Aviation Management BSc (Hons)

Undergraduate

Male and female looking at aviation management charts in a building with a lot of windows

Develop your aviation management skills through access to simulators, industry data and projects, with opportunities for practical learning in a specialist environment.

Course option

Degree with foundation year

Year of entry

2025-26 2026-27

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years sandwich

UCAS codes

HG67

Start date

September 2026
November 2026
January 2027
March 2027
May 2027
July 2027

How to apply

Book an Open Day

Download a prospectus

Course overview

Ideal for those with a passion for aviation and an interest in business or science, this course combines industry insight with practical learning through simulations, projects and opportunities for international exposure, preparing you for a career in airlines, airports and aviation consultancy.

Industry-aligned learning: covers airline operations, revenue management and aviation safety using real-world case studies and simulation tools.⁴
Opportunity to gain global perspectives: benefit from guest lectures, networking events and optional overseas study trips with major aviation organisations.²
Professional skills: build knowledge in data-driven decision-making, strategic planning and regulatory frameworks relevant to aviation management.

Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2026

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.

Industry-standard practical training: gain hands-on experience with aviation simulation software and real-world case studies used by airlines and airports, with opportunities to develop workplace-relevant skills.
Direct industry access: benefit from guest lectures by aviation professionals and participate in networking events and site visits to UK aviation organisations.²
Strong alumni network: join a course with a 16-year history and a network of former students working in the aviation sector in companies such as British Airways, Heathrow Airport and Airbus. Some of our alumni are working in senior roles and support our current students through mentoring.
Specialist skill development: build knowledge of airline revenue management, airport operations and aviation safety through a curriculum designed with input from industry collaborators.

What you'll study

This course introduces airline and airport operations, aviation safety, revenue management and global aviation policy. You will have opportunities to use industry simulation tools, analyse real-world data and explore network planning.

Modules

Introduction to the Global Aviation Ecosystem – 30 credits

Get a holistic introduction to the aviation industry as a complex system comprising a large number of components and stakeholders, all interconnected by the need to comply with global and national regulations, and interdependent to operate safely, efficiently and sustainably.

This module introduces you to the challenges posed by the global environment and invites you to begin to form views about developing an ethical approach to management practices.

Module content includes:

an introduction to the aviation ecosystem concept and its relationship with the global socio-economic context
the aviation environment and contemporary challenges
the role of global, regional and national regulators
the physical geography of the world as it impacts aviation
the sustainability challenges and opportunities facing those who manage the aviation industry, both currently and in the future.

Compulsory

Introduction to the Aviation Business and Data Management – 30 credits

Learn the core management and business functions as you begin your journey as a future manager in the aviation industry.

You will explore how these functions work together to create value in a contemporary aviation management context. Gain a fundamental understanding of the concepts of demand and supply, and cost and revenue in aviation services, along with methods for data collection, analysis and visualisation to secure fundamental skills in data management for aviation.

Module content includes:

the role of management in value creation within an aviation business-systems approach
business functions in an aviation organisation
principle economic and financial concepts in aviation
data analysis and data visualisation.

Compulsory

Airport Planning, Design and Project Management – 30 credits

Learn the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to effectively manage airport planning and development projects. By integrating key project management principles with airport operations, gain an understanding of risk assessment, budgeting, resource management and change control. A strong emphasis is placed on sustainable airport planning and operational efficiency, enabling you to make informed decisions that promote safe, efficient and compliant airport development.

Module content includes:

Compulsory

Aircraft Engineering, Flight Theory and Safety – 30 credits

Get a broad introduction to the fundamental concepts of and approaches to aeronautical engineering. Cover the principal characteristics of modern aircraft propulsion, avionics systems, stability and manoeuvrability together with the essentials of aircraft structures and aerodynamics.

The module emphasises the importance of aircraft maintenance and meteorological factors affecting aircraft performance and safety. The connections between theory and practice are realised with emphasis being on the application of knowledge rather than on exposure to advanced science and mathematics.

Module content includes:

Compulsory

Modules

Aviation Global Logistics and Cargo Operations – 30 credits

Explore the intricacies of global supply chain and logistics management, with a particular focus on aviation cargo handling and operations. Examine the interconnected stages of the supply chain—from sourcing and transportation to warehousing and distribution—while also addressing the distinct challenges and innovations in air freight logistics.

