• Postgraduate

Air Transport Operations and Management Executive MSc

Overview

Overview

This course is designed for ambitious professionals. If you already work in the aviation industry and want to advance your career, the Executive MSc can help you accelerate your progression to more senior positions.

If you are thinking of changing career and moving into air transport management, this course gives you the essential skills and knowledge to do so. 

The online delivery of the course is designed to fit around your work schedule. You will benefit from expert teaching, as well as opportunities to network and collaborate with like-minded professionals.

Our connections with the air transport, travel and logistics industries also give you the chance to develop your professional contacts.

Study options

Please note, the following study options are available.

  • Executive MSc course - 18 months (part-time): This is the full course and you will complete all the modules.
  • PGDip - 12 months duration (part-time), September and January start: You will complete all modules except the Aviation Applied Research Project.
  • PGCert - 6 months duration (part-time), September start only: You will complete the Academic Research and Study Skills, Aviation Business Strategy and Finance, Crisis Management and Business Resilience modules.
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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.

Start date:

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

Why study Air Transport Operations and Management with us?

Why study Air Transport Operations and Management with us?

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What our students say…

UWL has truly state-of-the-art facilities. I feel like I'm learning something new every day.

Nicolas Gutierrez
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70 years of teaching excellence
UWL is a member of The Council for Hospitality Management Education (CHME)
Lifelong careers support from the UWL Careers Service.
Course detail & modules

Course detail & modules

This Executive MSc course is designed for busy industry professionals who want to learn and achieve a master’s qualification from a leading UK University while continuing their employment duties.

Whether you are looking to broaden and deepen your knowledge of the aviation industry, looking to change careers or looking to enhance and develop your skills to a managerial level, you will receive an exceptional teaching experience from industry-focused academics.

The online block delivery of the course gives you the flexibility to incorporate learning as part of your lifestyle at a pace that is manageable and enjoyable.

Teaching is delivered in real-time as a live broadcast and recorded for you to review in your own time.

You will have the opportunity to gain skills and knowledge in contemporary aviation topics such as digital technology, sustainable development and crisis management.

You will also have access to online learning resources such as e-books and e-journals and aviation industry and market databases.

The programme offers the opportunity to network and develop contacts with like-minded professionals in different aviation sectors, markets and regions and to share ideas and collaborate. 

Compulsory modules

Students will study all the compulsory modules and THREE of the optional modules.

  • Aviation Research and Study Skills

    This module is the first to be delivered and introduces you to academic study and research skills. You will learn how to critically review, analyse and evaluate a range of information sources and reference them correctly. You will develop reflective learning practices, become effective communicators and learn to work collaboratively with like-minded professionals. 

  • Aviation Business Strategy and Finance

    The aim of this module is to explore the commercial environment in which the aviation industry functions. This includes the regulatory environment which has shaped the strategy and economics of the industry over the last century. You will learn about a range of aviation business models, strategies to improve revenue and reduce cost and analyse and interpret financial reports.    

  • Crisis Management and Business Resilience

    The aim of this module is to understand the process of crisis management within the aviation industry in terms of theory and application. All organisations need to assess the risk, develop a plan and implement processes to manage a crisis. Crises may develop due to external factors or internal failings and organisations and people need to develop resilience. You will have the opportunity to evaluate several strategies and develop your own thoughts and ideas in the context of a changing world.

  • Aviation Applied Research Project (only for students on the regular pathway)

    This module provides the opportunity to conduct a research project on any aviation topic of your choice. Projects can be academic and/or related to industry practice. You will demonstrate skills in reviewing literature, developing research methodologies, analysing information/data and project management. You will be allocated a supervisor to guide you through the process. You are encouraged to collaborate with the aviation industry to ensure impact and relevance. 

Optional modules

  • Airline Planning and Operations

    The aim of this module is to provide a comprehensive, whole systems understanding of airline operations, planning and management. This includes the commercial and operational planning required to deliver an airline service. You will learn about route development, fleet planning, scheduling flights, aircraft and crew, managing ground and flight operations and the work of operations control. 

  • Strategic Airport Management

    The aim of this module is to evaluate the planning and management of commercial airports. Airports are an essential element of the global aviation system and wide variations in governance, management and development are observed in different regions of the world.

    This module explores briefly the historical development of airports and then primarily focuses on the commercial and operational management of future airport developments. 

  • Sustainable Development in Aviation

    The aim of this module is to explain the sustainable development of the aviation industry, in terms of current practice and future development. The module explores a whole systems approach to sustainability and discusses some of the unique challenges that the industry is experiencing.

    You will learn about the management of environmental issues and the opportunities and challenges of new developments such as electric-powered and hydrogen-fuelled aircraft.

  • Safety Management and Human Performance

    The module aims to present Safety Management and Human Performance in terms of related theoretical foundations and their application for the benefit of safe operations within air transport systems.

    The module explores a fundamental systems approach to safety and discusses some of the unique challenges the industry is experiencing due to its heavy reliance on appropriate Human Performance.

  • Engineering and Maintenance Management

    The aim of this module is to understand and evaluate the aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) industry from a planning and management perspective. The MRO industry has a direct impact on safety, operations and cost.

    The management of engineering and maintenance involves several stakeholders including aircraft and engine manufacturers, airlines and regulators. This module examines the interaction between all these organisations to achieve a safe and cost-efficient operation. 

