BSc (Hons) — 2025 entry International Airline and Airport Management
If you’re fascinated by airports, aeroplanes and air travel, this is the course for you. With our excellent industry contacts, our world-leading research in the travel and tourism sector, and our outstanding global reputation for tourism, transport and travel studies, we’ll launch you as a highflyer in the aviation industry.
Why choose
this course?
- This course responds to the growing need for skilled professionals in the ever-expanding aviation and travel industry. Every day, 12.5 million passengers are flown, and 128,000 flights transport $18 billion worth of goods*. With global air passenger numbers forecasted to double by 2042**, the aviation industry needs professionals with sound business skills and a good understanding of the entire industry.
- Surrey has nearly 60 years’ experience of training leaders in travel, tourism and hospitality and Surrey Hospitality and Tourism Management is an Institute of Travel and Tourism (ITT) Centre of Excellence.
- Our dedicated team of teaching experts will give you the skills, knowledge and networks needed to excel in the ever-evolving aviation industry.
- The University currently collaborates with Heathrow, Gatwick and Farnborough airports – all of which are located nearby – through a network of contacts. Through these contacts, our students have the opportunity to take part in field trips and in events such as careers fairs and guest lectures.
- Explore the intersection of AI, space research and the future of tourism within our curriculum, opening pathways to understanding emerging trends in leisure and travel, including space tourism.
- During the course you’ll also have the option to take one of our award-winning Professional Training placements that will prepare you for roles in the aviation industry and, if you’d like to specialise in this exciting area after you graduate, we also offer our own MSc in Air Transport Management.
*IATA (PDF)
**Airports Council International (ACI)
Statistics
1st in the UK
For tourism, transport, travel and heritage studies in the Complete University Guide 2025
1st in the UK
And 15th in the world for hospitality and leisure management in the QS World Subject University Rankings 2024
What you will study
This is a brand new and exciting course starting in September 2025.
You’ll receive a comprehensive education that integrates airline and airport management. We offer our students a holistic knowledge of air transport and its related sectors, fostering interdisciplinary knowledge. The programme draws on the University’s areas of excellence in AI, sustainability and space.
We’ll provide the right combination of topics to form the foundation of your world-class aviation career. You will learn about various aspects of aviation and how they interconnect. These include:
- Airline and airport management
- Strategic planning and development in aviation
- Airline, airport and cargo operations
- Innovation and data analytics in aviation
- Sustainability in aviation
- Revenue management
- The business environment
- Marketing
- Finance
- Human resources.
International Airline and Airport Management BSc (Hons)at Surrey has been built with your employability in mind so you can take off in your aviation career.
We are committed to delivering exceptional training that will empower you to become an innovative and highly skilled specialist in aviation management. With a perfect blend of academic knowledge and practical skills, you will be equipped to meet both the present and future needs of the industry.
Subscriber-databases
You’ll have access to two subscriber-databases which are used extensively by the industry:
- Cirium: a depository of daily news items from all around the world and considered to be the global leader in aviation data and analytics. It provides an in-depth assessment of more than 900 airlines, 17,000 airports and 114,000 commercial aircraft to help in strategic decision-making.
- OAG database: gives an in-depth insight into airline and airport data including flight frequency and capacity trends, flight statistics data by route, and airport performance.
Field trips
You’ll get out of the classroom for structured visits to airports and airline training centres to enrich your understanding of the sector. These field trips offer invaluable real-world insights into the industry, complementing your theoretical studies with a hands-on learning experience.
Networking opportunities and visiting speakers
We regularly host events for our students to hear from visiting academics, researchers and other professionals who share their insight and give insider-tips gained from real-life industry experience. We can do this because we have an extensive network of over 12,000 professional contacts who actively share their knowledge and expertise with us. We have had CEOs, founders, directors of operations, and consultants come and speak and inspire our students.
Institute for Travel and Tourism (ITT)
We are recognised as a Centre of Excellence by the Institute of Travel and Tourism, in recognition of our outstanding tourism, hospitality and aviation programmes, joining a select group of UK universities. This recognition validates our exemplary record of graduate employment, and enhanced student opportunities achieved through valuable industry networks and specialist staff involved in world-leading research.
Foundation year
If you don’t meet our entry requirements, you might still be able to apply for this degree with a Business, Economics, Hospitality and Tourism Management Foundation Year. This is an extra year of study to develop your skills and make it easier for you to get started at university. On successful completion of your foundation year, you’ll be ready to progress to the first year of your degree.
To see what modules you’ll be studying, refer to the foundation tab in the 'Course structure' section.
The academic year is divided into two semesters of 15 weeks each. Each semester consists of a period of teaching, revision/directed learning and assessment.
The structure of our programmes follow clear educational aims that are tailored to each programme. These are all outlined in the programme specifications which include further details such as the learning outcomes.
- International Airline and Airport Management BSc (Hons)
- International Airline and Airport Management BSc (Hons) with foundation year
- International Airline and Airport Management BSc (Hons) with placement
- International Airline and Airport Management BSc (Hons) with foundation year and placement
Please note: The full module listing for the optional Professional Training placement part of your course is available in the relevant programme specification.