By exploring digitalisation, technological progress, global trade dynamics and sustainability issues, this module aims to provide you with essential skills to evaluate, design and optimise supply chain processes and aviation cargo operations within a dynamic global context.

Module content includes:

global logistics and supply chain management
tactical decision-making in inventory management,
warehousing and multi-modal transport
air cargo operations.

Compulsory

Aviation Operations, Safety and Security – 30 credits

Get equipped with the knowledge and practical skills in aviation operations, safety and security and learn to develop sustainable solutions to the challenges posed by the high-risk aviation environment. Explore airport operations, risk management, regulatory compliance and crisis response strategies while engaging with real-world case studies, industry-standard software tools,⁴ and contemporary research.

By integrating management principles, data analysis and stakeholder engagement, this module helps you to make evidence-based decisions that could enhance business performance, operational efficiency, and meet regulatory compliance in the aviation industry.

Module learning includes:

airport operations and infrastructure management
aviation safety and risk management
aviation security and threat management
emergency planning and crisis response
data-driven decision-making and technology in aviation management
management and leadership in aviation.

Compulsory

Airline Marketing and the Customer Journey – 30 credits

Develop your knowledge and understanding of the theoretical concepts that underpin the marketing and customer management functions in the aviation industry.

Learn contemporary marketing theories related to the marketing mix, consumer behaviour, market research, pricing and revenue management, marketing strategy, integrated marketing communications and digital marketing as they relate to an aviation business, deriving marketing insights with the application of relevant analytical tools.

Learn skills for continuous service delivery and improvement, as well as methods and tools for customer service process design and service quality management, ensuring a great customer journey. Ethics and legal principles underpinning marketing and customer service will be delivered to ensure sustainable marketing and customer service practices.

Module content includes:

airline marketing concepts
market research, data and digitalisation
contemporary factors influencing the airline marketing practices
the role of customer service management and customer journey mapping
customer service communication skills, problem-solving models and methods to collect feedback
service quality, standards and customer service policy design
ethical framework and leadership.

Compulsory

Research Methods – 30 credits

This module aims to equip you with essential skills and techniques applicable to various applied research contexts in aviation.

Learn about the research process, understand the role of a literature review and how to conduct one, and explore quantitative and qualitative data collection methods and analysis techniques.

Demonstrate your ability to apply academic research skills and professional practitioner skills, such as problem-solving, creativity and technical abilities, while adhering to ethical codes of practice.

The module emphasises methodical planning, record keeping, self-management and effective communication.

Module content includes:

introduction to research methods, process and ethics
literature review
research design
quantitative data analysis and statistics
qualitative data analysis
data collection methods
research writing and presenting.

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.

Modules

UK Work Placement– 0 credits

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

International Study/Work Placement – 0 credits

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

Modules

Airline Network Planning, Route Development & Scheduling – 30 credits

This module aims to equip you with the knowledge and analytical skills for planning effective airline networks, scheduling flights, and understanding the role of airports in route development.

You will utilise quantitative network analysis, demand forecasting techniques and qualitative information to plan and optimise simulated airline networks. Assess the factors influencing air travel demand and supply and its fluctuations, emphasising the importance of both long-term planning and a coherent and efficient scheduling process across the airline operation.

By considering the interdependence of resources such as aircraft, crew and support functions, learn to maintain service quality and maximise revenue. Through optimisation theory and practice, simulate the schedule planning process, preparing for real-world aviation challenges.

Module subjects include:

network planning and management
airline network structures and connectivity concepts
network and schedule planning regulatory environment
demand analysis, forecasting and route feasibility
network and schedule planning and optimisation
stakeholder engagement and relationships in route development.

Compulsory

Corporate Aviation Strategies – 30 credits

Develop your ability to critically evaluate and build the long-term strategic direction of aviation businesses. You will be introduced to strategic and financial management decision analysis tools. Learn to evaluate and develop sound and financially feasible corporate, business and functional level strategies in aviation businesses.

You'll also be introduced to theoretical perspectives on Human Resource Management (HRM) and explore current areas of debate. This will demonstrate how the effective management of people is crucial for airlines to achieve sustained competitive advantage.

Module content includes:

aviation strategy, development, evaluation and financial analysis
aviation strategic contexts
theoretical perspectives in people management in aviation.

