Aviation Management BSc (Hons) with foundation year

Undergraduate

Male and female looking at aviation management charts in a building with a lot of windows

This is a highly focused business management degree, designed to develop resilient professionals able to proactively apply specialist knowledge, skills and capabilities in the global aviation industry.

Course option

Degree with foundation year

Year of entry

2024-25 2025-26

Location

CU Coventry (Coventry) and
Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Part-time
Sandwich

Duration

4 years full-time
5 years sandwich

UCAS codes

HGDF

Start date

September 2025

How to apply

Book an Open Day

Download a prospectus

The information on this page is for 2024-25 entry and should be used as guidance for 2025-26 entry. Please keep checking back on this course page to see our latest updates.

Course overview

Our degree with foundation year could be the stepping stone you need to achieve your goals. The foundation year aims to prepare you for degree-level study and is a great way to build the confidence, skills and knowledge needed to succeed on your degree course.

Foundation year

The foundation year will introduce you to the world of business with a strong focus on management, business communications and marketing in a global context. It creates opportunities for you to develop vital business skills, as well as preparing you for study at undergraduate level. You will put theory, both traditional and contemporary, into practice with real-world scenarios.

Degree

This course is ideal for individuals with an enthusiasm for commercial aviation and who wish to develop and expand their understanding and engagement with the industry.

The course aims to encourage aspirations for management and positions of leadership that will shape the future of the industry.

The course focuses on the management of the multifaceted aviation industry from day one. You will be encouraged to explore the complex inter-relationships that exist between various stakeholders, such as airlines, airport operators, regulators, representative bodies and industry suppliers, in what is a dynamic and challenging environment.
The course brings together management and transport systems theory, economics, data analysis, aerospace engineering, logistics, transport geography, regulation and safety and aims to provide a progressive learning journey, culminating in a holistic appreciation of the complexities of the global aviation ecosystem.
The course threads together the aviation ecosystem with business awareness, strategic thinking, technical understanding, and operational application by embedding research-active teaching and industrial engagement. You will be guided through the foundations of aviation management towards a focused and applied business and operational appreciation. In your final year (level 6), you will be encouraged to demonstrate a strategic, independent and critical approach to problem identification and resolution which culminates in the submission of your dissertation.

Joint Top Modern University for Career Prospects

Guardian University Guide 2021 and 2022

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Top 5 UK Student City (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2023

Why you should study this course

The course is delivered in an environment that offers an opportunity for individuals from a broad range of subject interests, experiences and backgrounds, to develop their commercial and technical knowledge, skills and capabilities commonly required to chart a successful career within the aviation industry.

Foundation year

Supports you to gain the academic skills required for degree-level study
Provides a grounding in key areas of business and management.

Degree

You will be taught by current academics who have global and varied industry and academic experience in aviation (staff may be subject to change).

Additionally, you can expect to:

Study the multifaceted aviation ecosystem and its interaction within the dynamic environment in which it operates.
Develop your understanding of the cohesive nature of the sector and the interaction between business and operational management.
Enhance your knowledge of the professional responsibilities within aviation, including an understanding of the associated ethical and legal issues, and the need for continuing professional development.
Be provided with opportunities to attend guest lectures (subject to availability) by a variety of high-profile speakers from leading aviation organisations, with the aim of deepening and enriching your learning experience – recent speakers have come from prominent airlines, airports and aviation consultancies.
Participate in hosted site visits to major and regional airlines and airports within the UK and overseas², and experience the international nature of the aviation industry.

Accreditation and professional recognition

This course is accredited by The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport.

What you'll study

The first year aims to provide a fundamental understanding of the aviation ecosystem, a foundation of business management, economics, finance and data analytics, airport planning and design and an introduction to aeronautical engineering.

Modules

Foundations of Aviation Business - 20 credits

Aviation Ecosystem - 20 credits

Foundation of Aviation Economics Finance and Data Analysis - 20 credits

Airport Planning and Design - 20 credits

Fundamentals of Aeronautical Engineering and Flight Theory - 20 credits

Introduction to Project Management - 20 credits

In Year two, you will develop more advanced knowledge and skills to do with aviation operations and aviation safety, amongst others.

Modules

Global Logistics and Cargo - 20 credits

Aviation Safety, Security and Emergency Planning - 20 credits

Airport Operations - 20 credits

Aviation Safety and Operations Assessment - 0 credits

Airline Marketing - 20 credits

Develop your knowledge and understanding of the fundamental and contemporary marketing theories related to the marketing mix, consumer behaviour, market research, pricing and revenue management, marketing strategy, ethics, integrated marketing communications and digital marketing as they relate to an aviation business.