Teaching and learning
Our staff members are innovative in delivering engaging learning sessions that bring together theory and practice for your intellectual and professional development.
Many of our academics are well-connected within the airline and airport industry. This brings a wealth of classroom-based experiences to your studies but also a lot of guided support towards future employability, career-coaching and CV support. Dedicated modules will develop your skills further, as well as employability masterclasses.
You will also complete business reports, podcasts, team presentations, consultancy work as well as essays and exams which are all set to draw on your understanding of the subject area.
- Seminars
- Lectures
- Workshops
- Group work
- Project work
- Tutorials
- Independent study
- Trips
- Simulation learning
- Practical sessions
AssessmentWe award credits for the successful completion of each module. Assessment takes place through a variety of methods, including examination and/or coursework, practical assessments and business reports.
Check the individual module information to see full details at a module level.
General course information
Contact hours
Contact hours can vary across our modules. Full details of the contact hours for each module are available from the University of Surrey's module catalogue. See the modules section for more information.
Timetable
New students will receive their personalised timetable in Welcome Week. In later semesters, two weeks before the start of semester.
Scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week (Monday – Friday), with part-time classes normally scheduled on one or two days. Wednesday afternoons tend to be for sports and cultural activities.
View our code of practice for the scheduling of teaching and assessment (PDF) for more information.
Location
Stag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught.
We award credits for the successful completion of each module. Assessment takes place through a variety of methods, including examination and/or coursework, practical assessments and business reports.
Check the individual module information to see full details at a module level.
Contact hours
Contact hours can vary across our modules. Full details of the contact hours for each module are available from the University of Surrey's module catalogue. See the modules section for more information.
Timetable
New students will receive their personalised timetable in Welcome Week. In later semesters, two weeks before the start of semester.
Scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week (Monday – Friday), with part-time classes normally scheduled on one or two days. Wednesday afternoons tend to be for sports and cultural activities.
View our code of practice for the scheduling of teaching and assessment (PDF) for more information.
Location
Stag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught.
We offer careers information, advice and guidance to all students whilst studying with us, which is extended to our alumni for three years after leaving the University.
The University of Surrey is a member of Talent View Aviation Skills Recruitment Platform supporting recruitment and promoting early careers in the UK aviation industry.
The aviation sector offers a wide range of career opportunities and, on graduation, you’ll be ready to work in a wide range of roles including:
- Airport or airline operations
- Managers for airline, airport and other aviation businesses
- Airport retail management
- Import/export management
- Customs management
- Supply chain management
- Safety and security management systems
- Inventory supervision/management
- Purchasing management.
Learn more about the qualifications we typically accept to study this course at Surrey.
Typical offer
- BSc (Hons):
- BBC
- BSc (Hons) with foundation year:
- CCC
Applicants taking an A-level science subject with the Science Practical Endorsement are required to pass the practical element.
A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking are not accepted.
GCSE or equivalent: GCSE English Language at grade 4 (C) and Mathematics at grade 4 (C).
- BSc (Hons):
- DMM
- BSc (Hons) with foundation year:
- MMM
GCSE or equivalent: English language at grade 4 (C) and mathematics at grade 4 (C).
- BSc (Hons):
- 31
- BSc (Hons) with foundation year:
- 29
GCSE or equivalent: English A HL4/SL4 or English B HL5/SL6 and Mathematics (either course) HL4/SL4.
- BSc (Hons):
- 72%
- BSc (Hons) with foundation year:
- 68%
GCSE or equivalent: Maths 6 and either English language (1/2) 6 or English language (3)7.
- BSc (Hons):
- QAA recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 level 3 credits overall including 21 credits at distinction and 24 at merit.
- BSc (Hons) with foundation year:
- QAA recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 level 3 credits overall including 21 credits at distinction, 3 at merit and 21 at pass.
GCSE or equivalent: English language and mathematics at grade 4 (C).
- BSc (Hons):
- BBBBB
- BSc (Hons) with foundation year:
- BBBCC
GCSE or equivalent: English language - Scottish National 5 - C, maths - Scottish National 5 - C.
- BSc (Hons):
- Pass overall with BBC from a combination of the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and two A-levels.
- BSc (Hons) with foundation year:
- Pass overall with CCC from a combination of the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and two A-levels.
Please note: A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking are not accepted. Applicants taking an A-level science subject with the Science Practical Endorsement are expected to pass the practical element.
GCSE or equivalent: English language and mathematics – numeracy as part of the Welsh Baccalaureate. Please check the A-level drop down for the required GCSE levels.
Applicants taking the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) will receive our standard A-level offer for this programme, plus an alternate offer of one A-level grade lower, subject to achieving an A grade in the EPQ. The one grade reduction will not apply to any required subjects.
Applicants can only receive one grade reduction from the published grades, an EPQ grade reduction can’t be applied in addition to other grade reductions made through other schemes such as Contextual Admissions or In2Surrey.
English language requirements
IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall with 6.0 in Writing and 5.5 in each other element.
View the other English language qualifications that we accept.
