Aviation Management BSc (Hons)

 

Course Code

UCAS Code: HG67
International Code: EECU068

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

 

Study mode

Full-time
Part-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
6 years part-time

Start date

September 2022

How to apply
Book an Open Day
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Course overview

Study level: Undergraduate

Aviation Management BSc (Hons) is a highly focused business management degree, designed to develop resilient professionals able to proactively apply specialist knowledge, skills and capabilities in a diverse, global aviation industry.

  • The course focuses on 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 encourages individuals with an enthusiasm for commercial aviation to develop and expand their understanding and engagement of the sector. Our aim is to raise your aspirations for management and positions of leadership that could help shape the future of the industry. The course offers an opportunity for individuals from a broad range of subject interests, experiences and backgrounds to develop the knowledge, skills and capabilities commonly required to chart a successful career within the aviation industry.
  • The course brings together management and transport systems theory, economics, aerospace engineering, logistics, transport geography, regulation and safety. It aims to provide a progressive learning journey, culminating in a holistic appreciation of the complexities of the global aviation ecosystem. Our current expert course team offer academic expertise and practical industry experience with an aim to immerse you in applied learning; utilising simulation, practical activities and exposure to industry.
  • The course threads 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 (level 6), 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.
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Global Ready

An international outlook, with global opportunities
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Teaching excellence

Taught by lecturers who are experts in their field
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Employability

Career ready graduates, with the skills to succeed

Why you should study this course

The 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. In so doing, the course should raise aspirations for management and positions of leadership that will shape the future of the industry.

Fundamentally, the course offers the opportunity to:

  • Study the multifaceted aviation ecosystem and its interaction within the dynamic environment in which it operates;
  • Develop an understanding of the cohesive nature of the sector and the interaction between business and operational management;
  • Expand the personal attributes of resilience, professionalism and integrity for a wide range of career opportunities within the aviation industry;
  • Develop lifelong learning skills and personal development to contribute to the continued development of the sector and society at large.

 

Practically, the course offers:

  • Studying facilities in Coventry University’s modern and well-equipped Engineering and Computing building, with access to significant industry simulation software and aviation data sources;
  • The chance to attend guest lectures (subject to availability) from 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 organisations such as Aviation Security International, NATS, Birmingham Airport Ltd, Heathrow Airport Limited, IATA, the Civil Aviation Authority, Jet2.com and British Airways;
  • The opportunity to participate in hosted site visits to major and regional airlines and airports within the UK and overseas *
  • Free student membership of WES, the Women’s Engineering Society, which is an Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity society open to all regardless of gender identity.

Accredited by:

Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT)

Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT)

Aviation Management BSc (Hons) is accredited as suitable for exemption from the academic requirements for Chartered Membership (CMILT) of the Chartered Institution of Logistics and Transport (CILT) (UK) up to July 2023. If any changes occur with respect to our accreditation related to this course, we will seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

I’m getting great opportunities to get stuck into some big projects, including the new fast track immigration system. I enjoy the technical aspects of the airport operation and I’ve been supported and encouraged to flourish here.

Giles Baldwin, BSc (Hons) Aviation Management, graduated 2019
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Stepping outside your comfort zone

Attending conferences is seen an important part of the learning experience for any Aviation Management student. As student Chaima Boucetta explains, it could turn out to be one of the most rewarding and fascinating experiences you encounter.

Read her story
Chaima Boucetta

What you'll study

Under the study themes of ‘Ecosystem’ in semester 1 and ‘Technical’ in semester 2, the modules in year one (level 4) aim to provide you with a fundamental understanding of the aviation ecosystem, a foundation of business management, economics, finance and data analytics, airport planning and design and an introduction to aeronautical engineering.

Modules

  • The module aims to introduce students to the functional aspects of business organisations and to support them as they begin the journey of becoming future managers in the aviation industry. Core business functions such as Marketing, Finance, Operations and Human Resource Management will be introduced and contextualised within the aviation business environment.

