• Undergraduate

Airline and Airport Management BSc (Hons)

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Overview

Overview

Why study at the University of West London? 
  • Ranked 30th university in the UK - The Guardian University Guide 2025
  • Number 1 London university for overall student satisfaction - National Student Survey 2024**
  • Best university for Student Experience and Teaching Quality in the UK - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024
Why study this course?

Are you looking for an aviation management degree with strong industry links, taught by experienced academics?

The BSc (Hons) Airline and Airport Management course provides you with the knowledge and skills required to pursue a leadership management role within the aviation industry.

You will learn about various aspects of aviation including:

  • the theory of flight
  • how airlines transport passengers and goods around the world
  • how airports welcome and process millions of passengers
  • how the air traffic control system works
  • how the industry ensures safety and security on every flight.

You will learn about the practice of managing people and resources and have the opportunity to practise your knowledge and understanding by completing a placement year in the industry.

The course features interaction with industry through guest lectures, field visits and case studies. This is the perfect way to start your career in the world of aviation.

Our courses offer opportunities to discuss current issues and examine solutions from a sector perspective. Our course content is developed with support from a wide network of sector professionals to include changes in the industry.

Select your desired study option, then pick a start date to see relevant course information:

Study options:
We support flexible study by offering some of our courses part-time or via distance learning. To give you real world experience before you graduate, we also offer some courses with a placement or internship. All available options are listed here. Your choices may affect some details of your course, such as the duration and cost per year. Please re-check the details on this page if you change your selection.
With Foundation Year
Duration: 4 years

Start date:

If your desired start date is not available, try selecting a different study option.

Why study Airline and Airport Management with us?

Why study Airline and Airport Management with us?

A collage of students

What our students say…

I'm glad I have found a place that teaches not just a field of my interest but also assists me to broaden my vision and skills necessary for this competitive industry. The courses are designed with current awareness and state-of-the-art facilities, also the staff and lecturers are very supportive and understanding. I could not be happier with my chosen course and University.

Angela Kibson
Next
Industry focused teaching
Industry links with Heathrow and British Airways
UWL is a member of The Council for Hospitality Management Education (CHME)
UWL is home to the Heathrow Exhibition and Archive
Course detail & modules

Course detail & modules

The aviation industry is a fast-paced, global industry that is constantly evolving and adapting to the needs of society. This exciting course is for those looking for a challenge and the ambition to become future leaders in the air transport industry.

Designed in consultation with graduate employers, the course covers both the commercial and operational management of airlines, airports and aviation support services. The course capitalises on its location-based in the heart of west London, just 12km from Heathrow – one of the world's busiest international airports. Home to the Heathrow Archive and Exhibition, the University of West London has a strong link with Heathrow Airport Limited, as well as links with numerous airlines and aviation companies.

The course is delivered by a diverse and experienced team of experts in the aviation industry. Students benefit from the university’s Boeing 737 flight simulator facility which provides a practical learning environment. Industry visits and engaging lectures from guest speakers will keep you knowledgeable about the latest industry insights and developments.

The placement option will give you the opportunity to experience employment within the industry to accelerate your career and put theory into practice. Throughout the course you will learn about a variety of aviation business models and strategies, discover how airports enable people to move around the globe, learn how the global aviation system operates in a safe and efficient manner and much more. Upon completion, you will be equipped with the skills and knowledge required for graduate employment and further training to manage in this exciting industry.

Placement*

If you choose to study full-time, you can opt to do a work placement after your second year (Level 5). You will have the opportunity to secure an aviation-industry work placement that will allow you to complete at least 40 hours per week (1,400 hours) over the course of the academic year. Using the theories you have studied in real-life scenarios will help to ground your knowledge and can enhance your employment prospects.

While you will be responsible for finding your own placement, our placement office can give you guidance and exposure to employers through career fairs and aviation industry networks.

*If you choose a course with placement/internship route we would like to advise you that if a placement/internship opportunity does not arise when you are expected to undertake the placement then the University will automatically transfer you to the non-internship route. This is to ensure you are still successful in being awarded a degree.

The placement route for this course is open to UK students only.

Assessment

Compulsory modules

  • The Aviation Professional

    In this module, you will address the key areas required for future employability within the aviation industry. You will also focus on comprehending and applying effective academic competences.

    In terms of employability, the module is designed to equip you with knowledge and understanding pertinent to employment within the aviation sector. With these skills, this can enhance their employment prospects.

