Program Overview

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AVIATION AND AIRPORT MANAGEMENT

BA (Hons) Top-up

This course is subject to validation and approval

Award

BA (Hons)

Duration

1 year FT

UCAS Code

N855

Entry

September, February

Fees

View Fees

Department of Hospitality and Tourism

Overview

Access our Aviation and Tourism Suite, complete with mock plane cabin

Opportunity to travel overseas for an aviation project

Airlines welcomed almost 7 billion passengers worldwide in 2022, while global cities, ‘mega-regions’ and emerging destinations have experienced phenomenal growth in aviation development. Devised in response to these trends, our Aviation and Airport Management top-up degree will build on your existing industry knowledge and help get your career flying in this dynamic sector.

Designed for those who have previously studied a relevant subject (up to Level 5), This top-up course will enhance your understanding of global aviation and the industry’s contribution to national economies. Studying at a recognised Institute of Travel and Tourism (ITT) Centre of Excellence, you’ll also have access to University College Birmingham’s stunning Aviation and Tourism Suite, offering state-of-the-art simulation facilities including a mock plane cabin.

Our course gives you the chance to travel overseas and undertake a project examining the impact of aviation connectivity. With nearby Birmingham Airport’s £500 million expansion plan to become the ‘Midlands Gateway to the World’, there is also a wealth of practical opportunities right on your doorstep.

Why should I choose this course?

• RESIDENTIAL VISIT – Gain unique industry insight by undertaking an overseas project, with essential trip costs covered by the University* – past destinations have included Dubai and Istanbul (* subject to visa requirements)
• PRACTICAL APPLICATION – Put your theory into practice working on real aviation projects and studying in our cutting-edge Aviation and Tourism Suite
• SPECIALISE YOUR STUDIES – Develop specialist knowledge of an area of the aviation industry that interests you for your final research project
• INDUSTRY APPROVED – Study at an ITT Centre of Excellence, with enrichment opportunities available including tourism and travel industry events on campus
• AWARD-WINNING UNIVERSITY – Study at the highest-ranking university in the region according to student choice (Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023)

Our facilities

Students on our aviation courses at University College Birmingham have access to outstanding simulation facilities in our Aviation and Tourism Suite.

Course breakdown

Modules

Core Modules

Global Air Transport Management

This module will critique the global air transport sector within its dynamic and turbulent setting. Contemporary global challenges and opportunities will be explored relating to governance, trade agreements, the movement of goods and people, digitisation of practices and aviation s environmental responsibilities. Best Practice Analysis will be utilised to inform the most appropriate response to identified challenges facing the global air transport sector, which will support the development of critical professional skills.

Independent Research Project

This module provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities in researching, planning and delivering an industry-related project. Students can either self-select their own topic or choose from a list of contemporary industry projects. This project focuses on cultivating the desired graduate attributes of professionalism, critical enquiry, problem-solving, enterprise, creativity and innovation and in enhancing students' professional profile.

Strategic Change Management

In an increasingly fast-paced and changing global environment, it is more important than ever that a business can navigate its way to a successful future. This module will evaluate different strategic change management tools in supporting businesses to seize new opportunities and treat risks/threats.

Plus one option from:

Crisis Communications Management

In an increasingly turbulent and dynamic global environment, it is more important than ever that a business or destination can manage their reputation effectively. This module will examine a range of key public relations and reputation management principles and provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to plan a successful communication campaign (media and public relations) in response to a crisis. Using an omnichannel approach, students will explore the challenges and opportunities that different media channels bring. This will further increase students employability by providing them with experience of the working practices of corporate press agencies or departments.

Managing Human and Anthropometric Factors in Aviation

This module will guide students through the application of human factors; examining both airline accidents and human reactions that have prevented disasters. The module will further explore how human factors and anthropometrics in flight deck and cabin design have influenced and moulded modern air safety, giving students the professional knowledge and skills to conduct aviation operations within an efficient and safe environment.

Smart Tourism and Aviation

This module will explore the increasingly smart approaches taken by destinations and tourism/aviation providers within an increasingly connective and smart world. Challenges and opportunities will be explored across the industries. This module will enhance students employability skills and knowledge within a more digital and smarter industry environment.

Entry requirements

Academic

• A relevant HND or a foundation degree in the areas of Aviation Operations, Air Transport Management or Air Transport Operations and Tourism, with 240 credits.

International students

• European and International qualifications studied in a relevant subject matter will also be considered. Applicants will need to have achieved 120 ECTS or equivalent (European Credit Transfer).

Key information

Teaching and assessment

• Teaching
  • Example of a typical teaching week (up to 15 contact hours):
    • Large group teaching – 4 hours
    • Smaller group teaching – 5 hours
    • Tutorials – 3 hours
    • Industry speaker sessions and employer fairs
    • Field trip s and visits
  • You will also need to commit around 20 hours per week for individual study time.
• Assessment
  • Estimated breakdown of assessment for this course:
    • Coursework – 33%
    • Practical assessment – 67%

Tuition fees for international students

• If you are an international student (or have been fee assessed as an international fee payer) and are enrolling on a full-time bachelor's degree course in 2024/2025, the fee for the academic year will be £14,000. If you complete a placement year, there will be an administration fee of £500 for a full year or £250 for a half-year placement.
• In 2025/26, the tuition fee for [Band 3] courses will be £19,750 per year.

Kick-Start Scheme

• As a new student studying this course full-time, you will receive £300 per year through our Kick-Start Scheme (UK students only, eligibility criteria applies). This scheme will support your studies and future career by contributing to course-related materials, uniform or selected items on campus. You may also qualify for an additional £500 per year.

Accreditations, endorsements and partnerships

• University College Birmingham works with a wide range of organisations to ensure you receive the best possible training and qualifications recognised by industry.

Work experience

• Work experience is vital for learning how to apply your training in the real world and for building your confidence and skills before you finish your course – and it may even lead to a job when you graduate. Our Hired can help you find suitable work experience.
• We encourage students on our BA Aviation and Airport Management top-up course to gain work experience throughout your studies.

Career opportunities

• The example roles and salaries below are intended as a guide only.
  • Passenger transport manager: Average Salary: £30,000
  • Sustainability manager: Average Salary: £42,367
  • Business development manager: Average Salary: £42,500
  • Transport planner: Average Salary: **£32,500
  • Regional sales manager: Average Salary: £39,716
  • Airport operations manager: Average Salary: £35,461
• Want to take your studies to the next level? Completing the BA (Hons) degree will enable you to move onto our postgraduate courses such as Aviation Management MSc/PGDip or International Tourism Management MSc/PGDip.

Meet your lecturers

• Professor Michelle Callanan: Deputy Dean for Quality Assurance and Enhancement
• Kathryn Hayat: Associate Professor and Head of Department
• Richard Behan: Head of Department - Hospitality and Tourism (Interim)
• Helen Joyner-Harris: Senior Lecturer Aviation
• Katie Bickley: Senior Lecturer
• Sasa Bobic: Senior Lecturer
• Karla Keating-Nel: Lecturer
• Salil Colge: Lecturer
• Simon Faulkner: Lecturer
• Valentina Basile: Lecturer
• Yvonne Worrell: Lecturer