Program Overview

MSc Sustainable Air Transport

Overview

The MSc Sustainable Air Transport is an interdisciplinary, innovative, and future-facing postgraduate course focused on how air transport addresses the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Net Zero 2050, and the requirements of the topmost Airport Carbon Accreditation Level 5.

Course Details

Attendance

• Full-time
• Part-time

Course Duration

• One year (full-time)
• 28 months (part-time)

Next Enrolment

• September 2025

Introduction

The course covers the most important sustainability aspects of airlines and airports, air traffic management, airport surface access, as well as emerging advanced air mobility and aviation urbanism. It highlights the need for air transport companies to develop sustainability strategies and report on sustainability, and for air transport and airport surface access policies and projects to be properly evaluated for their economic, social, and environmental impacts.

Course Structure

The course is based on the completion of eight taught modules with two of them to be selected from five elective modules. A dissertation in sustainable air transport must be completed for a full MSc degree.

Core Modules

• Sustainable Airlines and Greener Air Traffic Management
• Sustainable Airports and Integrated Advanced Air Mobility
• Sustainable Multimodal Airport Surface Access
• Sustainable Transport Policies and Principles
• Sustainability Strategy and Reporting in Air Transport
• Sustainable Transport Appraisal and Evaluation

Elective Modules

• Choose two 15-credit modules from the following four options:
  • Contemporary Issues in Sustainability
  • Environmental Impact Assessment
  • Environmental Noise Measurement and Modelling
  • Planning and Policies of Urban Environments

Dissertation

• Dissertation (SAT)

Assessment

The assessment format for each module is based on the learning outcomes, but the typical methods include:

• Coursework
• Essays
• Test
• Presentations
• Dissertation

Employment and Stats

Employment

Graduates may work at air transport companies such as airlines, airports, advanced air mobility companies, air traffic management providers, air cargo and logistics companies, ground handling companies, airline catering companies, suppliers of air transport products, aircraft manufacturers, aviation lease and finance companies, as well as at ground and water transport companies, tour operators, local and national transport authorities and regulatory bodies, transport consultancies, international professional transport organizations and associations, research institutes, professional relevant magazines, etc.

Links to Industry

The course has been specifically developed to meet current and emerging needs of relevant employers. The course content has been developed with input from industry, ensuring that it remains industry-relevant and forward-thinking.

Requirements

Applicant Profile

This course is recommended for ambitious recent graduates and experienced professionals, both home and international, with strong analytical skills and a passion for air transport, airport surface access management, and sustainability.

English Language Requirements

International applicants will be required to show a proficiency in English. An IELTS score of 6.0 (with no element below 5.5) is proof of this.

International Applications

Please check international intakes for the latest information and application dates.

Standard Entry Requirements

• A minimum 2:2 honours degree from a UK university (or international equivalent) in the following broad subject areas: medicine, biological sciences, agriculture & related subjects, physical sciences, mathematical sciences, computer science, engineering & technology, architecture, building & planning, social studies, law, business & administrative studies (transport in particular).

Alternative Entry Requirements

• Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)

Fees

Type of Study

• Full-time home: £9,800 per year
• Full-time international: £17,000 per year
• Part-time: Calculated on a pro rata basis

Additional Costs

• Field trips in Environmental Impact Assessment, Environmental Noise Measurement and Modelling, Contemporary Issues in Sustainability modules are included in the course fees.
• Any optional visits to airlines, airports, ground transport companies or industry events must be paid for by students wishing to attend those in addition to the course fees (unless a visit is fully or partially financed by the University).

Scholarships

• If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships. Learn more about our latest international scholarships.