  • Introduction to Air Transport Management

    This module is designed to give you a conceptual underpinning and thorough knowledge of basic principles in relation to the history and development of commercial aviation whilst looking at broader technological developments in aviation. You will gain an insight into the rapid growth of the industry, business models, airlines, airports, aircraft manufacturers and environmental issues.

  • Aircraft Operations and Flight Planning

    The aim of the module is to provide you with a basic overview of the aviation management principles of flight and operation of commercial aircraft. Aviation managers often find this knowledge to be useful when collaborating with flight operations, engineering and environmental sustainability departments within airlines and airports.

  • Air Passenger Experience

    This module is designed to give you a conceptual underpinning and thorough knowledge of basic principles in relation to air passenger travel experience.  You will be introduced to a range ofself-service options: check-in, bags ready to go, document check, flight rebooking, self-boarding and bag recovery.  This module will analyse the facilitation aspects focusing on areas of the passenger journey related to border control management, identity management, travel authorisations and passenger data.  Additionally, you will have to review common use systems: self-service, common use kiosks, and baggage processes in relation to the passenger experience. 

  • Air Transport Finance and Business Strategy

    This module will provide you with the knowledge related to the underlying concepts of profitability in financial and economic terms . You will look at the principles of supply and demand, costs and revenues, as well as  the relentless desire amongst many air transport organisations to reduce costs and grow ancillary revenues. This module will also teach you how to analyse the concepts and principles as to how air transport organisations attempt to obtain the capital they require in order to operate and grow.

    This module provides the necessary foundation in order to develop your numerical and analytical skills through the course and it provides a link to the Level 6 module - Aviation Strategy and Commercial Analysis.

  • Specialised Air Transport Services

    This module aims to provide you with a basic understanding of the structure, nature and operating characteristics of the segments of aviation that are outside of the mainstream of civil passenger aviation industry.

Assessment

Compulsory modules

  • Aviation Technology and Innovation

    This module will examine and analyse historical technological developments and focus on contemporary technologies and how they are being utilised and could be utilised in the future, by 3 of the main sectors within the aviation industry – airlines, airports and aircraft manufacturers.

  • Air Accident Investigation and Safety

    This module aims to provide you with a knowledge of accident and incident investigation procedures and regulations. Through the use of case studies and group work, it will present the fundamentals of accident and incident investigation and provide you with the knowledge to understand, if not to participate, in an investigation.

  • Digital Marketing and Revenue Management

    In this module, you will have to study two important co-related areas in Two Parts; the use of digital marketing and revenue management applied in commercial aviation as well as airports.

    Part One
    Digital marketing greatly contributes to a competitive advantage in aviation through building brand and differentiation.  This module will offer you an introduction to Consumer psychology and Digital marketing. It provides a detailed overview of the technologies, issues and context underpinning digital marketing.

    Part Two
    Aims to provide you with a systematic understanding in the theory and practice of revenue management and its impact on aviation companies as well as their customers.  It seeks to provide you with knowledge and skills to enable them to critically analyse and evaluate market condition, pricing strategies, inventory control tactics and customer value assessment in order to make appropriate management decisions that enable the hospitality organisations to achieve sustainable financial success.

  • Air Transport Systems and Operations

    In this module, you will acquire a knowledge and understanding of the range of systems, operational concepts, planning processes, infrastructures and regulations that are required to move people and goods safely by air. It focuses on the movement of passengers/ people as well as the study of the movement of goods (cargo), airports systems and air navigation services providers (ANSPs). Essential to the above is to understand the operational technologies, systems, processes and regulations which all go to providing a sustainable, economically viable and service orientated experience for customers and or stakeholders. 

  • Talent Management and Leadership with Placement

  • Applied Research Methods

    The module aims to provide you with broad knowledge and understanding of the theory and practice of research. It focuses on the use of a range of different research methods and approaches. The module encompasses the understanding and application of appropriate research methodologies, research approaches, research designs, forms of data collection, research statistics and report writing and presentation.

Assessment

Compulsory modules

  • Airline Route Development and Operations

    The aim of this module is to provide you with the knowledge and understanding required to plan and perform airline route operations. You will cover both the commercial and operational aspects of route development and operations through critical analysis and evaluation of information and data and the application of management science. Political, economic, regulatory and environmental considerations are embedded throughout the learning.

  • Airline Maintenance and Fleet Management

    This module aims to provide you with the knowledge of maintenance, fleet selection and planning. You will have an understanding of aircraft maintenance and how this can impact on the airlines’ schedule. The manufacturers have set requirements for maintenance checks and ad hoc requirements. Fleet planning is core to each airline and the choice of aircraft and configuration will have an impact on the routes served (current and planned) as well as crew rostering. The passenger experience will be considered looking at cabin layout and IFEC.

