International Airline and Airport Management BSc (Hons) — 2027 entry

Businesses do not exist in isolation. They operate within complex and sometimes turbulent environments. This module invites students to examine how a range of external factors, such as international, economic, political, ecological, technological, and socio-cultural environments, affect business organisations at local, national and international levels, and how businesses can in turn shape the environment through their decisions and actions.

All managers in service industries need to be able to understand, analyse and improve the processes for which they are responsible. In order to be able to do this effectively they need to understand the nature and purpose of the service concept and the fundamental ways processes and people deliver this. The module integrates contemporary digital and AI tools for process mapping, measurement, prediction and design, enabling students to apply data-informed improvements to real service operations. 

Services industries are a driving force of value creation, and nowadays nearly every product incorporates a service component; as such, service businesses are increasingly dominant forces in the global economy. Services are intangible, produced and consumed simultaneously, cannot be stored, and are difficult to standardise, creating distinctive managerial and marketing challenges. This module focuses on services marketing and is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges service organisations face due to service characteristics, consumer behaviour, and a dynamic and increasingly complex global environment. It introduces the core principles of services marketing and consumer behaviour within the context of service characteristics, while integrating examples from the different fields of study represented on the programme, such as events, tourism and hospitality. Students will apply relevant theories and models to analyse and interpret real-world examples from their respective sectors, learning how to use established frameworks from the academic literature to critically evaluate marketing practices and to develop practical, evidence-based recommendations that can be applied in professional contexts beyond the module. In doing so, students engage with a broad range of marketing topics, enabling them to appreciate both the complexity of services marketing and the strategic tools available to manage and enhance the service experience.

This module offers a comprehensive exploration of airline and cargo operations. Starting with the fundamentals of flight theory, it covers fleet management, including aircraft types, propulsion units, payload/range characteristics, seating configurations, and cargo capacity for both narrowbody and widebody aircraft. Key aspects of propulsion units and their impact on operational efficiency are examined. In airline operations, the module focuses on flight scheduling, fleet planning, crew management, and network optimization, contrasting hub-and-spoke models for full-service airlines with point-to-point models for low-cost carriers. It also addresses the spectrum of operating costs such as fuel, crew, navigation, airport charges, insurance, maintenance, depreciation, station and ground handling, passenger expenses, and distribution costs. The air cargo segment reviews the role of air cargo in global trade, logistics, and e-commerce, covering various types of air cargo carriers and the classification of cargo, including general, perishable, and dangerous goods. Emphasis is placed on safety, security, and the role of freight forwarders in logistics management and customs clearance. The module also discusses the conversion of passenger aircraft to freighters, emerging trends, and technological advancements in air cargo operations, such as tracking systems and automation, while highlighting safety regulations and environmental sustainability practices. The module includes practical training at an airline training base, covering safety and emergency procedures in ditching, fire & smoke, and slide deployment, compliant with UK airline regulations. Students will have access to industry-standard databases like Cirium, OAG, and IATA AirportIS MIDT for research and analysis.

This module is intended to provide an introduction to financial accounting. It is aimed at students who are not majoring in accounting or finance but who are studying an introductory level of accounting and finance as part of their programme in management and is particularly focused on students specialising in the Hospitality, Tourism and Events sectors.

The module provides a comprehensive overview of different airport functionalities, covering airside, terminal, and landside operations. Students will engage with various areas of airport operations including winter and technical services, emergency response, security regulations, and aircraft allocation. The module also addresses safety management, emergency planning, cargo operations, customer service, and the complexities of airport management and baggage systems. Through theoretical knowledge and practical skills, this module prepares students for careers in airport operations management, focusing on efficiency, safety, and enhanced passenger experience.

This module develops students’ understanding of the roles tourism plays within and for societies, thereby widening students’ global and cultural capabilities. The module gives students an introductory overview of the history and origins of tourism, its contemporary nature, the inequalities that characterise it and the possibilities for social justice and social sustainability through maximising tourism’s positive societal outcomes. On the basis of theoretical concepts drawn from sociology, anthropology, leisure and tourism studies, the module provides students with a more critical awareness of the relationships between tourism and society, supported by international case study examples and opportunities for critical debate.

