 2025
November 2025
January 2026
March 2026
May 2026
July 2026

How to apply

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Course overview

Address the evolving needs of the increasingly complex and dynamic global air transport industry.

This course will help you:

develop a critical appreciation of air transportation as a global integrated system with multiple interdependencies and trade-offs.
gain expertise in environmental, social, and economic sustainability issues.
refocus your previous studies and prepare for consultancy, management and leadership roles across the air transport sector.

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Ranked 9th Modern University in UK by the Times

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

Ranked 8th for Overall Satisfaction in PTES

Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2024

Why you should study this course

Further develop your multidisciplinary knowledge, critical thinking and analytical skills to make evidence-based decisions and develop innovative solutions that support the industry’s sustainable growth.

Advance your career: support your career aspirations by creating opportunities to apply for management positions at airlines, airports, manufacturers, air navigation service providers, regulators, consultancies, and emerging sectors like advanced air mobility.
Learn from experts: benefit from learning delivered by a diverse team of academics with direct industry experience, strong academic qualifications and a proven track record of research in air transport (staff are subject to change).
Immerse yourself in a specialised learning environment: access a range of technologies, labs and facilities such as flight simulators to enhance your learning experience⁴
Connect with industry leaders: network with industry collaborators, our extensive alumni network, and leverage market-leading aviation intelligence and data to stay ahead of industry trends and improve your analytical capabilities.^2,4
Gain practical experience: boost your CV with an additional professional placement. See the modules for more details.

Accreditation and professional recognition

Chartered Management Institute

This course is designed to include the criteria set out by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) for the CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice. It is expected that students who successfully pass the module Strategic Transport Management and Leadership will be eligible to be considered by CMI for the award as an additional qualification.

This module is undergoing assessment by the CMI to confirm that all criteria are met to the required standard and therefore remains subject to accreditation. Should CMI accreditation not be received by the time you are due to study this module we will write to you to confirm this status.

What you'll study

Explore a comprehensive range of interdisciplinary themes, including the:

economic principles and regulatory frameworks that shape the air transport sector
global issues and trends that shape future air transport systems
strategic planning and design of industry infrastructures and processes to ensure operational efficiency today and for the changing needs of the future
management of air transport operations emphasising the importance of safety, security and customer-centricity
skills for high-level business management decision-making and strategic leadership of change
development of skills to support evidenced-based and data driven decision-making.

Modules

Air Transport Business Environment and Policy - 30 credits

Develop your comprehensive understanding of both the theoretical and practical aspects of the global business environment, focusing on air transport policy and business decision-making. By integrating micro and macro-economic theories, regulatory theory, ethical standards and sustainability concepts, you should develop the conceptualisation skills necessary to address global industry challenges. By utilising data and analytical methods, you should be able to assess the interdependencies and trade-offs within the air transport system.

Compulsory

Air Transport Systems Planning and Design - 30 credits

Work towards enhancing your knowledge and skills to design effective and sustainable air transport system infrastructure. You will be introduced to system concepts that emphasise the interconnectedness of various components within air transport industry. As a result, you can expect to be able to develop strategic infrastructure plans and propose innovative solutions to address challenges in the planning and design of air transport systems, considering technical, environmental, economic, and social criteria. Expect to apply the relevant theories and practices, use data-driven decision-making, and integrate emerging technologies and regulations.

Compulsory

Air Transport Operations, Safety and Security Management - 30 credits

Achieve a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental concepts in operations management, customer service, occupational health, and aviation safety and security. These core areas are essential for developing, managing and optimising air transport systems, and for prioritising customer satisfaction and employee wellbeing. This module should equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively contribute to the various sectors of the air transport industry, including airports, airlines and other key stakeholders.

Compulsory

Strategic Transport Management and Leadership - 30 credits

Enhance your knowledge and skills to strategically lead transport businesses, focusing on management, leadership, marketing, finance and strategic decision-making. The module emphasises the principles of strategy and change management, preparing you to lead strategic change in response to global challenges. You should learn how to analyse the business environment using relevant tools, design corporate plans and communicate strategies effectively. Additionally, it fosters the development of people skills and behaviours necessary for leading diverse teams towards a sustainable transport system.

Compulsory

Master’s with professional placement

If you successfully secure a placement in industry within your first semester, this master’s with professional placement option allows you to extend your 12-month master’s course up to an additional year to complete the placement before starting your final two 30-credit modules.

Gain valuable industry insights and skills as you apply your academic knowledge and skills to a professional placement.
The placement must be sourced and secured by you during your first semester. Our careers and employability team are available to support you with the sourcing process.
Start your professional placement after completing the first 120 credits of your course.
The professional placement will be integrated into your course learning and outcomes. This will take the form of a reflective diary demonstrating your learning and engagement with the placement experience.
The professional placement option is subject to additional fees, living costs, visa requirements, availability, competitive application and university approval of the placement.² For full terms and conditions please visit the extended master’s landing page.

Optional

Transport Research Methods - 30 credits

This module aims to provide you with a thorough understanding of the research methods applicable in transport disciplines. You can expect to learn how to construct comprehensive literature reviews, identify research gaps and formulate relevant research questions and hypotheses. You’ll develop your ability to critically evaluate and apply various research methodologies, including both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The module also aims to enhance your skills in designing research projects, collecting and analysing data. By the end of the module, you should be equipped to develop a rigorous research proposal that meets ethical standards, contributing valuable insights to your respective transportation fields.

