Air Transport Management MSc

at Coventry University

Why you should study this course

This course has been designed to offer two alternative pathways.
 

• The ‘Business Management’ pathway is for graduates of any discipline, wishing to acquire and develop high-level skills central to the application of a sustainable, analytical and problem-solving approach to Air Transport Management.
   

• This pathway provides an opportunity for graduates in any discipline with an interest in aviation to re-orientate their studies and prepare for management roles in the air transport sector.
   

• This pathway can set you on course to achieve exemption from the academic requirement for Membership of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT).
   

• The ‘Leading Change’ pathway is designed specifically for graduates who have already studied Aviation or Air Transport Management at undergraduate level and who are seeking to extend and deepen their learning and capabilities in the field.
   

• This pathway introduces advanced concepts such as alternative views of strategy, change and project management not usually covered in undergraduate aviation management courses.
   

• Students on this pathway are also challenged to develop their leadership capabilities with the goal of being ready to challenge convention and identify potentially disruptive and sustainable solutions to management problems in the sector.

Modules

 

• Aviation Finance, Economics and Business Decision Analysis – 15 credits
   

  Drawing upon concepts of strategic management and competitive analysis in the air transport sector, this module examines how strategic and tactical decisions of various players in the air transport industry are related to financial and economic variables.
   

• Aviation Operations Management – 15 credits
   

  The aim of this module is to enable you to effectively analyse, evaluate and improve the management of operations and scheduling with the dynamic air transport operational environment. Various factors that affect the strategic and day-to-day operations management of international and regional airlines and airports will be explored.
   

• Research Methods and Project Introduction – 15 credits
   

  This module provides the background in study skills and research methods to enable you to carry out assignments and taught master’s projects.
   

• Master’s Dissertation – 50 credits
   

  The project will provide you with the demonstrable competences in applying the concepts and skills acquired during the taught part of the course. The project may be a solution to a practical Industry problem/requirement or focus on a research topic and will culminate in a comprehensive, thorough, and professional report documenting the conduct, approach and outcomes of the project. It is intended that the module gives you an opportunity to ‘specialise’ in an area of interest that is relevant to prospects and career development.
   

• Leading Strategic Change through Creativity and Innovation – 10 credits
   

  This module aims to provide you with a framework of knowledge and understanding of how to manage change using creativity and innovation in different types of organisational scenarios. You will critically assess strategies for change and change management and explore the leadership skills required to lead such successfully.
   

• Business Management pathway
   

  Air Transport Policy, Regulation and Global Issues - 15 credits
   

  This module aims to develop your understanding of global and regional air transport policy and regulation and examines its influence on the growth and structure of the aviation industry. Current issues which impact on the industry globally are also introduced and discussed.
   

  Air Transport Planning and Design - 15 credits
   

  This module introduces you to a range of principles and strategies and that underpin the planning and design of the aviation operational environment. The module seeks to analyse and evaluate potential growth options within aviation and apply appropriate planning and design principles to promote a sustainable development of the industry.
   

  Air Transport Marketing and Customer Behaviour - 15 credits
   

  This module introduces you to the theory and practice of strategic marketing management within the air transport industry. It seeks to develop the ability to identify various opportunities and threats that influence product and service development and marketing decisions in aviation businesses, using various analytical tools common to the discipline.
   

  Aviation Safety, Security and Business Resilience - 15 credits
   

  This module aims to introduce you to the critical business functions of safety, security and business resilience within air transportation. You will be introduced to the safety and security regulatory requirements of the industry and given the opportunity to develop competence in navigating and applying them to relevant contexts.
   

  Principles of Project Management - 15 credits
   

  This module introduces you to the principles of project management and its role in supporting organisational change. It aims to develop your understanding and skills in the use of project management tools and techniques, and to apply them in a relevant case study scenario.
   

• Leading Change pathway
   

  Strategic Perspectives in Aviation - 15 credits
   

  The module aims to expand your knowledge and critical appreciation of strategic thinking as applied to a range of current and emerging issues in commercial aviation. You will be introduced to theories of strategy beyond what would usually be covered in undergraduate programmes in this field and then encouraged to engage with a range of topics and current research to consider implications for industry managers.
   

  Project Management Frameworks - 15 credits
   

  The aim of this module is to actively engage you in the thorough understanding of approaches to managing projects within engineering organisations. These approaches are based on Project Management Methodologies with emphasis on “Best Practices” in engineering project environment.
   

  Business Continuity and Crisis Management - 15 credits
   

  This module aims to provide you with the necessary evaluative skills to assess internal and external risk contexts and apply appropriate approaches for managing risks within organisations. Incidents, disruptions, and crises introduce high degrees of uncertainty coupled with time bound complex challenges to the normal functioning of systems.
   

  Strategic Aviation Group Project - 15 credits
   

  This module aims to enable students, working together, to develop innovative and sustainable solutions to air transport management problems. You will be encouraged to use your industry knowledge and deploy appropriate behaviours, capabilities and skills to solve real challenges facing organisations in the air transport sector.
   