The growth of air travel tourism in the recent past has made global travel accessible to unprecedented numbers of people; however, this progress has come at a high cost to the societies and the environments of the places visited, as well as having direct contributions to the climate crisis. All stakeholders have a responsibility to contribute to sustainable forms of development, including aviation. This module will explore the relationship between the aviation sector and the three pillars of sustainability. Throughout this module students will gain a deeper understanding of the role of aviation in supporting sustainable tourism development, and the barriers to more sustainable aviation pathways.

The module introduces students to the fundamentals of human resources management and organisational behaviour.  It encourages them to identify the relevance of these knowledge and theories and apply them to address real-world challenges and contemporary issues. 

The prime motivator is to equip students with a good and meaningful understanding of hospitality/tourism/events finance and accounting. The objective is to develop accounting and finance skills needed by competent young professionals to achieve sustainable profits for various stakeholders. This module will covers management accounting that includes costing, budgeting and the fundamental principles of corporate finance and investment.

This module is designed to develop an understanding of revenue management (RM) in the context of where it is applied within the international Tourism industry. This has become a major strategic tool in the successful operation of businesses, such as airlines, cruise ships, hotels, restaurants and more. The module provides an overview of the RM, looking all aspects of this activity from a variety of perspectives ie Pricing, distribution, inventory management, stakeholders, and strategy.

The Airline Management module offers a thorough examination of the airline industry, encompassing a broad spectrum of topics including the underpinning factors driving traffic growth to the complex challenges associated with achieving profitability. It probes the intricacies of the different airline business, the multifaceted challenges encountered, the strategic frameworks impacting decision-making, and numerous other pivotal factors that shape the industry landscape. Moreover, the module will dissect the business models of full-service network airlines, low-cost carriers, long-haul low-cost carriers, regional airlines, and chartered airlines, analysing the distinctive features at depth that define each business model. The module delves into deregulation and open skies policies, which spawns traffic growth and development. It thoroughly explores the symbiotic partnerships facilitated by airline alliances and Joint Venture arrangements, which are instrumental in fostering revenue prosperity. In-depth examination is conducted on ancillary revenue streams, now integral to profitability, while the latest airline marketing trends to enhance customer engagement and connectivity are extensively scrutinised. How airlines price their seat inventory to maximise yield will be analysed. Furthermore, a meticulous examination of the Environmental Issues concerning Air Transport, that is increasingly pivotal to the industry’s future, is meticulously examined. Students will have the opportunity to access the University’s subscription databases that are widely used by the commercial departments of the airline and airport industry. These include Cirium dashboard, OAG, and MIDT databases. The module features an airline management simulation bringing in experiential learning and practical application of strategic decisions within an airline context.

This module introduces students to key theories, strategies and practices in digital marketing within tourism, hospitality and events. As digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, automation and immersive technologies, continuously reshape consumer expectations and organisational behaviour, understanding how to design, deliver, and evaluate digital marketing activities has become essential.Students will explore how digital channels influence travellers¿, guests¿ and attendees¿ behaviour, and how organisations can use these channels and emerging technologies to create value, foster engagement, and remain competitive. The module examines both opportunities and challenges of digital marketing in an increasingly automated and data-driven environment, drawing on contemporary research and real-world industry examples.Practical application is a central component of the module, enabling students to analyse digital marketing activity, evaluate campaign effectiveness and design content for multiple channels.

This Airport Management module provides a comprehensive overview of the management and strategic dimensions of airports. Covering the structure of the airport industry, it examines airport economics and the airport-airline relationship, highlighting the importance of collaboration for efficiency and growth. The module touches on airport service quality and passenger experience, alongside the strategic provision of commercial facilities. Students will explore airport competition, marketing's role in fostering growth, and the significant economic and social impacts of airports on local and global scales. The module addresses the environmental responsibilities of airports, promoting sustainable management practices. Students will be prepared for roles in the evolving airport and aviation industry, equipped with the required knowledge and skills.