  • Sustainable Aviation and the Environment

    This module is designed to give you a conceptual underpinning and thorough knowledge of basic principles and operational practice in sustainable aviation; providing an overview of the principles of sustainability and sustainable aviation management.  It is intended that the module will introduce you to sustainable aviation policy, procedures and strategy for airlines, airports and aircraft manufacturers. It will cover the main theories in regulating environmental externalities and help the students to assess and evaluate these policies and initiatives. 

  • Aviation Strategy and Commercial Analysis

    This module will teach you the  understanding of the strategic and commercial aspects of air transport management. It examines approaches to aviation strategic management, strategic analysis and seeks to determine how these organisations may improve, grow and develop; alongside an investigation of key strategic, financial, and economic trends, problems, and developments in aviation management.

  • Dissertation

    The aim of the dissertation module is to provide you with the opportunity to critically review, analyse and evaluate a topic of your choice related to the subject area of the course that you are studying. This is best done by conducting research in that topic and presenting the outcomes in a thesis. However, this is a self-contained module and it is not a pre-requisite for you to have previously studied an introductory research module.

Compulsory modules

  • The Aviation Professional

    In this module, you will address the key areas required for future employability within the aviation industry. You will also focus on comprehending and applying effective academic competences.

    In terms of employability, the module is designed to equip you with knowledge and understanding pertinent to employment within the aviation sector. With these skills, this can enhance their employment prospects.

  • Introduction to Air Transport Management

    This module is designed to give you a conceptual underpinning and thorough knowledge of basic principles in relation to the history and development of commercial aviation whilst looking at broader technological developments in aviation. You will gain an insight into the rapid growth of the industry, business models, airlines, airports, aircraft manufacturers and environmental issues.

  • Aircraft Operations and Flight Planning

    The aim of the module is to provide you with a basic overview of the aviation management principles of flight and operation of commercial aircraft. Aviation managers often find this knowledge to be useful when collaborating with flight operations, engineering and environmental sustainability departments within airlines and airports.

  • Air Passenger Experience

    This module is designed to give you a conceptual underpinning and thorough knowledge of basic principles in relation to air passenger travel experience.  You will be introduced to a range ofself-service options: check-in, bags ready to go, document check, flight rebooking, self-boarding and bag recovery.  This module will analyse the facilitation aspects focusing on areas of the passenger journey related to border control management, identity management, travel authorisations and passenger data.  Additionally, you will have to review common use systems: self-service, common use kiosks, and baggage processes in relation to the passenger experience. 

  • Air Transport Finance and Business Strategy

    This module will provide you with the knowledge related to the underlying concepts of profitability in financial and economic terms . You will look at the principles of supply and demand, costs and revenues, as well as  the relentless desire amongst many air transport organisations to reduce costs and grow ancillary revenues. This module will also teach you how to analyse the concepts and principles as to how air transport organisations attempt to obtain the capital they require in order to operate and grow.

    This module provides the necessary foundation in order to develop your numerical and analytical skills through the course and it provides a link to the Level 6 module - Aviation Strategy and Commercial Analysis.

  • Specialised Air Transport Services

    This module aims to provide you with a basic understanding of the structure, nature and operating characteristics of the segments of aviation that are outside of the mainstream of civil passenger aviation industry.

Compulsory modules

  • Air Transport Systems and Operations

    In this module students will acquire a knowledge and understanding of the range of systems, operational concepts, planning processes, infrastructures and regulations that are required to move people and goods safely by air. It focuses on the movement of passengers/ people as well as the study of the movement of goods (cargo), airports systems and air navigation services providers (ANSPs). Essential to the above is to understand the operational technologies, systems, processes and regulations which all go to providing a sustainable, economically viable and service orientated experience for customers and or stakeholders. This module builds upon subject areas taught in L4 (first year) such as Introduction to Air Transport Management and Air Passenger Experience and is designed to both broaden and deepen knowledge and understanding in these areas.

  • Air Accident Investigation and Safety

    This module aims to provide you with a knowledge of accident and incident investigation procedures and regulations. Through the use of case studies and group work, it will present the fundamentals of accident and incident investigation and provide you with the knowledge to understand, if not to participate, in an investigation.

  • Aviation Technology and Innovation

    This module will examine and analyse historical technological developments and focus on contemporary technologies and how they are being utilised and could be utilised in the future, by 3 of the main sectors within the aviation industry – airlines, airports and aircraft manufacturers.

