Why study this subject?

A degree in airline and airport management will help propel you into the world of aviation. The courses focuses on developing your business management skills, tailored to the requirements of working with airlines and airports.

There are a wide range of roles that this degree could take you, including working at airports, airlines, ground-handlers, cargo operators, aviation tech companies, consulting firms, government bodies, among many others.

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?

The aviation industry never sleeps, and BNU designed their BA (Hons) Airline and Airport Management degree to help you become part of this exciting world.

They have a strong focus on employability, and their training partners and professional connections give you the chance to immerse yourself in the industry. BNU's close proximity to Heathrow and other major UK airports – along with their suppliers – means you’re perfectly placed for networking, seasonal jobs and work placements that are available.

You will learn from skilled lecturers within the School of Aviation and Security who have a high level of working knowledge, based on industry experience. Their teaching will allow you to gain a deep insight into the latest trends and requirements of airline and airport management.

As well as receiving top-class lectures and seminars, students are also supported by personal tutors, module leaders and course leaders. In addition, guest speakers often deliver sessions for students within the University to enrich their learning.

At BNU, they recognise roles in this field are hands-on – that’s why you’ll take part in simulated learning experiences throughout the course using their specialised facilities. You’ll also be able to use University's library to support your studies, whether you’re looking for the resources you need or just a quiet place to study.

As part of your studies, you’ll enjoy free membership of the Royal Aeronautical Society, the UK professional association dedicated to the aerospace and aviation industry. As a member, you will be able to participate in a number of exciting industry events, including conferences, guest talks, student competitions, and networking opportunities.

What will you study?

Throughout the course, you’ll complete a mix of aviation and business modules.

During the first year, you’ll be introduced to the structure, operation and security aspects of the aviation industry, as well as, establishing a foundation in marketing and finance delivered in an industry context.

The second year focuses on developing your managerial and analytical skills, where you’ll explore operations further and look into decision making processes. You’ll also look at why airlines fail and study key modules such as people management and ancillary revenue management, before beginning preparation for seasonal employment.

In your final year, you’ll carry out an individual project and follow aviation modules that cover globalisation, sustainability, commercial analysis and planning. You’ll graduate with strong leadership and managerial skills and a broad understanding of the airline and airport field.

How will you be taught and assessed?

Throughout the course, students will be taught through a series of lectures, interactive seminars, workshops, small-group activities, debates, case studies and e-learning materials.

In your second year, BNU will encourage students to undertake industry employment over the spring/summer as part of the Employment Research and Planning module. Students are supported with CV preparation, development of interview techniques and mock assessment days.

You will be assessed in a way that mirrors the requirements of the aviation industry, with assessment methods including:

• group work
• presentations
• case study based on fieldwork
• written assignments (generally reports)
• cumulative exercises
• preparation of a handbook
• reflective journal
• time-constrained assignments

The University also has a dedicated academic skills centre, Student Learning and Achievement, which can provide additional support in areas such as presentations skills, time-management, academic reading, referencing or academic writing, research for essay preparation and how to prepare effectively for examinations in addition to being assigned a personal tutor from the academic team.

What are your career prospects? 

Throughout your time with BNU they'll support you on the route to your chosen career. Helping you to develop crucial skills, encouraging you to become enterprising and skilled leaders and support you in your search to find employment after graduation. 

By the time you graduate, you’ll have gained practical work experience and an in-depth knowledge of the aviation sector. This will make you highly employable in the aviation and tourism industries, and qualified to pursue a career in the operations or marketing areas of airlines, airports, ground handlers and cargo operators. Some of the larger airlines and airports offer a limited number of placements on graduate management training programmes which you will be eligible to apply for too.

You might apply for a graduate scheme to get experience in different departments. Or, if you’re keen to keep learning, you could stay on at Buckinghamshire New University and study one of our postgraduate degrees, such as:

• MSc Aviation Security
• MSc International Aviation Regulation and Law
• MSc Aviation Operations and Management
• MSc Organisational Resilience