Air Transport Planning and Management MSc

Program Overview

The MSc in Air Transport Planning and Management at the University of Westminster prepares graduates for senior roles in the aviation industry. The program combines a strong theoretical foundation with practical techniques, emphasizing sustainable practices. Students can choose from a range of option modules, such as Air Traffic Management and Airline Marketing, and benefit from industry collaborations and guest speakers. Graduates are well-equipped for roles in management, operations, and commercial planning in the aviation sector.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This MSc in Air Transport Planning and Management is designed for graduates seeking to advance their knowledge and experience in the air transport industry. The program aims to prepare students for senior roles in management, operations, and commercial planning within airlines, airports, government departments, and aviation-related businesses. The program emphasizes a strong theoretical and analytical foundation, coupled with practical techniques and strategies. It builds upon the University's long-standing expertise in air transport research, consultancy, and teaching, established by Professor Rigas Doganis over 40 years ago.

Outline:

The program is offered in both full-time (1 year) and part-time (2-3 years) formats. Modules are taught in blocks of five days, with email contact, tutorial support, guest lectures, and workshops provided between blocks.

Core Modules:

• Air Transport Economics: Examines the structure of the airline industry, international regulatory regimes, airline costs and revenues, financial performance, airport economics, and key concepts in airport operations and planning.
• Air Transport Forecasting and Market Research: Covers methods for analyzing air traffic, forecasting demand for air services, modeling future airline operations, market research techniques, questionnaire design, data interpretation, key sources of secondary data, demand elasticities, capacity management, passenger choice models, and airport attractiveness.
• Air Transport Management and Operations: Develops techniques for optimizing airline and airport products based on strategic management thinking and understanding of air travel demand.
Covers scheduling airline operations, aircraft selection, product design, quality of service assessment, air cargo requirements, air traffic management, airspace utilization, human resources management, and industrial relations.
• Research Dissertation: Allows students to conduct in-depth research on an air transport topic of their choice, analyze findings, draw conclusions, and present recommendations in a written report.
Develops understanding of all stages of the research process.

Option Modules (Choose three):

• Air Traffic Management, Scheduling and Network Planning: Examines air traffic management issues, including economic, regulatory, and performance aspects, network planning, airline scheduling, current procedures, regulations, policies, data sources, latest research, and European planning.
• Air Transport Policy and Planning: Considers the wider consequences of air services from economic, social, and environmental perspectives.
Explores topics such as economic development, accessibility, connectivity, environmental airport capacity, carbon management, sustainable development policies, land use planning, air cargo operations, surface access policies, and airport environmental impact reduction.
• Airline Marketing and Business Models: Examines airline marketing strategies, including advertising media, messages, product distribution, customer loyalty schemes, brand management, route development analysis, airline alliances, and specialized business models (low-cost airlines, regional carriers, long-haul operators, charter/inclusive-tour sector).
• Airport Finance and Strategy: Develops techniques for optimizing airline and airport products based on strategic management thinking and understanding of air travel demand.
Covers scheduling airline operations, aircraft selection, product design, quality of service assessment, air cargo requirements, air traffic management, airspace utilization, human resources management, and industrial relations.

Assessment:

The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Written Exams: End-of-semester exams
• Practical Assessments: Presentations, podcasts, blogs
• Coursework: Essays, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation

Teaching:

The program employs a range of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures: Delivering theoretical knowledge and concepts
• Seminars: Interactive discussions and group work
• Workshops: Practical exercises and skill development
• Problem-Based Learning: Applying knowledge to real-world scenarios
• Blended Learning: Combining online and in-person learning
• Practical Application: Hands-on activities, simulation exercises, management games, and visits to airports and aviation facilities

Careers:

Graduates of this program are well-prepared for roles in the aviation industry, including:

• Analyst
• Civil Servant
• Commercial Planner
• Consultant
• Management Trainee
Graduates have found employment at organizations such as:
• British Airways
• China Southern Airlines
• Heathrow Airport
• IndiGo
• United Airlines
• Vietnam Airlines
• The course team includes experts in the field, whose research and teaching are internationally recognized.
• The program offers a Westminster Employability Award, allowing students to formally document and demonstrate their personal and professional development activities.
• The University's Careers and Employability Service has a network of over 3,000 employers worldwide, assisting students in exploring and connecting with career opportunities.
• Dissertations are often undertaken in collaboration with industry partners and research contacts, including British Airways, Manchester Airports Group, DLR, UK Department for Transport, and Emirates.

This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.