Business intelligence and data analytics are central to decision-making in service industries, including hospitality, tourism, transport, and events. Organisations rely on data to monitor performance, identify patterns, and support strategic and operational decision-making in competitive and transparent environments. This module develops students¿ understanding of how business intelligence and analytics are applied within service contexts. It combines foundational statistical concepts with practical application using industry-relevant tools to prepare, analyse, and visualise data, including the use of AI-assisted analytical tools. Students learn how to design and interpret key performance indicators (KPIs), apply descriptive and introductory predictive analytics, and communicate insights effectively through dashboards and data storytelling. The module emphasises data-driven decision-making, critical interpretation of analytical outputs, and professional communication of insights to managerial audiences.

The Business Research Methods module aims to provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to determine the information necessary to address the identified basic or applied research problem and, using these skills and knowledge, develop an actionable research proposal. Students will gain an understanding of relevant approaches, elements, and stages of undertaking a research enquiry to provide insights to solving a relevant business problem. Students will develop core competence required to carry out a research enquiry, including identifying and formulating research problems, setting appropriate research objectives, selecting and applying appropriate research approaches, secondary and primary data collection and instruments, sampling and analysis methods, as well as the importance of ethical conduct in business research. This module discusses different methods and techniques essential to the execution of effective, coherent, and rigorous research for informed business decisions and practices. This includes the discussion of the ethical use of generative artificial intelligence (GAI) when designing, planning and conducting business research projects. 

The module is intended to provide an opportunity to review current trends and strategic issues in the international THE (Tourism, Hospitality, Events) industry and their impact on managing international organisations. It will consider the influence of current and future global issues on strategic management of businesses including geo-dynamics, technological advances, new customer dynamics, sustainability concerns and resilience of key stakeholders through socio cultural and economic challenges. The content of the module will therefore review several theoretical concepts and case studies from THE industries delivered by industry experts and lectures/tutors to develop students' strategic thinking and management skills.

The Strategic Planning and Development in Aviation module is designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of strategic management and development practices within the aviation industry. Emphasizing the integration of strategic thinking with aviation operations, this module aims to foster skills in strategic analysis, planning, and implementation, alongside the development of innovative and sustainable strategies. Students will gain profound insights into both commercial and operational aspects of aviation, enabling them to conceptualize and evaluate strategic initiatives tailored to the dynamic aviation environment. The pedagogical approach of this module will leverage diverse classroom activities, ensuring that students' skills are honed in preparation for the semester's assessments. Leveraging the curriculum and insights from guest speakers, students will be tasked with crafting a strategic plan focusing on a pressing issue in the aviation sector, applying the theories and methodologies discussed. Furthermore, students will collaborate in teams to create a proposal seeking investment for their strategic aviation project. These assessments are designed to refine students' digital proficiency and enhance their employability by mirroring real-world professional tasks. Building upon the foundational knowledge acquired in preceding modules, such as Airport operations, Airline management and Airport management, this module delves into a broad spectrum of strategic frameworks and development models pertinent to various facets of the aviation industry. Students' critical thinking skills will be nurtured through engagement with contemporary strategic challenges and opportunities in the field, including technological advancements, global market dynamics, regulatory environments, and sustainability practices. By exploring the core principles of strategic planning and development as applied by industry leaders and experts, students will cultivate essential competencies for assessing, devising, and implementing forward-thinking strategies that will drive the future of aviation and its role in global connectivity.

This module aims to develop students’ ability to explore and evaluate concepts and applications of innovations in aviation management and operations. In this module, students will explore the foundations of innovation theories, and apply concepts to the aviation sector. Real-world case examples of innovative processes, technologies and policies are drawn upon to develop students’ understanding of opportunities and challenges in implementing innovation within the aviation context. Students will develop an understanding of the crucial role innovative thinking plays in addressing sustainability and equity, diversity and inclusion within aviation. The module will equip students with the critical skills to evaluate successes in aviation innovations and identify barriers to future development in the sector.