Compulsory

Customer Service Management - 20 credits

Engages you with theories and principles as they relate to the delivery of effective customer services within the air travel industry, exploring methods and tools available for customer service process design, service quality management, and continuous service delivery and improvement.

Compulsory

Network Planning and Air Service Development - 20 credits

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement² can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee³ of £1,250. For more information, please go to the fees and funding section. During this time you will receive guidance from your employer or partner institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement.

Modules

UK Work Placement– 0 credits

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

International Study/Work Placement – 0 credits

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

In Year three, you will develop more advanced knowledge and skills to do with critical thinking and the global approach to the aviation industry, amongst other topics.

Modules

Research Methods and Dissertation Development - 20 credits

Strategic People Management in Aviation - 20 credits

Introduces you to the strategic challenges associated with the management of people in the aviation industry. The role of the Human Resource function within an organisation is considered and contextualised to address some of the issues posed by the global and regulatory frameworks that govern the nature of the aviation industry.

Compulsory

Airline Scheduling and Planning - 20 credits

Aviation Strategy and Finance - 20 credits

Sustainability and Aviation - 20 credits

Aviation Management Dissertation - 20 credits

The foundation year offers an introduction to your chosen subject and supports you to develop the skills required for degree-level study.

Modules

Business Communications - 30 credits

This module explores the application of communication in business through a variety of methods. You are required to undertake a range of practical activities such as role plays exploring different organisational and cultural settings and examining the relationship between management and workforce. You’ll also conduct thorough research of communications, using analytical theories as well as examining key management communication tools. Finally, you’ll identify your own, personal learning style, and have an opportunity to develop these skills within a supportive and culturally sensitive environment.

Compulsory

Management Skills - 30 credits

This module aims to provide an overview of the skills required by managers and leaders in business. You’ll explore why having an effective manager is crucial to the success of an organisation, in addition to identifying the successful characteristics of a manager and highlighting how they contribute to the development of a cohesive and productive workforce. We also encourage you to develop and refine your own management characteristics, as you look at relevant theories such as motivation, decision-making and problem-solving. You’ll get to practice a range of management activities and learn the competencies required to manage a business effectively.

Compulsory

Marketing for Business - 30 credits

The role of marketing within an organisation is critical to the success of any business. This module develops your understanding of the key principles of marketing and how these contribute to the achievement of business objectives. Marketing is a vibrant, fast-paced and exciting area of business and by the end of this module, you’ll know the role of marketing research, effective planning and the development of a fundamental tool, the marketing mix. You’ll also exercise your acquired analytical skills and evaluate key, contemporary techniques and understand how they are applied in a business setting.

Compulsory

Global Business - 30 credits

In today's highly competitive environment, there is an increasing number of small- and medium-sized firms that are involved internationally, This trend is expected to continue due to the globalisation of the world economy, markets, and intensified international competition.

You will explore the growing importance of global business in the 21st century and consider a range of operational activities and their interdependent roles and impact upon the wider strategy of the organisation wishing to trade internationally. The module will cover the principles of international trade and global business and the challenges faced by organisations, cultural differences, ethics and logistics from the viewpoint of achieving both operational and strategic objectives.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

The course seeks to support a range of teaching environments appropriate to the content being delivered and that cater for the needs of the diverse range of students that attend the course.

The foundation year is focused on applied learning through a blend of lectures, tutorials and online learning. There are no end-of-year exams. Instead, learning is assessed through coursework and phase tests, which are more reflective of a working environment.

The learning outcomes of modules, assignments and projects will be clearly stated. Your work will be marked according to how well you achieve these learning outcomes and your final feedback will refer to each outcome, as well as providing an overall percentage grade.

Teaching contact hours

You can expect up 20 hours of learning activities per week, made up of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, online classes and independent learning.

Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study of approximately 30 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.

Assessment

Assessment methods vary and may include practical class and project performance, written practical reports, project thesis, oral presentations, tutorial tasks and assessments which generally take place at the end of each six-week block.

To achieve this, learning opportunities are facilitated by a mixture of:

Individual and group activity- led learning
Use of labs where appropriate
Specialist software including business simulation
Guest lectures and field visits²
Access to recognised leading industry databases

The aim is that graduates of this course are confident users of technology and can interpret and communicate findings from data analysis competently and effectively. Simulation⁴ is also used to support the development of management decision-making capability with modules designed specifically to achieve this in Years two and three.

This course can be offered on a part-time basis. Whilst we would like to give you all the information about our part-time offering here, it is tailored for each course each year depending on the number of part-time applicants. Therefore, the part-time teaching arrangements vary. Request further information about part-time study.

Teaching contact hours

We understand that everyone learns differently, so each of our courses will consist of structured teaching sessions, which can include:

On campus lectures, seminars and workshops
Group work
Self-directed learning
Work placement opportunities².

If you would like more information, you can request information about teaching hours.

Part of university life is undertaking self-directed learning. During a typical week you will have time that allows you to work independently to apply the skills and knowledge you have learnt in taught or facilitated sessions to your projects or assignment briefs. This self-directed learning allows you to use your research skills, consolidate your knowledge or undertake collaborative group work.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

Since COVID-19, we have delivered our courses in a variety of forms, in line with public authority guidance, decisions, or orders and we will continue to adapt our delivery as appropriate. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods include individual or group coursework (as appropriate) in the form of:

Academic or Business Reports
Essays
In-class or online open book tests
Presentations
Projects
Posters
Role Plays/ Simulations
Viva -voce
Reflective Writing
Analytical Tasks
Laboratories
Portfolios

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

International experience opportunities

International experience opportunities² are fundamental to the successful delivery of the aviation management course, which is international by nature. The course has historically recruited an international cohort that could enrich your learning experience. The course content is also delivered from an international perspective through case studies and examples. Additionally, we aim to invite international guest speakers to contribute further to your learning (subject to availability).

The teaching team continually seeks to reflect the international diversity of the industry. Internationalisation is also supported by opportunities for international field trips². Destinations for the field trips in recent years have included France, the United States, Oman and Switzerland. On each occasion students have enjoyed engagement with key elements of the local aviation industry infrastructure (airlines, airports, and regulators) to broaden and deepen their knowledge and understanding – and to apply their learning from the course.

Please note that all international experience opportunities may be subject to additional costs, competitive application, availability and meeting applicable visa and travel requirements are therefore not guaranteed².

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2024/25 entry.

72 UCAS tariff points. All foundation courses require 5 GCSEs at A-C/4-9 including Maths and English, and at least one A2 level or a BTEC equivalent qualification.

If you don’t fulfil the entry criteria your application may be considered on an individual basis, taking into account any work experience, other qualifications and/or any training you have completed. Speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Chat with us

Are you eligible for the Fair Access Scheme?

We believe every student should have the opportunity to dream big, reach their potential and succeed, regardless of their background. Find out more about our Fair Access Scheme.

Got higher grades? Have you considered direct entry to the degree without foundation year?

Fees and funding

Foundation year

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	2025/26 fees TBC 2024/25 fees - £7,950	Not available
International/EU	Not currently available***	Not available

Degree

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	2025/26 fees TBC 2024/25 fees - £9,250 per year	Request fee information
International/EU	Not currently available***	Not available

Please note: UK (home) tuition fees for the degree course years will be charged at the current Coventry University UK (home) degree fee level. This was set at £9,250 for the 24/25 academic year.

If you choose to do a work placement², you should consider travel and living costs to cover this. There is also a tuition fee³ of £1,250 that will cover your academic support throughout your placement year.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**This course with foundation year is not currently available to international students. If you do not meet the entry requirements to directly join year 1 of the degree, please take a look at our International Pathways Programme for additional options.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the government's Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

Our foundation years are taught at CU Coventry’s Mile Lane building, a short walk from the city centre. You’re part of the university from day one, so during your foundation year you’ll have access to the wider facilities at Coventry University. Once you successfully complete your foundation year, you'll transfer over to studying your chosen degree at Coventry University, where you'll be taught on campus in the relevant academic buildings.

Located on our Mile Lane campus, you will have access to our Library and Learning Services (LLS), fully equipped seminar rooms and IT suites⁴. You can also take advantage of reading rights in Coventry University’s Lanchester Library, make use of sport centre facilities and receive full membership to Your Students' Union.

Two students walking outside with the CU Coventry building behind them.

Mile Lane

The campus is home to an on-site library with bookable one-to-one academic writing service and library support sessions, fully equipped seminar rooms, open-access study areas, a café and an IT suite. Our labs contain industry-standard equipment so that you learn using the same equipment as many industry professionals.

The Hub

At The Hub you'll find the Health and Wellbeing Centre, the Students’ Union and Square One (which provides entertainment from quiz nights to live music), the Spirituality and Faith Centre, Tank Studio, Careers Office and a fantastic food court.

Lanchester Library

You will have full reading rights in Coventry University’s Lanchester Library. The library is open 24/7, 364 days a year and has many study spaces, including group and silent areas. It also currently offers touchdown computers and free-to-loan laptops.

Our aim is to offer you sector-leading facilities⁴.

Flight Simulators

Our simulators create an exciting way to learn, with 61 channels of flight data which can be analysed to assess the accuracy of a students’ own design. The simulators are incorporated into an air traffic control environment.