    Compulsory

  • The module offers a holistic introduction to the aviation industry as a complex system comprising a large number of components and stakeholders, all inter-connected by the need to comply with global and national regulations, and inter-dependent on each other to operate safely, efficiently and sustainably.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to provide students with a fundamental understanding of financial and economic aspects of aviation management. It examines how demand and supply for aviation services is generated, and considers airline and airport costs, revenues, pricing; alongside an investigation of key economic and financial performance, trends and developments in aviation management.

    Compulsory

  • The module provides the students with an understanding of the airport as a complex entity, comprised of multiple stakeholders & components, and subject to both numerous regulatory requirements and to pressures essential for sustainable development.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to give the student a broad introduction to the fundamental concepts and approaches of aeronautical engineering. It covers the principal characteristics of modern aircraft propulsion, hydraulic and avionics systems together with the essentials of aircraft structures and aerodynamics.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to introduce students to fundamental concepts of project management, applied within the context of the Aviation Industry. The module will provide students with the necessary skills, strategies and tools to support project management processes and outcomes not only in their careers, but across the entire Aviation Management course.

    Compulsory

  • You will also be able to take an Add+vantage module which can allow you to develop your CV by taking credits in an area of study that doesn’t have to be related to your degree. The assessment type will depend on the type of Add+vantage module you wish to take.

    Compulsory

Under the study themes of ‘Operations’ in semester 1 and ‘Business’ in semester 2, the modules in Year 2 (level 5) focus on airport operations, maintenance management, aviation safety, logistics, marketing and air service development and predictive analytics.

Modules

  • Marketing is a core business function in any industry. Airlines operate in a highly competitive environment and Marketing and Route development is considered vital for the well-being of the airline industry and the commercial air transport system. Airline Marketing and Air Service Development is a module that seeks to evaluate and apply marketing theory to an industry specific context using specialised software to support management decision making.

    Compulsory

  • This module conducts an in-depth analysis of the major components comprising an airport, and how each contributes to the efficient operation of the airport as a complex system. Via interaction in a group-based project, students will also have the opportunity to develop effective research, analytical and project management skills.

    Compulsory

  • This is an assessment only module which recognises the synergy and complementary nature of much of the material dealt with in modules ‘Airport Operations’ and ‘Aviation Safety, Security and Emergency Planning’.

    Compulsory

  • This module introduces students to the critical operational functions of safety, security and emergency planning within the aviation industry. Students will be introduced to the safety and security regulatory requirements of the industry and explore how these requirements have evolved as the industry has developed and confronted new threats.

    Compulsory

  • This module considers the nature of Global Logistics and Maintenance Repair and Overhaul operations and investigates how they are managed. Drawing upon concepts of integrated logistic support, this module examines how strategic and tactical decisions of stakeholders can be optimised to meet the current and future changing demands of the air transport industry.

    Compulsory

  • The module aims to equip the learner with the ability to utilise predictive and analytical tools for their role as future business managers within the aviation industry. The module will enable students to effectively deploy contemporary approaches to predictive analytics to support pricing and revenue management; demand estimation and behaviour analysis for revenue optimisation and offer end-to-end customer solutions.

    Compulsory

  • You will also be able to take an Add+vantage module which can allow you to develop your CV by taking credits in an area of study that doesn’t have to be related to your degree. The assessment type will depend on the type of Add+vantage module you wish to take.

    Compulsory

Following successful completion of your second year, you will have an option to apply for a one-year professional work placement or to study abroad. Past students have undertaken placements with organisations such as TUI, PrivateFly, Birmingham Airport, Heathrow Airport, Anna.aero, Airbus, Airbus Defence and Space, British Airways, easyJet, Brussels Airlines, Wizz Air, and Star Alliance.