Compulsory

Transport Dissertation - 30 credits

This dissertation module aims to develop your ability to creatively address complex transport business problems by critically applying relevant theories and principles. You will design a robust research framework, employ appropriate research methods and conduct ethical research to derive evidence-based conclusions. Emphasis is placed on professional behaviour, sustainable solutions to global challenges within the transport industry and interdisciplinary collaboration. By the end of this module, you should’ve enhanced your skills in critically analysing and synthesising existing research, identifying research gaps and contributing to the advancement of knowledge in your field, effectively communicating your research findings.

Compulsory

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.

How you'll learn

Teaching and learning methods may include:

lectures
seminars
tutorials
presentations
group projects
workshops
industry-relevant case studies
guest speakers
practical laboratory sessions.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time postgraduate student, you will study modules totalling 180 credits each academic year. A typical 30-credit module requires a total of 300 hours of study. Study hours are made up of teaching contact hours, and guided and independent study.

Teaching hours

Teaching hours may vary, depending on where you are in your studies, but on average you will have between 8 and 12 teaching and learning hours each week. You will also have the opportunity to attend optional sessions including time with a Success Coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback.

Guided and independent study

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You will be digging deeper into topics, reviewing what you’ve learnt and completing assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress to the end of your studies, you’ll spend more time on independent learning.

Online learning

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods, including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which could vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods may include:

portfolios
reports
tests
essays
practical coursework
assignments
viva
presentations.

The Coventry University assessment strategy aims to ensure that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

An honours degree 2:2 or above (or international equivalent) or a relevant professional qualification alongside sector experience at a professional level.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

If you do not have the typical entry requirements, you may want to consider studying this course with an international pre-master's. Upon successful completion our IPM should provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to progress onto this postgraduate degree.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

Typical entry requirements

An honours degree 2:2 or above (or international equivalent) or a relevant professional qualification alongside sector experience at a professional level.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£11,200 £1,500 professional placement fee (if placement secured)	Not available
EU	£11,200 per year with EU Support Bursary £1,500 professional placement fee (if placement secured) per year with EU Support Bursary £18,600 per year without EU Support Bursary £1,800 professional placement fee (if placement secured) per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	£18,600 £1,800 professional placement fee (if placement secured)	Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees³and student loans visit our Postgraduate Finance page and see the university's Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

Activity-led learning is a key element on courses within the school and the university has invested heavily in the College of Engineering, Environment and Science. This investment includes the facilities and equipment available for practical activities. These include: 

a full-size Harrier jet
flight simulators
market-leading aviation intelligence
transport process design simulation software.

People walking in front of a building which has a big library sign

Lanchester Library

The library is usually open 24/7, in term-time. It’s where you can access your course’s specialist Academic Liaison Librarian. It’s also home to specialist teams which can support you with your academic writing and maths and statistics questions.

Glass modern building with a spire in the background

The Hub

The Hub is the centre of student life on campus. Facilities include a food court, convenience store, multi-faith centre, medical centre, hairdresser, coffee shops and the Your SU offices. It has fully licensed function spaces and a bar.

Two people working together with a laptop in front of them

Careers and employability

Get one-on-one career and employability guidance lasting up to 36 months from the end of your course. We’ll help you find placements and graduate roles, offer CV and application checks, mentoring, skills workshops, employer events and more.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Careers and opportunities

On successful completion of this course, you could find yourself employed in management positions at airlines, airports, manufacturers, air navigation services, regulators, consultancies and evolving sectors such as advanced air mobility across the globe.

Typical jobs can include:

Aviation business analysts
Airline network planners/analysts
Air service development analysts
Fleet and schedules planners
Airport planners
Airport/Airline operations/safety/security/emergency response managers.

Where our graduates work

Graduates of this course have gone on to work for companies including:

Ryanair
Wizz Air
British Airways
RDC Aviation
DPD Group
Jet2.com
Manchester Airport Group
Fraport
Norwegian
DHL
Virgin Atlantic
ValuJet
Bombardier
Bengaluru International Airport
AGS Airports
Star Alliance
Flexjet
Air Ambulance Technology GmbH
Gambia Civil Aviation Authority.

How to apply

UK students

To apply to study for a postgraduate course at Coventry University, you can apply online. Please read the entry criteria page before applying.

Start your application

For further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form.

International students

Full-time international students should apply directly to the university. Please read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for postgraduate degrees view our International hub.

You can also download our international mini guide for an overview of study options and why you should study with us.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

applications.io@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form.

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations, partnerships and memberships

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply. See the relevant body website for more details). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships are subject to successful renewal in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. If the accreditation, recognition or membership of this course changes, we will seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

Where relevant, the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) module content is undergoing assessment by the CMI to confirm that all criteria are met to the required standard. Whilst it is expected that students who successfully pass the module will be eligible to be considered by CMI for the CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice as an additional qualification, we cannot confirm this until the accreditation is approved. This is a normal part of the continuous improvement process for our courses to ensure they remain up-to-date and reflect best practice.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University 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.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

⁴Facilities

Student Contract

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 current 2025/2026 contract is available on the website. 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.