There are six main study themes that act as the foundation for all of the individual modules:
Research Inspired Teaching:
Teaching staff are encouraged to be research active. The number of PhDs within the teaching team is growing and the publication and conference presence of the members of the team is also increasing. At the time of writing, a further PhD is approaching completion.
The course is currently represented on several International bodies and organisations that promote research, education and training in aviation. These provide access to contemporary research and industry practice as well as opportunities to promote our students and graduates to potential employers. Taking a leading role in some of these organisations also creates opportunities to host meetings and conferences at Coventry University.
Research skills are taught throughout all levels of the course and are embedded within the delivery of many of the modules. In Year 1, students are introduced to the fundamentals of data analysis and at in Year 2, operational research methods are explicitly taught. In Year 3, you will have the opportunity to demonstrate your research skills through the preparation of a Project Proposal and production of an individual Dissertation Report.
Embedded Employability
This is an integral part of the course whereby we seek to distinguish our provision from other providers in the sector. We have a diverse team of current lecturers representing specialist areas within the industry and as such, aim to deliver a course with a strong applied industry focus. We work closely with our Industry Advisory Board to identify opportunities for both our placement students and our graduates. This has been complemented by out Talent Team, working closely with us to deliver workshops on CV development and interview techniques.
Students on the course have had opportunities to attend industry visits* to East Midlands, Heathrow and Birmingham Airports. Industry speakers have also been a regular feature of the course and a particular focus has been to increase the gender and ethnic diversity of these speakers, to ensure that the curriculum delivery reflects the student cohort and the international context of the industry.
You will be encouraged to develop a professional online presence and network from an early stage in the course. At the end of the second year, an average of between 20 – 25 students secure industry placements* with companies such as Airbus, Rolls-Royce, NATS, DHL, UTC, Skyteam, Star Alliance, Privatefly amongst others.
Creativity and Enterprise
These are essential skills for any graduate entering the workplace. Through the delivery of our modules, you will be encouraged to develop and create innovative solutions to challenging problems. This is achieved in a number of ways and assignment briefs are written to encourage you to explore various options for a given scenario, carry out self-guided research to inform your decisions and produce your solution through creative means. The course also engages with industry and invites specialist professionals to present guest lectures and run seminars with students (subject to availability).
In Year 1, students are invited to work together to create a commercially viable proposal to facilitate the development of aviation infrastructure. In Year 2, simulation software is used to encourage students to secure commercial competitive advantage by developing a creative approach to route development.
Intercultural and International Engagement
This is fundamental to the delivery of our course which is international by nature. The course traditionally recruits an international cohort that could enrich your learning experience. Many of our graduates could meet each other throughout their careers and will likely be part of professional networks which often transcend borders.
Course content is also delivered from an international perspective through case studies and examples. The teaching team also seeks to reflect the international diversity of the industry. Internationalisation is also supported by opportunities for international field trips*, normally offered at the end of Year 2. Further opportunities have also been created with industry partners for students to attend international industry conferences and networking events.*
Community Contribution and Responsibility
Sustainability and social responsibility is a key theme that runs throughout the delivery of the course, both explicitly and implicitly. You will be encouraged and expected to develop a responsible and ethical approach to aviation management. This is reinforced through engagement with guest lecturers (subject to availability) and professional bodies. Students on the course have the opportunity to contribute to the sense of community within the student body and their interactions with staff.
Innovation and Digital Literacy
This is fundamental to the teaching and learning strategy and has been employed through the course design as well as the proposed delivery of both content and assessment. The course aims to provide you with the skills required to live and work within a digital society. For example, you may be encouraged to develop a professional social media presence and personal professional online brand from day one. Simulation and data handling are embedded within the course and software packages are available for use.
The course is delivered through the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and all learning resources are digitally available, thereby facilitating learning anytime and anywhere.
*Please note that we are unable to guarantee any event, field trip, placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities 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.