  • Talent Management and Leadership

    In this module, you will explore talent management, which has become an area of significant importance in international HR practice, as retaining excellent employees plays an important role in the strategic competitiveness of an organisation. You will develop your understanding of the requirements for entrepreneurial leadership, which is essential in enabling the dynamic capabilities of the organisation. This module aims to develop your understanding of the requirements for successful leadership and talent management in an ever-changing world.   

  • Digital Marketing and Revenue Management

    In this module, you will have to study two important co-related areas in Two Parts; the use of digital marketing and revenue management applied in commercial aviation as well as airports.

    Part One
    Digital marketing greatly contributes to a competitive advantage in aviation through building brand and differentiation.  This module will offer you an introduction to Consumer psychology and Digital marketing. It provides a detailed overview of the technologies, issues and context underpinning digital marketing.

    Part Two
    Aims to provide you with a systematic understanding in the theory and practice of revenue management and its impact on aviation companies as well as their customers.  It seeks to provide you with knowledge and skills to enable them to critically analyse and evaluate market condition, pricing strategies, inventory control tactics and customer value assessment in order to make appropriate management decisions that enable the hospitality organisations to achieve sustainable financial success.

  • Applied Research Methods

    The module aims to provide you with broad knowledge and understanding of the theory and practice of research. It focuses on the use of a range of different research methods and approaches. The module encompasses the understanding and application of appropriate research methodologies, research approaches, research designs, forms of data collection, research statistics and report writing and presentation.

Compulsory modules

  • Airline Route Development and Operations

    The aim of this module is to provide you with the knowledge and understanding required to plan and perform airline route operations. You will cover both the commercial and operational aspects of route development and operations through critical analysis and evaluation of information and data and the application of management science. Political, economic, regulatory and environmental considerations are embedded throughout the learning.

  • Sustainable Aviation and the Environment

    This module is designed to give you a conceptual underpinning and thorough knowledge of basic principles and operational practice in sustainable aviation; providing an overview of the principles of sustainability and sustainable aviation management.  It is intended that the module will introduce you to sustainable aviation policy, procedures and strategy for airlines, airports and aircraft manufacturers. It will cover the main theories in regulating environmental externalities and help the students to assess and evaluate these policies and initiatives. 

  • Airport Planning, Design and Management

    As a future manager, you need a strong understanding of the current situation and local constraints an airport can face. A clear roadmap for the development of airports and a comprehensive solution for the challenges you face are necessary. Focusing on those areas, this module will provide you with a thorough understanding of the political, economic, regulatory and environmental context in which an airport operates. It will have, as a key focus, the design process and elements relating to the design and operation of the airside, airspace and terminal building areas. In addition, it will enhance your critical thinking and decision making in terms of planning and development steps.

  • Aviation Strategy and Commercial Analysis

    This module will teach you the  understanding of the strategic and commercial aspects of air transport management. It examines approaches to aviation strategic management, strategic analysis and seeks to determine how these organisations may improve, grow and develop; alongside an investigation of key strategic, financial, and economic trends, problems, and developments in aviation management.

  • Dissertation

    The aim of the dissertation module is to provide you with the opportunity to critically review, analyse and evaluate a topic of your choice related to the subject area of the course that you are studying. This is best done by conducting research in that topic and presenting the outcomes in a thesis. However, this is a self-contained module and it is not a pre-requisite for you to have previously studied an introductory research module.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

112 UCAS points required from level 3 qualifications

These can include:

  • A Levels at grade B, B and C, or above
  • BTEC Extended Diploma with Distinction, Merit, Merit
  • Access to HE Diploma
  • T Levels

You also need GCSE English and Maths (grade 9 – 4 / A* - C) or Level 2 equivalents.

 

Looking for BSc (Hons) Airline and Airport Management with Foundation Year?

View Foundation Year course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.

You may be eligible for a student loan to cover the cost of tuition fees, or a maintenance loan. Additional funding is available to some types of students, such as those with dependants and disabled students.

Looking for BSc (Hons) Airline and Airport Management with Foundation Year?

View Foundation Year course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.
6.0 IELTS or above

You need to meet our English language requirement - a minimum of IELTS 5.5 for each of the 4 individual components (Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening). Visit our English language requirements page for information on other English language tests we accept. 

You also need academic qualifications at the same level as UK applicants. In some countries where teaching is in English, we may accept local qualifications. Check for local equivalents. 

We offer pre-sessional English language courses if you do not meet these requirements.

Find out more about our English Language courses.

Looking for BSc (Hons) Airline and Airport Management with Foundation Year?

View Foundation Year course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.

You may be eligible for a student loan to cover the cost of tuition fees, or a maintenance loan. Additional funding is available to some types of students, such as those with dependants and disabled students.