If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
International Foundation Year
If you are an international student and you don’t meet the entry requirements for this degree, we offer the International Foundation Year at the Surrey International Study Centre. Upon successful completion, you can progress to this degree course.
Selection process
We normally make offers in terms of grades.
If you are a suitable candidate you will be invited to an offer holder event. During your visit to the University you can find out more about the course and meet staff and students.
Recognition of prior learning
We recognise that many students enter their higher education course with valuable knowledge and skills developed through a range of professional, vocational and community contexts.
If this applies to you, the recognition of prior learning (RPL) process may allow you to join a course without the formal entry requirements or enter your course at a point appropriate to your previous learning and experience.
There are restrictions on RPL for some courses and fees may be payable for certain claims. Please see the code of practice for recognition of prior learning and prior credit: taught programmes (PDF) for further information.
Contextual offers
Did you know eligible students receive support through their application to Surrey, which could include a grade reduction on offer?
Fees
Explore UKCISA’s website for more information if you are unsure whether you are a UK or overseas student. View the list of fees for all undergraduate courses.
Payment schedule
- Students with Tuition Fee Loan: the Student Loans Company pay fees in line with their schedule.
- Students without a Tuition Fee Loan: pay their fees either in full at the beginning of the programme or in two instalments as follows:
- 50% payable 10 days after the invoice date (expected to be early October of each academic year)
- 50% in January of the same academic year.
The exact date(s) will be on invoices. Students on part-time programmes where fees are paid on a modular basis, cannot pay fees by instalment.
- Sponsored students: must provide us with valid sponsorship information that covers the period of study.
Professional training placement fees
If you are studying on a programme which contains a Professional Training placement year there will be a reduced fee for the academic year in which you undertake your placement. This is normally confirmed 12 to 18 months in advance, or once Government policy is determined.
Additional costs
There are associated costs with this course:
- Travel for a local airport visit: Varied £20-50*
Optional expenses
Optional overseas airport fieldtrip (travel and accommodation): £500 approximately. The objective is to provide the opportunity for you to experience first-hand the complex practices and processes involved in airport operations and management.
Grand total: £520-£550*
Our award-winning Professional Training placement scheme gives you the chance to spend a year in industry, either in the UK or abroad.
We have thousands of placement providers to choose from, most of which offer pay. So, become one of our many students who have had their lives and career choices transformed.
Airline and airport management placements
A professional training year offers you an additional opportunity to develop your practical skills, either in the UK or abroad.
With our campus being close to London airports as well as Farnborough and Southampton airports, there are plenty of opportunities in the region to take up work placements with airlines and related organisations. A placement gives you the experience to put skills into practice, immerse yourself into the aviation sector and make contacts for the future.
Applying for placements
Students are generally not placed by the University. But we offer support and guidance throughout the process, with access to a vacancy site of placement opportunities.
Find out more about the application process.
Discover, develop and dive in
Find out how students at Surrey developed their skills in industry by undertaking a placement year.
Discover, develop and dive in
Find out how students at Surrey developed their skills in industry by undertaking a placement year.
Study and work abroad
Studying at Surrey opens a world of opportunity. Take advantage of our study and work abroad partnerships, explore the world, and expand your skills for the graduate job market.
The opportunities abroad vary depending on the course, but options include study exchanges, work/research placements, summer programmes, and recent graduate internships. Financial support is available through various grants and bursaries, as well as Student Finance.
Perhaps you would like to volunteer in India or learn about Brazilian business and culture in São Paulo during your summer holidays? With 140+ opportunities in 36+ different countries worldwide, there is something for everyone. Explore your options via our search tool and find out more about our current partner universities and organisations.
We encourage you to add an international experience to your degree by studying overseas for one semester during your second year (typically the autumn semester).
Our international partners include:
- La Trobe University, Australia
- University of Queensland, Australia
- MODUL University Vienna, Austria
- Ryerson University, Canada
- Dongbei University of Finance and Economics, China
- Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand
- Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
- University of Central Florida, US.
Our partners complement our commitment to excellence in teaching and research and they enable you to enhance your international outlook.
Apply for your chosen course online through UCAS, with the following course and institution codes.
About the University of Surrey
Need more information?
Contact our Admissions team or talk to a current University of Surrey student online.
Terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to follow our policies and procedures, student regulations, and terms and conditions.
We provide these terms and conditions in two stages:
- First when we make an offer.
- Second when students accept their offer and register to study with us (registration terms and conditions will vary depending on your course and academic year).
View our generic registration terms and conditions (PDF) for the 2023/24 academic year, as a guide on what to expect.
Disclaimer
This online prospectus has been published in advance of the academic year to which it applies.
Whilst we have done everything possible to ensure this information is accurate, some changes may happen between publishing and the start of the course.
It is important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us. Read our full disclaimer.
Subject to validation
This programme is subject to approval. This means that it has received initial agreement from the University and is currently undergoing a detailed final approval exercise, through the University’s quality assurance processes.
These processes are a requirement for all Higher Education Institutions within the UK, to ensure that programmes are of the highest standard. Occasionally there may be instances where the University may delay or not approve the introduction of the programme.