Businesses do not exist in isolation. They operate within complex and sometimes turbulent environments. This module invites students to examine how a range of external factors, such as international, economic, political, ecological, technological, and socio-cultural environments, affect business organisations at local, national and international levels, and how businesses can in turn shape the environment through their decisions and actions.

All managers in service industries need to be able to understand, analyse and improve the processes for which they are responsible. In order to be able to do this effectively they need to understand the nature and purpose of the service concept and the fundamental ways processes and people deliver this. The module integrates contemporary digital and AI tools for process mapping, measurement, prediction and design, enabling students to apply data-informed improvements to real service operations. 

Services industries are a driving force of value creation, and nowadays nearly every product incorporates a service component; as such, service businesses are increasingly dominant forces in the global economy. Services are intangible, produced and consumed simultaneously, cannot be stored, and are difficult to standardise, creating distinctive managerial and marketing challenges. This module focuses on services marketing and is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges service organisations face due to service characteristics, consumer behaviour, and a dynamic and increasingly complex global environment. It introduces the core principles of services marketing and consumer behaviour within the context of service characteristics, while integrating examples from the different fields of study represented on the programme, such as events, tourism and hospitality. Students will apply relevant theories and models to analyse and interpret real-world examples from their respective sectors, learning how to use established frameworks from the academic literature to critically evaluate marketing practices and to develop practical, evidence-based recommendations that can be applied in professional contexts beyond the module. In doing so, students engage with a broad range of marketing topics, enabling them to appreciate both the complexity of services marketing and the strategic tools available to manage and enhance the service experience.

This module offers a comprehensive exploration of airline and cargo operations. Starting with the fundamentals of flight theory, it covers fleet management, including aircraft types, propulsion units, payload/range characteristics, seating configurations, and cargo capacity for both narrowbody and widebody aircraft. Key aspects of propulsion units and their impact on operational efficiency are examined. In airline operations, the module focuses on flight scheduling, fleet planning, crew management, and network optimization, contrasting hub-and-spoke models for full-service airlines with point-to-point models for low-cost carriers. It also addresses the spectrum of operating costs such as fuel, crew, navigation, airport charges, insurance, maintenance, depreciation, station and ground handling, passenger expenses, and distribution costs. The air cargo segment reviews the role of air cargo in global trade, logistics, and e-commerce, covering various types of air cargo carriers and the classification of cargo, including general, perishable, and dangerous goods. Emphasis is placed on safety, security, and the role of freight forwarders in logistics management and customs clearance. The module also discusses the conversion of passenger aircraft to freighters, emerging trends, and technological advancements in air cargo operations, such as tracking systems and automation, while highlighting safety regulations and environmental sustainability practices. The module includes practical training at an airline training base, covering safety and emergency procedures in ditching, fire & smoke, and slide deployment, compliant with UK airline regulations. Students will have access to industry-standard databases like Cirium, OAG, and IATA AirportIS MIDT for research and analysis.

This module is intended to provide an introduction to financial accounting. It is aimed at students who are not majoring in accounting or finance but who are studying an introductory level of accounting and finance as part of their programme in management and is particularly focused on students specialising in the Hospitality, Tourism and Events sectors.

The module provides a comprehensive overview of different airport functionalities, covering airside, terminal, and landside operations. Students will engage with various areas of airport operations including winter and technical services, emergency response, security regulations, and aircraft allocation. The module also addresses safety management, emergency planning, cargo operations, customer service, and the complexities of airport management and baggage systems. Through theoretical knowledge and practical skills, this module prepares students for careers in airport operations management, focusing on efficiency, safety, and enhanced passenger experience.

This module develops students’ understanding of the roles tourism plays within and for societies, thereby widening students’ global and cultural capabilities. The module gives students an introductory overview of the history and origins of tourism, its contemporary nature, the inequalities that characterise it and the possibilities for social justice and social sustainability through maximising tourism’s positive societal outcomes. On the basis of theoretical concepts drawn from sociology, anthropology, leisure and tourism studies, the module provides students with a more critical awareness of the relationships between tourism and society, supported by international case study examples and opportunities for critical debate.

The growth of air travel tourism in the recent past has made global travel accessible to unprecedented numbers of people; however, this progress has come at a high cost to the societies and the environments of the places visited, as well as having direct contributions to the climate crisis. All stakeholders have a responsibility to contribute to sustainable forms of development, including aviation. This module will explore the relationship between the aviation sector and the three pillars of sustainability. Throughout this module students will gain a deeper understanding of the role of aviation in supporting sustainable tourism development, and the barriers to more sustainable aviation pathways.

The module introduces students to the fundamentals of human resources management and organisational behaviour.  It encourages them to identify the relevance of these knowledge and theories and apply them to address real-world challenges and contemporary issues. 

The prime motivator is to equip students with a good and meaningful understanding of hospitality/tourism/events finance and accounting. The objective is to develop accounting and finance skills needed by competent young professionals to achieve sustainable profits for various stakeholders. This module will covers management accounting that includes costing, budgeting and the fundamental principles of corporate finance and investment.

This module is designed to develop an understanding of revenue management (RM) in the context of where it is applied within the international Tourism industry. This has become a major strategic tool in the successful operation of businesses, such as airlines, cruise ships, hotels, restaurants and more. The module provides an overview of the RM, looking all aspects of this activity from a variety of perspectives ie Pricing, distribution, inventory management, stakeholders, and strategy.

The Airline Management module offers a thorough examination of the airline industry, encompassing a broad spectrum of topics including the underpinning factors driving traffic growth to the complex challenges associated with achieving profitability. It probes the intricacies of the different airline business, the multifaceted challenges encountered, the strategic frameworks impacting decision-making, and numerous other pivotal factors that shape the industry landscape. Moreover, the module will dissect the business models of full-service network airlines, low-cost carriers, long-haul low-cost carriers, regional airlines, and chartered airlines, analysing the distinctive features at depth that define each business model. The module delves into deregulation and open skies policies, which spawns traffic growth and development. It thoroughly explores the symbiotic partnerships facilitated by airline alliances and Joint Venture arrangements, which are instrumental in fostering revenue prosperity. In-depth examination is conducted on ancillary revenue streams, now integral to profitability, while the latest airline marketing trends to enhance customer engagement and connectivity are extensively scrutinised. How airlines price their seat inventory to maximise yield will be analysed. Furthermore, a meticulous examination of the Environmental Issues concerning Air Transport, that is increasingly pivotal to the industry’s future, is meticulously examined. Students will have the opportunity to access the University’s subscription databases that are widely used by the commercial departments of the airline and airport industry. These include Cirium dashboard, OAG, and MIDT databases. The module features an airline management simulation bringing in experiential learning and practical application of strategic decisions within an airline context.

This module introduces students to key theories, strategies and practices in digital marketing within tourism, hospitality and events. As digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, automation and immersive technologies, continuously reshape consumer expectations and organisational behaviour, understanding how to design, deliver, and evaluate digital marketing activities has become essential.Students will explore how digital channels influence travellers¿, guests¿ and attendees¿ behaviour, and how organisations can use these channels and emerging technologies to create value, foster engagement, and remain competitive. The module examines both opportunities and challenges of digital marketing in an increasingly automated and data-driven environment, drawing on contemporary research and real-world industry examples.Practical application is a central component of the module, enabling students to analyse digital marketing activity, evaluate campaign effectiveness and design content for multiple channels.

This Airport Management module provides a comprehensive overview of the management and strategic dimensions of airports. Covering the structure of the airport industry, it examines airport economics and the airport-airline relationship, highlighting the importance of collaboration for efficiency and growth. The module touches on airport service quality and passenger experience, alongside the strategic provision of commercial facilities. Students will explore airport competition, marketing's role in fostering growth, and the significant economic and social impacts of airports on local and global scales. The module addresses the environmental responsibilities of airports, promoting sustainable management practices. Students will be prepared for roles in the evolving airport and aviation industry, equipped with the required knowledge and skills.

