Aviation Operations and Management (Distance Learning) MSc

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?
The global aviation industry is highly complex and is subject to constant change and challenge in sustaining competitiveness, while offering a safe and efficient passenger experience. Now, more than ever, aviation needs effective and highly capable management and leadership.

This programme will enable you to gain an enhanced level of knowledge, creativity, forward thinking social capabilities and place you in an advantageous position in the industry.

The programme is delivered by both academics and industry professionals, creating a professional environment and forum for the exchange of ideas at postgraduate level. You will complete this master’s level course by undertaking a research module, where you will develop and complete an agreed aviation linked project that best presents your abilities and interests.

Buckinghamshire New University is a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant and supports the Armed Forces Community. We recognise the value Serving Personnel, both Regular and Reservists, Veterans, and military families contribute to our business and country.

If you are a member of the Armed Forces, you may be able eligible to received funding for this programme under the UK Ministry of Defence Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) scheme – our ELCAS number is 1682.

What will I study?
Aviation continues to develop and grow in response to economic, environmental and market needs. In the face of technological advances, challenge and disruption alongside that growth, there is strong demand for capable managers and leaders who possess high-level knowledge and analytical thinking skills who are equipped and able to take businesses and their employees forward.

This course is suited to those who are either interested in moving into the airline industry, for example you may be a recent graduate with a degree from a related programme or may have general management experience. Additionally, you may already be in the aviation sector working for an airline or airport and want to broaden your industry knowledge and management skills with a view to enhancing your career prospects. The programme is delivered as a distance programme with a mix of synchronous and asynchronous delivery allowing you to study alongside your careers.

The course examines both general and specific areas of aviation management with topics including:


• Global aviation leadership and management



• Aviation business



• Globalised aviation industry



• Aviation organisational resilience



• Independent project



How will I be taught and assessed?
This MSc is delivered fully online via our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Teaching blends interactive lectures, seminars, workshops and simulation-based activities delivered by academics and industry professionals.

We use the Discover–Apply–Reflect system:
• Discover: short pre-class readings, videos and prompts to build core understanding.



• Apply: live workshops, cases, debates and team tasks connecting theory to practice.



• Reflect: guided reflections, quick checks and forum debriefs to consolidate learning.



Assessment is authentic and varied, mirroring professional tasks in aviation operations and management. Typical formats include:
• Individual and group reports.



• Case analyses.



• Portfolios / builds and presentations.



• Reflective briefs and research-informed assignments.



What are my career prospects?
On successful completion of this degree, you will find your employment prospects enhanced and understanding of the multiple facets of aviation operations and management significantly improved. Aside from roles in operations and aviation leadership, you could find a position in areas such as air traffic control, emergency planning, sustainability roles and general aviation projects, amongst many more. All graduates will have also developed transferable skills that can be used in a wide range of employment roles.