Looking for BSc (Hons) Airline and Airport Management with Foundation Year?

View Foundation Year course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.
Fees & funding

Fees & funding

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Please note:

  • Fees for the 2026/27 academic year and onwards may be subject to Government regulation and change.
  • Tuition fees are charged for each year of your course. If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year.
  • If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront.
  • If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.

Funding your studies

You may be eligible for a student loan to cover the cost of tuition fees, or a maintenance loan. Additional funding is available to some types of students, such as those with dependants and disabled students.

We offer generous bursaries and scholarships to make sure your aspirations are your only limit. In recent years, hundreds of students have received our Full-time Undergraduate Student Bursary.

Additional scholarships specifically for hospitality and tourism students are also on offer.

View full details, including conditions and eligibility.

Funding your studies
{{ formatCurrencyValue(currentVariantData.field_p_cv_int_main_fee.name) }} per year

Please note:

  • Fees for the 2026/27 academic year and onwards may be subject to Government regulation and change.
  • Tuition fees are charged for each year of your course. If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year.
  • If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront.
  • If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.

International students - funding your studies

We offer scholarships for international students including International Ambassador Scholarships. 

Further information about funding and financial support for international students is available from the UK Council for International Student Affairs.

 

Financial support for international students
Teaching staff

Teaching staff

Ash Mistry

Ash Mistry

Together with George Arbuckle (Course Leader L6), I lead the undergraduate air transport management courses at the London Geller College of Hospitality and Tourism. I have extensive travel industry experience, along with 20-plus years in further and higher education settings.

Together with George Arbuckle (Course Leader L6), I lead the undergraduate air transport management courses at the London Geller College of Hospitality and Tourism. I have extensive travel industry experience, along with 20-plus years in further and higher education settings.

Study & career progression

Study & career progression

A man on a mobile phone wearing a high-vis vest in front of an airplane

This course prepares you to lead effectively in an ever-evolving sector, with the skills and confidence needed to tackle the issues facing the sector today and into the future.

Upon completion, graduates can progress to a management career working for an airline, an airport or in hundreds of organisations that directly and indirectly support the aviation industry. Your skills and expertise will also be attractive to the transport, travel and logistics industry.

Past graduates have gone on to work for a wide range of international airlines, airports, aviation agencies, in-flight catering companies and international cargo organisations including:

  • British Airways
  • Virgin Atlantic Airways
  • Lufthansa
  • London City Airport
  • London Heathrow
  • Boeing

Further study can be undertaken upon course completion. The course also prepares you to embark on a postgraduate degree to complete a Masters or a PhD in the aviation and management subject areas.

How to apply

How to apply

Search for courses

Our students

Placement year helps UWL student achieve dream

As part of his BSc in Air Transport Management, UWL student Irvine Kirkpatrick recently finished a placement year at industry-leading aircraft manufacturer Airbus.

Irvine chose the placement year course because he'd always been passionate about aircraft and wanted to stand out from other graduates when applying for aviation industry jobs.

The UWL Placement and Employment Services and Careers teams helped him find the Airbus internship and apply for it. Irvine said:

I’m so grateful to UWL staff for their help in getting this internship. I have really enjoyed it. One highlight was a visit to the Beluga loading facility, an aircraft used to transport wings from Broughton to Hamburg and Toulouse. I could not stop smiling. I felt like a kid in a candy store!"

In September, Irvine will start his final year of study and will be applying for graduate jobs with Airbus. Read the full alumni success story.

LGCHT student Irvine standing next to an AIRBUS sign.

Hear from our Alumni

Hear from Irvine about his placement experience, From course-specific opportunities like visiting industry-related sites to general experience on what to expect in a role once you graduate.

Important notes for applicants

Disclaimer

*Modern universities - defined as higher education institutions that were granted university status in, and subsequent to, 1992.

**The National Student Survey 2023 and 2024 - Average of answers to all questions by registered student population. Excludes specialist institutions.

Testimonials - our students or former students provided all of our testimonials - often a student from the course but sometimes another student. For example, the testimonial often comes from another UWL student when the course is new.

Optional modules - where optional modules are offered they will run subject to staff availability and viable student numbers opting to take the module.

Videos - all videos on our course pages were accurate at the time of filming. In some cases a new Course Leader has joined the University since the video was filmed.

Availability of placements - if you choose a course with placement/internship route we would like to advise you that if a placement/internship opportunity does not arise when you are expected to undertake the placement then the University will automatically transfer you to the non-internship route, this is to ensure you are still successful in being awarded a degree.