Air Transport Planning and Management MSc

Overview

This course has been developed to meet the needs of graduates worldwide seeking to gain greater knowledge and experience of the air transport industry, and looking to progress into senior roles in management, operations and commercial planning of airlines, airports, government departments and aviation-related businesses such as aircraft manufacturing, finance and consultancy.

Course Structure

• Duration: 1 year
• Attendance: Full-time - September 2025, Block Release - September 2025, Block Release - January 2026, Full-time - January 2026, Block Release - September 2026, Full-time - September 2026
• UK Fees: £9,700 *
• International Fees: £15,500 *
• Alumni Discount: See details
• Campus: Marylebone, Central London

Course Summary

The course builds on the successful series of aviation short courses that have attracted participants from around the globe to the University each year. The School has a long-established interest in air transport research, consultancy and teaching, having been set up by the renowned aviation academic Professor Rigas Doganis some 40 years ago.

Top Reasons to Study with Us

• Gain industry insider knowledge – International industry speakers and practitioners contribute to our programme, bringing you their latest expert knowledge and experience to boost your learning
• As well as lectures, this is a practical course with hands-on activities such as simulation exercises, management games, and workshops, plus visits to airports and aviation facilities are organised to enhance your practical experience of the industry
• Our expertise covers the three main areas within air transport – airlines, airports and air traffic management
• We’ll support you in choosing a topic of your choice for your research dissertation by providing guidance and industry contacts
• Flexible teaching – Modules are taught in blocks allowing you to study full-time or part-time to accommodate your time commitments, also giving you the opportunity to combine some sessions with our specialist short course activities, enabling you to further enhance your knowledge and expertise

Course Climate Action Statement

The course aims to promote sustainable practices, both through teaching the latest developments in air transport sustainability and through individual behaviour, such as carbon footprint reduction, waste reduction and ethical aspects of climate change causes.

Course Modules

Core Modules

• Air Transport Economics
  • In this module you will examine the structure of the airline industry and the international regulatory regime within which it operates.
  • You will analyse airline costs and revenues, relating them to financial performance, and examine airport economics along with key concepts in airport operations and planning.
• Air Transport Forecasting and Market Research
  • Through this module you will consider methods for analysing air traffic, forecasting the demand for air services and modelling the pattern of future airline operations.
  • Market research techniques are explained, including questionnaire design and interpretation of survey data.
• Air Transport Management and Operations
  • In this module you will develop techniques for optimising the airline and airport product.
  • These are based upon strategic management thinking and an understanding of the nature of demand for air travel.
• Research Dissertation (Air Transport)
  • This module gives you an opportunity to undertake in-depth research on an air transport topic of your choice, and present analysis, conclusions and recommendations in a written report.

Option Modules

• Air Traffic Management, Scheduling and Network Planning
  • You will examine issues in air traffic management, including economic, regulatory and performance aspects as well as the key factors of network planning and airline scheduling.
• Air Transport Policy and Planning
  • In this module you will consider the wider consequences of air services from economic, social and environmental viewpoints.
• Airline Marketing and Business Models
  • In this module you will examine airline marketing strategies including advertising media and messages, the distribution of the airline product, customer loyalty schemes and brand management.
• Airport Finance and Strategy
  • In this module you will develop techniques for optimising the airline and airport product.

Careers

This course brings together people who wish to move into the industry and those already working in the aviation field who seek to progress their careers further.

• Job Roles: Analyst, Civil Servant, Commercial planner, Consultant, Management trainee
• Graduate Employers: British Airways, China Southern Airlines, Heathrow Airport, IndiGo, United Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, Wizz Air

Entry Requirements

• UK: A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2). If you do not have formal academic qualifications we will consider an application if you have substantial (normally at least three years) relevant work experience in the air transport industry.
• EU and International: A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2). If you do not have formal academic qualifications we will consider an application if you have substantial (normally at least three years) relevant work experience in the air transport industry.
• English Language Requirements: IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.5 in writing and no element below 6.0.

Fees and Funding

• UK Tuition Fee: £9,700 (Price per academic year)
• International Tuition Fee: £15,500 (Price per academic year)
• Alumni Discount: This course is eligible for an alumni discount.
• Funding: There is a range of funding available that may help you fund your studies, including Student Finance England (SFE).
• Scholarships: The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.

Teaching and Assessment

• Teaching Methods: Lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application.
• Assessment: Practical, coursework, dissertation/final project research, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision.

Research Groups

• Transport and Mobilities Research Group

Supporting You

• Study Support: Workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills.
• Personal Tutors: Support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential.
• Student Advice Team: Provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas.
• Extra-Curricular Activities: Volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more.

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Degree Overview:

This MSc in Air Transport Planning and Management is designed for graduates seeking to advance their knowledge and experience in the air transport industry. The program aims to prepare students for senior roles in management, operations, and commercial planning within airlines, airports, government departments, and aviation-related businesses. The program emphasizes a strong theoretical and analytical foundation, coupled with practical techniques and strategies. It builds upon the University's long-standing expertise in air transport research, consultancy, and teaching, established by Professor Rigas Doganis over 40 years ago.