If you wish to undertake the optional study abroad/placement year, you will take either the Placement Year module or the Study Abroad Year module which both typically run for a full academic year between years 2 and 3 of your course. You are normally able to progress onto the relevant module if you have successfully completed the first two years of the course (i.e. having accumulated 240 credits) and have a confirmed opportunity two weeks prior to the start of the academic year. However, we encourage international students to confirm their placements earlier to ensure they are able to meet any applicable visa requirements. 

Students opting for either the work placement or study abroad module will be registered on a non-credit bearing module. Whilst the modules do not bear credits, they do require completion of marked activities reflecting on your placement/study abroad or work placement experience. Following successful completion of the activities, the module selected will appear on your final academic transcript. Students will thus graduate with 360 credits in total, assuming successful completion of their final year.

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any 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.

Under the study themes of ‘Strategy’ in semester 1 and ‘Innovation’ in semester 2, the modules in Year 3 (level 6) take a strategic and global approach to the aviation industry, focusing on developing critical thinking, research and innovation skills, culminating in the completion of a dissertation project.

Modules

  • The aim of this module is to prepare the student for their dissertation module. They will need to demonstrate the ability to apply relevant academic research skills as well as those required of a professional practitioner such as problem-solving, creative and technical, whilst adhering to appropriate ethical codes of practice.

    Compulsory

  • Aviation Strategy and Finance is a capstone module, designed with the aim of integrating students’ learning across the degree course and serves as a culminating experience on critical evaluation and development of the long-term strategic direction of aviation businesses and civil aviation policies at different institutional and organisational levels in a complex aviation industry environment.

    Compulsory

  • This module introduces students to the strategic challenges associated with managing the complex and unpredictable airline operational environment. Maintaining the network schedule lies at the heart of all airline operations management decisions, alongside ensuring that service quality standards are maintained and revenue is retained and maximised.

    Compulsory

  • This module introduces students to the strategic challenges associated with the management of people in the aviation industry. The role of the Human Resource function within an organisation is considered and contextualised to address some of the issues posed by the global and regulatory frameworks that govern the nature of the aviation industry.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to provide students with an opportunity to apply and develop their research skills and to extend their knowledge, understanding and critical thinking. The student will choose an appropriate academic topic or an applied aviation industry problem and utilise their independent learning skills to research this area in-depth and provide recommendations with relevance for practitioners.

    Compulsory

  • You will also be able to take an Add+vantage module which can allow you to develop your CV by taking credits in an area of study that doesn’t have to be related to your degree. The assessment type will depend on the type of Add+vantage module you wish to take.

    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.

To all students who are thinking whether to go for a placement or not, I would say: do not hesitate and go for it! Be proactive and do not be afraid to face new challenges. The past year has been the most exciting period of my life and I am thankful to Brussels Airlines and Coventry University for such an opportunity.

Peter Debnar, Aviation Management BSc (Hons), May 2019
Man wearing a safety hat writing on a notepad

How you'll learn

The course seeks to support a range of teaching environments appropriate to the content being delivered and that cater for the needs of the diverse range of students that attend the course.

To achieve this, learning opportunities are facilitated by a mixture of:

  • Individual and group activity led learning
  • Use of labs where appropriate
  • Specialist software including business simulation
  • Guest lectures and field visits

A range of technologies are used to support learning including the university’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and access to the internet is facilitated for all students through the provision of appropriately enabled devices.

All course texts are available in digital editions and students have access to industry standard data warehouses and opportunities are created for these to be used in learning and assessment from the beginning. The aim is that graduates of this course are confident users of technology and can interpret and communicate findings from data analysis competently and effectively. Simulation is also used to support the development of management decision making capability with modules designed specifically to achieve this in Years 2 and 3.

Actual teaching contact hours will vary depending on the level of study and the requirements of a particular semester. In addition, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study, approximately 16-20 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 15 contact hours per week in the first year, 16 contact hours per week in the second year, and around 11 contact hours per week in the third year as you become a more independent learner.

This course can be offered on a part-time basis. 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 contact ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk for more information about studying this course part-time.