  Change Management - 15 credits
   

  This module evaluates the importance of change management in contemporary organisations in the private and public sector, and its significance in terms of the design and delivery of successful change in small and large-sized programmes and projects.

 

How you'll learn

 

Teaching and learning include:
 

• Lectures
   

• Seminars
   

• Tutorials
   

• Presentations
   

• Group projects
   

• Workshops
   

• Practical laboratory sessions
   

We use several real-life case studies drawn from the current fast-moving global airline scene. For example, how Middle Eastern Carriers have challenged and changed the wider global airline operating environment or how Low-Cost Carriers are evolving to meet increasing competition and increasing customer expectations.

 

We aim to run an inspiring programme of guest speakers (subject to availability), which in the past has featured: an airline start-up guru and chief operating officer; a security manager; chief fire officer; highly experienced airline scheduling expert; professional and personal development expert; a vice-president of airline route development and Ryanair’s former head of new routes; and the chief operating officer at Birmingham Airport.

 

We may also organise an exciting programme of field trips2, which have in the past included visits to DHL Air Cargo Hub at East Midlands Airport and the British Airways Emergency Coordination Centre at Heathrow, Heathrow Terminals 2 and 3 and Birmingham Airport. Where possible, you will also be given opportunities to attend conferences organised by Routes and the Royal Aeronautical Society. The university regularly hosts an IATA training seminar and students are invited to attend.

 

This course can be studied on a full-time or 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.

UK
 

Applicants are expected to have one of the following qualifications:
 

For the Business Management Pathway
 

• a minimum of a Second-class Upper Division (2:1) honour's degree in any subject;
   

• a relevant professional qualification of an equivalent level;
   

• a lower qualification plus appropriate and relevant working experience at a professional level.

 

For the Leading Change Pathway
 

• a minimum of a Second-class honour's degree in Aviation or Air Transport Management;
   

• a relevant professional qualification of an equivalent level;
   

• a lower qualification plus appropriate and relevant working experience at a professional level in the air transport sector.

 

Each application will be considered on its merits and the final decision will be made by the course director.

 

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5
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. 

UK

£10,600 | £4,000 (Work placement option additional fee) per year

International
 
£18,250 | £4,000 (Work placement option additional fee) per year

International Pathways 2022 Scholarship

You could enjoy a £3,000 reduction in tuition fees.

Our high-quality foundation, international year one and pre-masters courses are for international students who do not meet the requirements for direct entry to their preferred Coventry University undergraduate or postgraduate course. We can support you to achieve the academic and/or English grades you need and help you gain the personal and professional skills required to study at university.

We want to encourage ambitious international students like you to study at Coventry University, so we’ve secured extra financial support for you worth £3,000, to help with the cost of tuition fees, living expenses and accommodation.

The scholarship application deadline is:

September 2022 intake: 31 July 2022

Careers and opportunities

On successful completion, you will be able to:
 

• Select and apply appropriate systematic methods of analysis to critically evaluate and solve complex air transport management problems.
   

• Critically evaluate and synthesise appropriate theory and practice underpinning the strategic management of aviation, including legal and regulatory requirements.
   

• Critically analyse current challenges in global aviation and propose innovative or disruptive operational solutions, based on technical, environmental, economic and social criteria.
   

• Make and justify decisions for selecting, developing and optimising appropriate systems and processes to ensure aviation safety and security; efficient operational management and the establishment of effective business continuity planning.
   

• Demonstrate the application of regulatory and ethical principles associated with financial, marketing and other aspects of strategic management in the air transport sector.
   

• Apply the necessary study and research skills to support the analytical, critical and reflective requirements of written, oral and group assignments.
   

• Demonstrate knowledge, understanding and application of the skills required to deliver effective project planning, resourcing and scheduling, individually and as part of a team.
   

• Clearly communicate research concepts, solutions and recommendations and demonstrate a professional approach to written and / or oral presentation.
   

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principles of entrepreneurial practice and the theories and practices of leadership.

 

Air transport is one of the world’s growth industries and is projected to continue to experience ongoing growth until at least 2050. This growth brings significant challenges in recruitment of suitable personnel at all levels, including management.

 

This programme is designed with the aim of developing the strategic managerial skills necessary to meet the challenges currently facing the air transport industry today. You should also develop a wide range of transferrable professional skills during your studies, including the ability to produce written reports and deliver oral presentations, engage in self-directed study, operate as part of a team, demonstrate a critical awareness of professional, legal, social and ethical issues.

 

As such, it aims to equip you with the skills and expertise required to pursue a successful career in various sectors of the air transport industry, such as airlines, air navigation service providers, airport companies and authorities, civil aviation departments, air transport consultancies and aerospace companies.

 

Where our graduates work

 

Previous graduates are now following management careers with airlines and airport operators, regulatory and industry representative bodies and consultancy in the UK and around the world.