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Outline:

The program is offered in both full-time (1 year) and part-time (2-3 years) formats. Modules are taught in blocks of five days, with email contact, tutorial support, guest lectures, and workshops provided between blocks.

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Core Modules:

• Air Transport Economics: Examines the structure of the airline industry, international regulatory regimes, airline costs and revenues, financial performance, airport economics, and key concepts in airport operations and planning.
• Air Transport Forecasting and Market Research: Covers methods for analyzing air traffic, forecasting demand for air services, modeling future airline operations, market research techniques, questionnaire design, data interpretation, key sources of secondary data, demand elasticities, capacity management, passenger choice models, and airport attractiveness.
• Air Transport Management and Operations: Develops techniques for optimizing airline and airport products based on strategic management thinking and understanding of air travel demand.
Covers scheduling airline operations, aircraft selection, product design, quality of service assessment, air cargo requirements, air traffic management, airspace utilization, human resources management, and industrial relations.
• Research Dissertation: Allows students to conduct in-depth research on an air transport topic of their choice, analyze findings, draw conclusions, and present recommendations in a written report.
Develops understanding of all stages of the research process.

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Option Modules (Choose three):

• Air Traffic Management, Scheduling and Network Planning: Examines air traffic management issues, including economic, regulatory, and performance aspects, network planning, airline scheduling, current procedures, regulations, policies, data sources, latest research, and European planning.
• Air Transport Policy and Planning: Considers the wider consequences of air services from economic, social, and environmental perspectives.
Explores topics such as economic development, accessibility, connectivity, environmental airport capacity, carbon management, sustainable development policies, land use planning, air cargo operations, surface access policies, and airport environmental impact reduction.
• Airline Marketing and Business Models: Examines airline marketing strategies, including advertising media, messages, product distribution, customer loyalty schemes, brand management, route development analysis, airline alliances, and specialized business models (low-cost airlines, regional carriers, long-haul operators, charter/inclusive-tour sector).
• Airport Finance and Strategy: Develops techniques for optimizing airline and airport products based on strategic management thinking and understanding of air travel demand.
Covers scheduling airline operations, aircraft selection, product design, quality of service assessment, air cargo requirements, air traffic management, airspace utilization, human resources management, and industrial relations.

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Assessment:

The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Written Exams: End-of-semester exams
• Practical Assessments: Presentations, podcasts, blogs
• Coursework: Essays, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation

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Teaching:

The program employs a range of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures: Delivering theoretical knowledge and concepts
• Seminars: Interactive discussions and group work
• Workshops: Practical exercises and skill development
• Problem-Based Learning: Applying knowledge to real-world scenarios
• Blended Learning: Combining online and in-person learning
• Practical Application: Hands-on activities, simulation exercises, management games, and visits to airports and aviation facilities

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Careers:

Graduates of this program are well-prepared for roles in the aviation industry, including:

• Analyst
• Civil Servant
• Commercial Planner
• Consultant
• Management Trainee
Graduates have found employment at organizations such as:
• British Airways
• China Southern Airlines
• Heathrow Airport
• IndiGo
• United Airlines
• Vietnam Airlines
• The course team includes experts in the field, whose research and teaching are internationally recognized.
• The program offers a Westminster Employability Award, allowing students to formally document and demonstrate their personal and professional development activities.
• The University's Careers and Employability Service has a network of over 3,000 employers worldwide, assisting students in exploring and connecting with career opportunities.
• Dissertations are often undertaken in collaboration with industry partners and research contacts, including British Airways, Manchester Airports Group, DLR, UK Department for Transport, and Emirates.

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This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.

University of Westminster

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Overview:

University of Westminster is a public university located in London, England. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. The university is known for its focus on practical learning and its strong connections to the industry.

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Services Offered:

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

The university has four campuses across London, providing students with a vibrant and diverse campus experience. Students have access to various facilities, including a cinema, gallery spaces, and sports facilities. The university also offers a range of student support services, including career guidance, academic support, and mental health services.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Location:

The university's location in London provides students with access to a wealth of cultural and professional opportunities.

Practical Learning:

The university emphasizes practical learning, with many programs incorporating work placements and industry projects.

Industry Connections:

The university has strong connections to industry, providing students with opportunities for networking and career development.

Diverse Student Body:

The university has a diverse student body, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment.

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Academic Programs:

The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate courses:

A broad range of undergraduate courses in various disciplines, including business, design, creative industries, and liberal arts.

Postgraduate courses:

A variety of postgraduate study options, including master's degrees, research degrees, and short courses.

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Other:

The university has a strong commitment to research and innovation, with a focus on areas such as sustainability, social justice, and digital technologies. It also has a dedicated alumni network, providing support and opportunities for graduates.