Assessment

Assessments have been planned to address different learning approaches and needs, and may include individual and group coursework, group presentations, and online tests. Core assessments are strategically deployed to ensure you have knowledge of fundamental principles and concepts which underpin the industry. Applied-Core assessments should enable you to apply your learning to industry contextualised examples.

You will have the opportunity to work and be assessed both individually and in groups, presenting written material and delivering oral presentations. These methods should enable you to develop the communication, team working and leadership skills expected of graduates. Assessment loading has been given consideration as far as is possible so that there is minimal bunching of occurrences and workload is balanced.

Job ready

On successful completion of the course a student will 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 in the aviation industry.
  • 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 effectively in teams and as an individual, to deliver outcomes that recognise the diverse and international context of the aviation industry.
  • Select and effectively deploy relevant software and technologies to support management decision making and sustainable aviation operations.
  • Effectively 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.
  • Effectively 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.

International experience opportunities

International experience opportunities are fundamental to the successful delivery of the aviation management course, which is international by nature. The course has historically recruited an international cohort that could enrich your learning experience. The course content is also delivered from an international perspective through case studies and examples.

The teaching team continually 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. Destinations for the field trips in recent years have included France, the United States, Oman and Indonesia. On each occasion students have enjoyed a week-long engagement with key elements of the local aviation industry infrastructure* (airlines, airports, and regulators) to broaden and deepen their knowledge and understanding – and to apply their learning from the first two years of the course.

Global experience in aviation management

Student Leander (Daniel) Wolff had the opportunity to travel to Switzerland, meet industry stakeholders, and deliver a presentation on the key developments and challenges within the Swiss aviation market. This video is a collection of Daniel’s highlights from the trip.

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2022 entry.

Requirement What we're looking for
A Level ABB-BBB (excludes General Studies)
BTEC DDM
IB Diploma 31 points
GCSE requirement 5 GCSEs at grade 4 / C or above to include English and Mathematics.

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

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Typical offer for 2022 entry

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

Europe

Americas

Middle East

South Asia

South East Asia

East Asia

Africa

Russia and Central Asia

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

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.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.0 overall (with at least 5.5 in each component area)

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.

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Fees and funding

2022/23 Tuition fees

Student Full time Part time
UK £9,250 per year Not available
International £18,050 per year Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate 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. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

Facilities

The faculty’s £50m Engineering and Computing Building and new £25m Beatrice Shilling Building house an impressive range of industry standard equipment and study facilities.

Flight Simulators

Flight Simulators

Our simulators create an exciting way to learn, with 61 channels of flight data which can be analysed to assess the accuracy of a students’ own design. The simulators are incorporated into an air traffic control environment.

Informal Study Area

Informal Study Area

Informal computer access to all the specialist software required for their students during their course. There are bookable spaces where students can meet with academics or work in small groups.

Harrier Jet

Harrier Jet

Our Harrier T4 allows students to gain hands-on experience with the parts, tools and mechanical aspects of a real aircraft. It is used by many engineering disciplines to learn how an aircraft works and how to maintain it.

Careers and opportunities

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.

Coventry University is committed to preparing you for your future career and aims to give 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 future management and leadership career within the aviation industry.

Where our graduates work

At the last count, we have had students and staff from 88 different nations participate in the aviation management course at Coventry University. Consequently, we have alumni working in numerous aviation organisations around the globe, participating in the complex network of airlines, airports, suppliers and regulatory/trade bodies that together create the aviation ecosystem. The fact that our alumni consistently secure rewarding positions within the aviation industry throughout the world clearly demonstrates the value of a Coventry University Aviation Management degree.

How to apply

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Your next steps

Student life
Accommodation
Fees and funding

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  • 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 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.

    Tuition fees

    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.

    Accreditations

    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). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. 

    Facilities

    Facilities mentioned on this page may not be relevant for every course. 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.

    Placements and study abroad opportunities

    Please note that we are unable to guarantee any 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.

    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), equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas).