BSc (Hons) — 2025 entry International Airline and Airport Management

Businesses do not exist in isolation. They operate within a complex and sometimes turbulent environments. This module invites students to explore the influences of various external factors¿international, economic, political, ecological, technological, socio-cultural and technological¿at local, national and international levels on business organisations, and how businesses can in turn impact the environment.

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.

Services industries are a driving force of value creation. Nowadays nearly every product has a service component and as such service businesses are increasingly dominant forces in the global economy. Services are intangible, consumed at the time of their production, cannot be stored, and standardization is a challenge. This module is designed to provide students with an understanding of the challenges service organizations face due to service characteristics, consumer behaviour, and a dynamic and increasingly challenging global environment. This module introduces the core principles of services marketing and consumer behaviour considering service characteristics. In doing so students will be dealing with a variety of marketing topics allowing them to appreciate the complexity of the topic as well as relevant theories and models service providers can take advantage of in terms of managing the service experience for their customers. To emphasize the applicability of service and consumer behaviour theories to various fields this module is divided into two parts: First, general principles of services marketing and consumer behaviour are covered. Second, industry (i.e., tourism, events, or hospitality) specific theory and applications are introduced. In an increasingly customer centered environment this module will provide an understanding about theories, approaches and techniques concerning how to attract and retain customers while dealing with challenges due to services characteristics and changing consumer behaviour. The module also creates an opportunity to facilitate 'real life' decision-making and enhances a wide range of study skills, such as independent research, analytical skills as well as critical thinking. As such the goal is to contribute to resourcefulness and resilience and to develop digital capabilities linked to the topics covered. Consequently, students develop skills relevant for employability.

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 global climate change consequences. All stakeholders have a responsibility to contribute to sustainable forms of development, that allow us to balance the ambitions of a wealthier society, the needs of the most vulnerable communities, and the capacity of the planet to sustain us.

The module introduces students to the principles of organisational behaviour and human resource management.  It encourages them to identify the relevance of these principles for practice in different sectors.  In particular, it will focus on the ways in which an understanding of human behaviour can help in the management of others and self.  It will examine fundamental individual and group processes and the ways in which these inform the policies and practices of people management.

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 the key issues, strategies and practices of marketing in the digital environment of tourism, hospitality and events. With the rapid rise in the use of the Internet and new media technologies, there are a number of digital tools and technologies available to marketing managers. This module provides students with an understanding of the importance and the application of digital marketing in general and social media in particular. It is vital for tourism, hospitality and event enterprises to acknowledge that consumers are now co-marketers, co-designers, and co-producers of travel experiences and that it is essential to take advantage of consumers as a source of knowledge for innovations and experience design in order to be able to compete in an increasingly competitive and transparent environment. The module therefore deals with how firms can utilize digital marketing and related channels and communication modes to enhance networking, collaboration, and travelers' engagement with services provided by tourism, hospitality or event organizations.

Digital innovation and data analytics are regarded as key for the development of enterprises, destinations and the services sector including hospitality, tourism, transport and events. Being aware of available technologies and being able to use data to extract patterns and generate insights to support strategic decision making are important for enterprises to be able to create innovative solutions to business problems and compete in an increasingly competitive and transparent environment. As such, awareness about digital innovation and data analytics as well as the ability to judge the quality of interfaces are vital to succeed in the social and economic business environment within the services sector, including hospitality, tourism, transport, and events. This module provides students with an understanding of the importance of digital innovation and data analytics in the services sector. It involves a critical reflection on contemporary strategies, concepts and ideas that currently shape hospitality, tourism, transport and event practices. It also aims to equip students with the fundamental concepts and tools needed to understand the emerging role of business analytics in service organisations and shows students how to apply business analytics tools and to communicate with industry professionals to effectively use and interpret analytic models and results for making better business decisions. The module deals with the importance of consumers' perception of the design of technological interfaces for business success and covers how to critically examine user interfaces and how to make sense of user-based interface evaluation data.

