BA (Hons) Airline and Airport Management with Foundation Year

Why study this subject?

A degree in airline and airport management will help propel you into the world of aviation. The courses focuses on developing your business management skills, tailored to the requirements of working with airlines and airports.

There are a wide range of roles that this degree could take you, including working at airports, airlines, ground-handlers, cargo operators, aviation tech companies, consulting firms, government bodies, among many others.

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?

The aviation industry never sleeps, and we’ve designed our BA (Hons) Airline and Airport Management degree to help you become part of this exciting world.

We have a strong focus on employability, and our training partners and professional connections give you the chance to immerse yourself in the industry. Our close proximity to Heathrow and other major UK airports – along with their suppliers – means you’re perfectly placed for networking, seasonal jobs and work placements that are available.

You will learn from skilled lecturers within the School of Aviation and Security who have a high level of working knowledge, based on industry experience. Their teaching will allow you to gain a deep insight into the latest trends and requirements of airline and airport management.

As well as receiving top-class lectures and seminars, students are also supported by personal tutors, module leaders and course leaders. In addition, guest speakers often deliver sessions for students within the University to enrich their learning – previously we have welcomed speakers from TUI, British Airways and Ryanair.

At BNU, we recognise roles in this field are hands-on – that’s why you’ll take part in simulated learning experiences throughout the course using our specialised facilities. You’ll also be able to use our library to support your studies, whether you’re looking for the resources you need or just a quiet place to study.

As part of your studies, you’ll enjoy free membership of the Royal Aeronautical Society, the UK professional association dedicated to the aerospace and aviation industry. As a member, you will be able to participate in a number of exciting industry events, including conferences, guest talks, student competitions, and networking opportunities.

As a BNU student, you will automatically become a member of Bucks Students’ Union giving you access to a wide range of services that we offer for free. You’ll also be able to join the Aviation Society where you’ll have the ability to attend a variety events and experiences. Some examples of what we’ve done in the past include tours of NATS, a Boeing Flight Simulator experience at CAE and a tour at easyJet.

What will I study?

In your Foundation Year, you will spend time adapting to study at university level, through a well-balanced mix of skills and subject-focused modules to help you make the transition into your degree. One you start your undergraduate studies, you’ll complete a mix of aviation and business modules.

During the first year, you’ll be introduced to the structure, operation and security aspects of the aviation industry, as well as, establishing a foundation in marketing and finance delivered in an industry context.

The second year focuses on developing your managerial and analytical skills, where you’ll explore operations further and look into decision making processes. You’ll also look at why airlines fail and study key modules such as people management and ancillary revenue management, before beginning preparation for seasonal employment.

In your final year, you’ll carry out an individual project and follow aviation modules that cover globalisation, sustainability, commercial analysis and planning. You’ll graduate with strong leadership and managerial skills and a broad understanding of the airline and airport field.

How will I be taught and assessed?

In your Foundation Year, you will develop your academic study skills and build confidence in your abilities, identifying your own strengths and development needs for progression onto an undergraduate degree.

Once you start your undergraduate degree, students will be taught through a series of lectures, interactive seminars, workshops, small-group activities, debates, case studies and e-learning materials.

In your second year, we encourage students to undertake industry employment over the spring/summer as part of the Employment Research and Planning module. Students are supported with CV preparation, development of interview techniques and mock assessment days.

You will be assessed in a way that mirrors the requirements of the aviation industry, with assessment methods including:

• group work
• presentations
• case study based on fieldwork
• written assignments (generally reports)
• cumulative exercises
• preparation of a handbook
• reflective journal
• time-constrained assignments

The University also has a dedicated academic skills centre, Student Learning and Achievement, which can provide additional support in areas such as presentations skills, time-management, academic reading, referencing or academic writing, research for essay preparation and how to prepare effectively for examinations in addition to being assigned a personal tutor from the academic team.

What facilities can I use?

We’ve invested in a range of state-of-the-art facilities across our campuses to support your learning. Our specialised simulation facilities allow our students to experience real-life airport scenarios, developing their abilities in airfield planning and operations, and crisis and emergency management.

On top of services that BNU provides, we are also members of or partner with a range of external organisations to bolster your industry knowledge:

• We have access to subscription software packages including CAPA, FlightGlobal and The Fresh Connection, which will greatly assist you in your learning and in the completion of several assessments.
• We are classed as an Educational Establishment with Airports Council International Europe through our membership, giving students free access to the latest aviation news and developments.
• We’re part of the London Heathrow Skills Partnership – this means what you study is influenced by the UK’s largest airport and you’ll be one of the first to hear about opportunities. It also helps us give you an up-to-date picture of what is going on in the industry throughout your studies.

Placements Plus

BNU is a Placements Plus university. So, whatever degree you do, you can be sure there’ll be plenty of industry-relevant opportunities on offer, to help you get into your chosen field.

We’ll also prepare you for work beforehand, with special skills for work training, further boosting your CV, and building skills employers will value. In recognition of the value we place on these skills we have incorporated this experience into your study time.

Placements Plus is all about helping you get some valuable experience under your belt while you’re a student, to increase your choices later, and help you get the graduate-level job you want.