Aviation Management BSc (Hons)

Study level: Undergraduate
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This is a highly focused business management degree, designed to develop resilient professionals able to proactively apply specialist knowledge, skills and capabilities in the global aviation industry.

Course option

Year of entry

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Part-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years sandwich
6 years part-time

UCAS codes

HG67

Start date

September 2023

How to apply
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Available through Clearing

Clearing applications for September 2023 are now closed to international students due to visa and immigration requirements. Check out our January 2024 entry courses.

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Course overview

This 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.

The course aims to encourage aspirations for management and positions of leadership that will shape the future of the industry.

  • The course focuses on the 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 brings together management and transport systems theory, economics, data analysis, aerospace engineering, logistics, transport geography, regulation and safety and aims to provide a progressive learning journey, culminating in a holistic appreciation of the complexities of the global aviation ecosystem.
  • 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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Joint Top Modern University for Career Prospects

Guardian University Guide 2021 and 2022
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5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings
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Top 5 UK Student City (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2023

Why you should study this course

The course is delivered in an environment that offers an opportunity for individuals from a broad range of subject interests, experiences and backgrounds, to develop their commercial and technical knowledge, skills and capabilities commonly required to chart a successful career within the aviation industry.

You will be taught by current academics who have global and varied industry and academic experience in aviation (staff may be subject to change).

Additionally, you can expect to:

  • Study the multifaceted aviation ecosystem and its interaction within the dynamic environment in which it operates.
  • Develop your understanding of the cohesive nature of the sector and the interaction between business and operational management.
  • Enhance your knowledge of the professional responsibilities within aviation, including an understanding of the associated ethical and legal issues, and the need for continuing professional development.
  • Be provided with opportunities to attend guest lectures (subject to availability) by 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 prominent airlines, airports and aviation consultancies.
  • Participate in hosted site visits to major and regional airlines and airports within the UK and overseas2, and experience the international nature of the aviation industry.

Accreditation and professional recognition

Subject to meeting the standard re-accreditation requirements, it is anticipated that the Aviation Management BSc (Hons) course will continue to be fully accredited by The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport for students starting in September 2023 following improvements made to the course.

What you'll study

The first year aims to provide 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

  • Introduces you to the fundamental concepts of management and business functions as you begin the journey of becoming a future manager in the aviation industry.

    Compulsory

  • Offers a holistic introduction to the aviation industry as a complex system comprising a large number of components and stakeholders.

    Compulsory

  • Provides you with a fundamental understanding of financial and economic aspects of aviation management, with embedded data analysis skills.

    Compulsory

  • Provides an understanding of the airport as a complex entity and introduce you to the fundamental concepts of transport systems design as they are applicable to aviation infrastructure planning and design.

    Compulsory

  • Gives you a broad introduction to the fundamental concepts and approaches of aeronautical engineering covering the principal characteristics of modern aircraft propulsion, hydraulic and avionics systems together with the essentials of aircraft structures and aerodynamics.

    Compulsory

  • The module is designed to provide you with the necessary skills, strategies and tools to support project management processes and outcomes not only in your careers, but across the entire Aviation Management course.

    Compulsory

In Year two, you will develop more advanced knowledge and skills to do with aviation operations and aviation safety, amongst others.

Modules

  • Drawing upon concepts of integrated logistic support, this module examines how strategic and tactical decisions of multiple stakeholders can be optimised to meet the current and future changing demands of the air transport industry with specific reference to cargo.

    Compulsory

  • Introduce you to the critical operational functions of safety, security and emergency planning within the aviation industry.

    Compulsory

  • Equip you with theories and tools of operations management to conduct an evaluation of major functions of the airport landside and airside operations, and how each contributes to the efficient operation of the airport as a complex system.

    Compulsory

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

    Compulsory

  • Develop your knowledge and understanding of the fundamental and contemporary marketing theories related to the marketing mix, consumer behaviour, market research, pricing and revenue management, marketing strategy, ethics, integrated marketing communications and digital marketing as they relate to an aviation business.

    Compulsory

  • Engages you with theories and principles as they relate to the delivery of effective customer services within the air travel industry, exploring methods and tools available for customer service process design, service quality management, and continuous service delivery and improvement.

    Compulsory

  • Equips you with the knowledge and ability to utilise econometrics and analytical tools to inform airline network planning and air service development for airport operators.

