Inside of an airport looking out at a grounded airplane

BA (Hons) Airline and Airport Management

  • Study Mode: Full Time
  • Location: High Wycombe
  • Duration: Three Years
  • Start Date: September 2022

*Please note this course is for continuing students who started in 2022-23 or earlier.

A perfect fit for someone that has an interest in aviation, our BA (Hons) Airline and Airport Management degree will help give you the knowledge and practical experience to pursue a successful career in this field. With over 20 years’ experience in delivering aviation degrees, we have a strong track-record of helping students meet the contemporary needs of this global industry.
The course has been developed with input from industry professionals and continues to respond to the ongoing changes taking place within the sector. With London and South East airports nearby, you’ll be perfectly placed for networking, placement opportunities, and applying for great jobs when you graduate.
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No. 1 in England for Student Satisfaction*
*Measured by % of positivity across all questions within the larger providers only: taught or registered population (NSS 2023)
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No. 1 Students' Union in the UK*
*As ranked among taught students at non-specialist HEIs (NSS 2023)
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Top for our response to the cost-of-living-crisis*
*Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023
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5th for learning opportunities*
*NSS 2023
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Top 10 for student support*
*Whatuni Student Choice Award 2023
Having lecturers that have previously worked in aviation was fantastic because they were able to provide us with real knowledge and an idea of what it is really like, rather than what may be regarded as simply teaching from a textbook.
Sarah Clarke
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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.

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BA (Hons) Airline and Airport Management

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?

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

We have a strong focus on employability, and our training partners and professional connections give you the chance to immerse yourself in the industry. Our 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 – previously we have welcomed speakers from TUI, British Airways and Ryanair.

At BNU, we recognise roles in this field are hands-on – that’s why you’ll take part in simulated learning experiences throughout the course using our specialised facilities. You’ll also be able to use our 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.

As a BNU student, you will automatically become a member of Bucks Students’ Union giving you access to a wide range of services that we offer for free. You’ll also be able to join the Aviation Society where you’ll have the ability to attend a variety events and experiences. Some examples of what we’ve done in the past include tours of NATS, a Boeing Flight Simulator experience at CAE and a tour at easyJet.

Aviation logos

What will I 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.

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How will I 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, we 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 facilities can I use?

We’ve invested in a range of state-of-the-art facilities across our campuses to support your learning. Our specialised simulation facilities allow our students to experience real-life airport scenarios, developing their abilities in airfield planning and operations, and crisis and emergency management.

On top of services that BNU provides, we are also members of or partner with a range of external organisations to bolster your industry knowledge:

  • We have access to subscription software packages including CAPA, FlightGlobal and The Fresh Connection, which will greatly assist you in your learning and in the completion of several assessments.
  • We are classed as an Educational Establishment with Airports Council International Europe through our membership, giving students free access to the latest aviation news and developments.
  • We’re part of the London Heathrow Skills Partnership – this means what you study is influenced by the UK’s largest airport and you’ll be one of the first to hear about opportunities. It also helps us give you an up-to-date picture of what is going on in the industry throughout your studies.
The inside of an airport with people pulling suitcases along and collecting baggage

Placements Plus

BNU is a Placements Plus university. So, whatever degree you do, you can be sure there’ll be plenty of industry-relevant opportunities on offer, to help you get into your chosen field.

We’ll also prepare you for work beforehand, with special skills for work training, further boosting your CV, and building skills employers will value. In recognition of the value we place on these skills we have incorporated this experience into your study time.

Placements Plus is all about helping you get some valuable experience under your belt while you’re a student, to increase your choices later, and help you get the graduate-level job you want.

Useful Documents

BSc (Hons) Airline and Airport Management Programme Specification

What are the course entry requirements?

A minimum of two full A-levels (or equivalent) is required. Every application is considered on an individual basis.

For further details of our international English entry requirements, please visit our international pages.

Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements for the three-year undergraduate programme, or those who do not feel fully prepared for a degree course, can apply for a four-year programme including a Foundation Year; find out more.

 

Modules

This provides a guide of the modules that make up your course. You can find more information about how your course is structured on our Academic Advice section.

Year 1 Modules

Structure of the Air Transport Industry

Air Cargo Operations

Air Transport - Security and Safety

Airline and Airport Marketing

Airport Operations

Introduction to Finance and Economics

Developments of the Air Transport Sector

Professional Skills and Development

Year 2 Modules

Research Methods

Airport Management

Airline Management

Ancillary Revenue Management

Airline Crisis and Continuity Management

Management, Leadership and Change

Employment Research and Planning

Human Resource Management

Year 3 Modules

Research Project (optional)

Business and Enterprise (optional)

The Future of the Air Transport Industry

Aviation in the Global Context

Aviation Finance and Economics

Sustainability Management

Strategic Management

What are the tuition fees

Home

Home and EU, for those who started in Academic Year 2022 - 2023

£9,250 per year

International

International, for those who started in Academic Year 2022 - 2023

£14,250 per year

Additional course costs and financial support

Most courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees.
You could benefit from financial support through a bursary or scholarship during your time as a student. For more details visit our financial support, bursaries and scholarships section.

Questions about fees?

If you have any questions about the fees above, contact our Enquiries team by calling 0330 123 2023 or emailing advice@bnu.ac.uk.

What are my career prospects? 

Throughout your time with us we’ll support you on the route to your chosen career. We’ll help you to develop crucial skills, encouraging you to become enterprising and skilled leaders and support you in your search to find employment after graduation. Have a look at our Careers and Employability pages to find out more.

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:

 

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