Program Overview

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 - January 2026, Block Release - September 2025, Full-time - September 2025, Block Release - 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
  • Examine the structure of the airline industry and the international regulatory regime within which it operates
  • 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
  • Consider methods for analysing air traffic, forecasting the demand for air services and modelling the pattern of future airline operations
  • Explain market research techniques, including questionnaire design and interpretation of survey data
• Air Transport Management and Operations
  • Develop techniques for optimising the airline and airport product
  • Based upon strategic management thinking and an understanding of the nature of demand for air travel
• Research Dissertation (Air Transport)
  • Undertake in-depth research on an air transport topic of your choice, and present analysis, conclusions and recommendations in a written report
• MSc Air Transport Planning and Management – Additional Activities Programme
  • Provide a comprehensive overview of the dynamic interplay between transport and land use

Option Modules

• Air Traffic Management, Scheduling and Network Planning
  • 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
  • Consider the wider consequences of air services from economic, social and environmental viewpoints
  • Explore topics of economic development, accessibility and connectivity, as well as environmental airport capacity and carbon management
• Airline Marketing and Business Models
  • 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
  • Develop techniques for optimising the airline and airport product
  • Based upon strategic management thinking and an understanding of the nature of demand for air travel

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)
• International: A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2)
• English Language: 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)

Teaching and Assessment

• Teaching Methods: Lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application
• Assessment: Written exams, practical, coursework

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

Course Location

• Marylebone Campus: In the heart of London, our Marylebone Campus is home to the Westminster Business School and our Architecture, Planning and Tourism courses. Specialist workshops, dedicated digital and architecture studios, and our extensive Marylebone Library offer students everything they need for academic success.