Compulsory

Contemporary Challenges in Aerospace and Aviation – 30 credits

Explore a range of current conceptual and thematic issues related to sustainability and aviation. You will be exposed to the paradoxical controversy of how the global increase in aviation contributes to climate change and other social problems such as over-tourism, while supporting global economic growth.

The module will consider a range of policy and technological proposals to manage or mitigate the negative impacts of the increase in global aviation. Develop your informed critical perspectives on these issues and offer possible management and policy recommendations.

Module content includes:

theoretical concepts
sustainable transport and aviation
sustainable tourism and aviation
sustainable aircraft and technologies
policies and regulation for sustainable aviation.

Compulsory

Aviation Management Individual Project – 30 credits

Learn to apply and develop your research skills and extend your knowledge, understanding and critical thinking.

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.

The project produced by you should demonstrate knowledge of the subject and showcase critical analysis of the models, concepts and theories associated with the subject selected. You should evaluate evidence and provide pragmatic recommendations to help solve the research problem.

Successful completion of the project will require methodical planning, record keeping and self-management, effective communication, execution and delivery of an individual project. As part of this module, you are required to submit an online ethics application, to obtain ethical approval for the project that you are proposing to undertake. Support and guidance will be supported by project supervision.

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 our students.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. You will normally study one 30-credit module at a time. A typical 30-credit module requires a total of 300 hours of study made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours

Teaching hours may vary depending on your year of study and selected modules. During your first year, you can expect 12-15 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend additional sessions, including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

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’ll be digging deeper into topics, review what you’ve learned and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you’ll spend more time in independent study.

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 will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods may include:

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 trips. 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 guarantee².

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

Requirement	What we're looking for
UCAS points	112
A Level	BBC (excludes General Studies)
BTEC	DMM
IB Diploma	Overall pass including at least 14 points from Higher Level subjects
GCSE requirement	GCSE maths and English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards.
Access to HE	The Access to HE Diploma to include 30 Level 3 credits at Merit and 15 Level 3 credits at Pass.

Other qualifications and experience

Our students come from a variety of backgrounds, each with a unique story. We recognise a breadth of qualifications. If your qualifications differ from the above, contact our Admissions Team who will be happy to discuss your qualifications and routes into your chosen course.

Contextual/Fair Access Offers

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Offer, you could automatically receive a contextual offer which is 16 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Offer.

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 foundation pathway. Upon successful completion this should provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to progress onto this undergraduate 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.

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.

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

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	2026/27 fees TBC 2025/26 fees: £9,535 per year	Not available
EU	2026/27 fees TBC 2025/26 fees: £9,535 per year with EU Support Bursary 2026/27 fees TBC 2025/26 fees: £19,850 per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	2026/27 fees TBC 2025/26 fees: £19,850 per year	Not available

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement² or study abroad year, you will need to pay a tuition fee³ to cover your academic support throughout your placement year. Students commencing their professional placement in the academic year 2027/28 will pay £1,500 if they are paying UK fees, or £1,800 if they are paying international fees.

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.

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 permits 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.

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement, the University will charge the tuition fees stated above for those on a placement during Academic Year 2027/28. The University will review professional placement tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study, but such that it will be no more than 5% above 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.

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:

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

Our Aviation Management BSc course is positioned within the School of Engineering rather than a traditional business school. This setting provides access to specialist facilities that support practical learning and offer opportunities to develop understanding of aviation operations and the wider industry.

Industry-standard flight simulators and static aircraft: gain practical, hands-on experience of aviation operations, combining theory with real-world practice.

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

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
ICF International Inc.

The graduate destinations listed above illustrate potential career paths. You may need to gain additional qualifications or practical experience, pass professional examinations, complete training, cover associated costs and meet specific visa or immigration requirements to secure employment in these fields.

Studying aviation management

Maria is a final year student studying Aviation Management BSc (Hons) she provides feedback on what she learned from her course, her enthusiasm for management and the aviation industry.

Two students sat at a desk working on a laptop

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How to apply

BSc (Hons) with foundation year

Apply via UCAS

C85

Institution code

View our courses on UCAS

Visit UCAS

UK students

Full-time students can apply for this course through UCAS. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

Apply via UCAS

If this course has a part-time option you will need to apply directly to the university.

Apply via the portal

If you'd like 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

International codes:
EESU052

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree 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

ioadmissions@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.

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.

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 for information purposes however the 2026/2027 contract will apply for the 2026/2027 intake. 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.