Informal Study Area

Informal computer access to all the specialist software required for their students during their course. There are bookable spaces where students can meet with academics or work in small groups.

Harrier Jet

Our Harrier T4 allows students to gain hands-on experience with the parts, tools and mechanical aspects of a real aircraft. It is used by many engineering disciplines to learn how an aircraft works and how to maintain it.

Careers and opportunities

Upon successful completion of the course you can expect to be able to:

Develop sustainable solutions to aviation management problems, recognising the diversity of stakeholders that make up the global aviation industry.
Select and apply a range of research skills, management tools and strategies, to resolve current and future challenges.
Promote, defend and justify recommendations using appropriately sourced evidence and data.
Identify, analyse and evaluate data from various sources to support decision making, business improvement, effective governance and regulatory compliance.
Work in teams and as an individual, to deliver outcomes that recognise the diverse and international context of the aviation industry.
Select and deploy relevant software and technologies to support management decision making and sustainable aviation operations.
Manage relationships and behaviours that support management processes, business outcomes and professional development in aviation.
Evaluate and synthesise contemporary theory and research findings to propose innovative solutions to aviation management problems.
Apply a range of management strategies and the principles of project management to achieve tangible outcomes to aviation management challenges and problems.
Consider and apply the fundamental principles of transport systems design and aeronautical engineering to inform sustainable management decision-making within the aviation industry.

This course aims to prepare you for a wide range of career options within the aviation industry, either in the UK or overseas – from airline and airport management to air transport consultancy, roles with industry suppliers and manufacturers or in international logistics.

Previous graduates have progressed to roles in airport and airline operations management, consultancy, finance and revenue management as well as various graduate schemes and further study.

Where our graduates work

We have alumni working in numerous aviation organisations around the globe, participating in the complex network of airlines, airports, suppliers and regulatory/trade bodies that together create the aviation ecosystem. The number of our alumni that have gone on to secure rewarding positions within the aviation industry throughout the world, clearly demonstrates the value of a Coventry University Aviation Management degree.

Recent graduates have found graduate roles in companies including British Airways, Virgin Atlantic Airways, Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, Heathrow Airport, Birmingham Airport, East Midlands Airport, Oman Airports, Lufthansa Technic, UK Civil Aviation Authority, EASA, IATA, Airbus, Rolls Royce, Deloitte and ICF International Inc.

Work placements

Matthew tells us about his Aviation Management course, placement with British Airways and job.

How to apply

BSc (Hons) with foundation year

Apply via UCAS

C85

Institution code

View our courses on UCAS

Visit UCAS

UK students

Applications open for this course in May 2024. In the meantime you can register your interest in Coventry University.

Browse UCAS

Part-time students should apply directly to the university.

Apply via the portal

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Chat with our admissions team

Complete our contact form

International students

International codes:
CEECU172I

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International hub.

You can also download our International guide which contains lots of useful information about our courses, accommodation and tips for travel.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

ioadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Chat with our admissions team

Complete our contact form

Disclaimers

Study location

The Foundation Year study route will be delivered by CU, part of the Coventry University Group, for and on behalf of Coventry University.

If you choose to study at CU Coventry for your Foundation Year, then your learning will be based at CU Coventry. Mile Lane, Coventry. Subject to meeting requirements you will then transition to the relevant Coventry University subject faculty building for your progression degree.

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

⁴Facilities

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2023/2024 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2025/2026 contract will apply for the 2025/2026 intake. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

Your next steps

Student life

Accommodation

Fees and funding

Aviation Management BSc (Hons) with foundation year

Course overview

Foundation year

Degree

Joint Top Modern University for Career Prospects

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

Top 5 UK Student City (Coventry)

Why you should study this course

Foundation year

Degree

Accreditation and professional recognition

What you'll study

Modules

Modules

Modules

Modules

Modules

How you'll learn

Teaching contact hours

Assessment

Teaching contact hours

Assessment

International experience opportunities

Entry requirements

Are you eligible for the Fair Access Scheme?

Fees and funding

Foundation year

Degree

*Irish student fees

**This course with foundation year is not currently available to international students. If you do not meet the entry requirements to directly join year 1 of the degree, please take a look at our International Pathways Programme for additional options.

Facilities

Mile Lane

The Hub

Lanchester Library

Flight Simulators

Informal Study Area

Harrier Jet

Careers and opportunities

Where our graduates work

Work placements

How to apply

You may also like

Browse Aerospace Engineering and Aviation courses

Aerospace Systems Engineering BEng (Hons)

Aerospace Technology BEng (Hons)

Your next steps

Discover Uni stats