  • Digital Technology and Innovation

    This module critically evaluates the evolution of airline and airport digital technologies and innovations. Technologies that involve passengers are reviewed in terms of the benefits and challenges. New innovations such as artificial intelligence and blockchain technology are also evaluated.

    The role of social media in aviation is explored in terms of commercial advantage and communication. 

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Successful completion of an undergraduate honours degree at grade 2:1 or above and evidence of a minimum of one year’s continuous employment in the aviation/transport/travel industry or a closely related field.

For applicants who do not hold an undergraduate honours degree at grade 2:1 or above, one of the following requirements must be met: 

  • Currently hold or have previously held a professional licence such as an Air Transport Pilots’ Licence (ATPL), Aircraft Maintenance Licence (Cat A or B) or Air Traffic Controller licence and evidence of a minimum of two-year’s continuous employment in the aviation/transport/travel industry or  
  • Evidence of a minimum of five years’ continuous employment in the aviation/transport/travel industry at a managerial level or equivalent.

Offers are made based on an individual’s qualifications and experiences. Prospective students may be invited to an interview to assess their application on the basis of their professionalism and work experience, prior to an offer being made.

If you have any questions about the relevance of your qualifications or experience please contact the course leader shown in the teaching staff.

 

International students must have a formal English Language qualification accepted by the university and/or overall IELTS score of 6.5 (at least 5.5 IELTS score in any individual element). Visit our English language requirements page for information on other English language tests we accept.

Successful completion of an undergraduate honours degree at grade 2:1 or above and evidence of a minimum of one year’s continuous employment in the aviation/transport/travel industry or a closely related field.

For applicants who do not hold an undergraduate honours degree at grade 2:1 or above, one of the following requirements must be met: 

  • Currently hold or have previously held a professional licence such as an Air Transport Pilots’ Licence (ATPL), Aircraft Maintenance Licence (Cat A or B) or Air Traffic Controller licence and evidence of a minimum of two-year’s continuous employment in the aviation/transport/travel industry or  
  • Evidence of a minimum of five years’ continuous employment in the aviation/transport/travel industry at a managerial level or equivalent.

Offers are made based on an individual’s qualifications and experiences. Prospective students may be invited to an interview to assess their application on the basis of their professionalism and work experience, prior to an offer being made.

If you have any questions about the relevance of your qualifications or experience please contact the course leader shown in the teaching staff.

 

Fees & funding

Fees & funding

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The fees stated above are for the entire 180 credit Executive MSc 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. Government regulation does affect your fees, so what you pay may go up in future. For example, government regulation around future inflation may increase your course fees.

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

A range of loans, bursaries and scholarships are available to help you fund your studies.

If you are studying a Masters course you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan, this may help contribute towards your course fees and living costs.

Additional funding is available to some types of students, such as disabled students. 

Within the university, we offer a range of scholarships and bursaries. View full details including conditions and eligibility.

Help with funding
{{ formatCurrencyValue(currentVariantData.field_p_cv_int_main_fee.name) }} per year

The fees stated above are for the entire 180 credit Executive MSc 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. Government regulation does affect your fees, so what you pay may go up in future. For example, government regulation around future inflation may increase your course fees.

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

James is wearing a pale pink shirt and a grey suit. He has light brown and grey hair . He is smiling at the camera and has blue eyes.

James Goodman

James has lectured in both Undergraduate and Post Graduate degrees in air transport management specialising in airline and airport management at the University of West London since 2017.  

Prior to this James spent over 20 years in aviation, airline and airport industries for various international organisation as a management consultant. His passion is supporting the next generation of aviation professionals to become the future managers and leaders in the industry. 

Specialist topics include digital aviation, commercial management, entrepreneurship, and human factors in aviation safety.

James has lectured in both Undergraduate and Post Graduate degrees in air transport management specialising in airline and airport management at the University of West London since 2017.  

Prior to this James spent over 20 years in aviation, airline and airport industries for various international organisation as a management consultant. His passion is supporting the next generation of aviation professionals to become the future managers and leaders in the industry. 

Specialist topics include digital aviation, commercial management, entrepreneurship, and human factors in aviation safety.

Study & career progression

Study & career progression

A smartly dressed man showing another man something on a tablet in front of a plane

The course is designed to accelerate your career to more senior roles in the aviation industry. On graduation, you could go on to work in:

Operational Management and Logistics

  • Airport Station Management
  • Air Cargo Operations
  • Aircraft Turnaround and Dispatch
  • Network Operations and Operations Control
  • Airline Planning and Scheduling

Commercial Management

  • Revenue and Inventory Management
  • Sales and Marketing
  • Route Analysis and Evaluation

General Business and Management Functions

  • Human Resource and Talent Management
  • Finance and Accounts
  • IT and Communications

If you intend to move into the aviation industry, you could start your careers with a range of related organisations such as:

  • Airlines and Airports
  • Cargo Operators and Handlers
  • Air Traffic Management
  • Consultancies
  • Government Agencies, Regulators and Aviation Authorities
  • Industry Bodies and Organisations

Further study that can be undertaken upon course completion: Students who have demonstrated exceptional performance may be able to progress to postgraduate research programmes such as PhD courses or other Doctoral programmes.

How to apply

How to apply

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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.