Business intelligence and data analytics are central to decision-making in service industries, including hospitality, tourism, transport, and events. Organisations rely on data to monitor performance, identify patterns, and support strategic and operational decision-making in competitive and transparent environments. This module develops students¿ understanding of how business intelligence and analytics are applied within service contexts. It combines foundational statistical concepts with practical application using industry-relevant tools to prepare, analyse, and visualise data, including the use of AI-assisted analytical tools. Students learn how to design and interpret key performance indicators (KPIs), apply descriptive and introductory predictive analytics, and communicate insights effectively through dashboards and data storytelling. The module emphasises data-driven decision-making, critical interpretation of analytical outputs, and professional communication of insights to managerial audiences.

The Business Research Methods module aims to provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to determine the information necessary to address the identified basic or applied research problem and, using these skills and knowledge, develop an actionable research proposal. Students will gain an understanding of relevant approaches, elements, and stages of undertaking a research enquiry to provide insights to solving a relevant business problem. Students will develop core competence required to carry out a research enquiry, including identifying and formulating research problems, setting appropriate research objectives, selecting and applying appropriate research approaches, secondary and primary data collection and instruments, sampling and analysis methods, as well as the importance of ethical conduct in business research. This module discusses different methods and techniques essential to the execution of effective, coherent, and rigorous research for informed business decisions and practices. This includes the discussion of the ethical use of generative artificial intelligence (GAI) when designing, planning and conducting business research projects. 

The module is intended to provide an opportunity to review current trends and strategic issues in the international THE (Tourism, Hospitality, Events) industry and their impact on managing international organisations. It will consider the influence of current and future global issues on strategic management of businesses including geo-dynamics, technological advances, new customer dynamics, sustainability concerns and resilience of key stakeholders through socio cultural and economic challenges. The content of the module will therefore review several theoretical concepts and case studies from THE industries delivered by industry experts and lectures/tutors to develop students' strategic thinking and management skills.

The Strategic Planning and Development in Aviation module is designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of strategic management and development practices within the aviation industry. Emphasizing the integration of strategic thinking with aviation operations, this module aims to foster skills in strategic analysis, planning, and implementation, alongside the development of innovative and sustainable strategies. Students will gain profound insights into both commercial and operational aspects of aviation, enabling them to conceptualize and evaluate strategic initiatives tailored to the dynamic aviation environment. The pedagogical approach of this module will leverage diverse classroom activities, ensuring that students' skills are honed in preparation for the semester's assessments. Leveraging the curriculum and insights from guest speakers, students will be tasked with crafting a strategic plan focusing on a pressing issue in the aviation sector, applying the theories and methodologies discussed. Furthermore, students will collaborate in teams to create a proposal seeking investment for their strategic aviation project. These assessments are designed to refine students' digital proficiency and enhance their employability by mirroring real-world professional tasks. Building upon the foundational knowledge acquired in preceding modules, such as Airport operations, Airline management and Airport management, this module delves into a broad spectrum of strategic frameworks and development models pertinent to various facets of the aviation industry. Students' critical thinking skills will be nurtured through engagement with contemporary strategic challenges and opportunities in the field, including technological advancements, global market dynamics, regulatory environments, and sustainability practices. By exploring the core principles of strategic planning and development as applied by industry leaders and experts, students will cultivate essential competencies for assessing, devising, and implementing forward-thinking strategies that will drive the future of aviation and its role in global connectivity.

This module aims to develop students’ ability to explore and evaluate concepts and applications of innovations in aviation management and operations. In this module, students will explore the foundations of innovation theories, and apply concepts to the aviation sector. Real-world case examples of innovative processes, technologies and policies are drawn upon to develop students’ understanding of opportunities and challenges in implementing innovation within the aviation context. Students will develop an understanding of the crucial role innovative thinking plays in addressing sustainability and equity, diversity and inclusion within aviation. The module will equip students with the critical skills to evaluate successes in aviation innovations and identify barriers to future development in the sector.