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.

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.

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 a complex and sometimes turbulent environments. This module invites students to explore the influences of various external factors¿international, economic, political, ecological, technological, socio-cultural and technological¿at local, national and international levels on business organisations, and how businesses can in turn impact the environment.

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.

Services industries are a driving force of value creation. Nowadays nearly every product has a service component and as such service businesses are increasingly dominant forces in the global economy. Services are intangible, consumed at the time of their production, cannot be stored, and standardization is a challenge. This module is designed to provide students with an understanding of the challenges service organizations face due to service characteristics, consumer behaviour, and a dynamic and increasingly challenging global environment. This module introduces the core principles of services marketing and consumer behaviour considering service characteristics. In doing so students will be dealing with a variety of marketing topics allowing them to appreciate the complexity of the topic as well as relevant theories and models service providers can take advantage of in terms of managing the service experience for their customers. To emphasize the applicability of service and consumer behaviour theories to various fields this module is divided into two parts: First, general principles of services marketing and consumer behaviour are covered. Second, industry (i.e., tourism, events, or hospitality) specific theory and applications are introduced. In an increasingly customer centered environment this module will provide an understanding about theories, approaches and techniques concerning how to attract and retain customers while dealing with challenges due to services characteristics and changing consumer behaviour. The module also creates an opportunity to facilitate 'real life' decision-making and enhances a wide range of study skills, such as independent research, analytical skills as well as critical thinking. As such the goal is to contribute to resourcefulness and resilience and to develop digital capabilities linked to the topics covered. Consequently, students develop skills relevant for employability.

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 global climate change consequences. All stakeholders have a responsibility to contribute to sustainable forms of development, that allow us to balance the ambitions of a wealthier society, the needs of the most vulnerable communities, and the capacity of the planet to sustain us.

The module introduces students to the principles of organisational behaviour and human resource management.  It encourages them to identify the relevance of these principles for practice in different sectors.  In particular, it will focus on the ways in which an understanding of human behaviour can help in the management of others and self.  It will examine fundamental individual and group processes and the ways in which these inform the policies and practices of people management.

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 the key issues, strategies and practices of marketing in the digital environment of tourism, hospitality and events. With the rapid rise in the use of the Internet and new media technologies, there are a number of digital tools and technologies available to marketing managers. This module provides students with an understanding of the importance and the application of digital marketing in general and social media in particular. It is vital for tourism, hospitality and event enterprises to acknowledge that consumers are now co-marketers, co-designers, and co-producers of travel experiences and that it is essential to take advantage of consumers as a source of knowledge for innovations and experience design in order to be able to compete in an increasingly competitive and transparent environment. The module therefore deals with how firms can utilize digital marketing and related channels and communication modes to enhance networking, collaboration, and travelers' engagement with services provided by tourism, hospitality or event organizations.

Digital innovation and data analytics are regarded as key for the development of enterprises, destinations and the services sector including hospitality, tourism, transport and events. Being aware of available technologies and being able to use data to extract patterns and generate insights to support strategic decision making are important for enterprises to be able to create innovative solutions to business problems and compete in an increasingly competitive and transparent environment. As such, awareness about digital innovation and data analytics as well as the ability to judge the quality of interfaces are vital to succeed in the social and economic business environment within the services sector, including hospitality, tourism, transport, and events. This module provides students with an understanding of the importance of digital innovation and data analytics in the services sector. It involves a critical reflection on contemporary strategies, concepts and ideas that currently shape hospitality, tourism, transport and event practices. It also aims to equip students with the fundamental concepts and tools needed to understand the emerging role of business analytics in service organisations and shows students how to apply business analytics tools and to communicate with industry professionals to effectively use and interpret analytic models and results for making better business decisions. The module deals with the importance of consumers' perception of the design of technological interfaces for business success and covers how to critically examine user interfaces and how to make sense of user-based interface evaluation data.

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.

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.

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.