    Compulsory

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement2 can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee3 of £1,250. For more information, please go to the fees and funding section. During this time you will receive guidance from your employer or partner institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement.

Modules

  • 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

In Year three, you will develop more advanced knowledge and skills to do with critical thinking and the global approach to the aviation industry, amongst other topics.

Modules

  • You will be introduced to a range of research skills and methods and will be required to demonstrate the ability to apply them through developing a research proposal, whilst adhering to appropriate ethical codes of practice.

    Compulsory

  • Introduces you 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

  • You will consider the strategic challenges associated with managing the complex and unpredictable airline operational environment. The module deploys software to simulate the schedule planning process.

    Compulsory

  • This module is designed to integrate your 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.

    Compulsory

  • This module explores a range of conceptual and thematic issues related to sustainability and aviation. You will be encouraged to develop your own informed critical perspectives on these issues and to offer possible management and policy recommendations.

    Compulsory

  • 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.

    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

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 visits2
  • Access to recognised leading industry databases

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. Simulation4 is also used to support the development of management decision-making capability with modules designed specifically to achieve this in Years two and three.

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. Request further information about part-time study. 

Teaching contact hours

We understand that everyone learns differently, so each of our courses will consist of structured teaching sessions, which can include:

  • On campus lectures, seminars and workshops
  • Group work
  • Self-directed learning
  • Work placement opportunities2.

If you would like more information, you can request information about teaching hours.

Part of university life is undertaking self-directed learning. During a typical week you will have time that allows you to work independently to apply the skills and knowledge you have learnt in taught or facilitated sessions to your projects or assignment briefs. This self-directed learning allows you to use your research skills, consolidate your knowledge or undertake collaborative group work.

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.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2023/2024 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.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods include individual or group coursework (as appropriate) in the form of:

  • Academic or Business Reports
  • Essays
  • In-class or online open book tests
  • Presentations
  • Projects
  • Posters
  • Role Plays/ Simulations
  • Viva -voce
  • Reflective Writing
  • Analytical Tasks
  • Laboratories
  • Portfolios

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

International experience opportunities

International experience opportunities2 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. Additionally, we aim to invite international guest speakers to contribute further to your learning (subject to availability).

The teaching team continually seeks to reflect the international diversity of the industry. Internationalisation is also supported by opportunities for international field trips2. Destinations for the field trips in recent years have included France, the United States, Oman and Switzerland. On each occasion students have enjoyed 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 course.

Please note that all international experience opportunities may be subject to additional costs, competitive application, availability and meeting applicable visa and travel requirements are therefore not guaranteed2.

Entry requirements

Clearing places available on this course

See if you have enough points (UCAS tariff 2023)

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Additional requirements may apply

Typical offer for 2023/24 entry.

Not got the required grades? We offer this degree with an integrated foundation year.

Fees and funding

2023/24 tuition fees.

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man £9,250 per year Request fee information
EU £9,250 per year with EU support bursary**
£19,850 per year without EU support bursary**		 Not available
International £19,850 per year Not available

If you choose to do a work placement2, you should consider travel and living costs to cover this. There is also a tuition fee3 of £1,250 that will cover your academic support throughout your placement year.

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.

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

  • Optional international field trips: £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.

  • 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 government's 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

Our aim is to offer you sector-leading facilities4.

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

Upon successful completion of the course you can expect to 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.
  • 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 in teams and as an individual, to deliver outcomes that recognise the diverse and international context of the aviation industry.
  • Select and deploy relevant software and technologies to support management decision making and sustainable aviation operations.
  • 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.
  • 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. 

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. 

Where our graduates work

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 number of our alumni that have gone on to secure rewarding positions within the aviation industry throughout the world, clearly demonstrates the value of a Coventry University Aviation Management degree. 

Recent graduates have found graduate roles in companies including British Airways, Virgin Atlantic Airways, Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, Heathrow Airport, Birmingham Airport, East Midlands Airport, Oman Airports, Lufthansa Technic, UK Civil Aviation Authority, EASA, IATA, Airbus, Rolls Royce, Deloitte and ICF International Inc. 

How to apply

  • Coventry University together with Coventry University London Campus, 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

    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.

    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 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 COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the 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

    Due 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.

    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 2023/24 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.

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