MSc Aviation Operations and Management (Online)
- Study Mode: Part Time
- Location: Distance Learning
- Duration: Two Years
- Start Date: September 2026
Whether you’re a recent aviation graduate or have experience working in the sector, our MSc in Aviation Operations and Management is ideal for those who are looking to advance their career prospects in this area.
With over 20 years’ experience in delivering aviation degrees, we have a strong track record of helping students enhance their knowledge of this global industry. Our collaboration with ICAO, CAA and our wide network of associate contributors will provide you with the opportunity to gain the unique insights and skills that you’ll need to be able to contribute to highly effective aviation operation management.
Why study this subject?
Fully online delivery with recorded sessions lets you balance learning with work and life. You’ll track live regulatory changes, market trends and airline financials to ground your analysis in today’s industry reality which keep you current.
Taught by academics and current practitioners, with insights aligned to regulatory expectations and practice, this course will help you gain the skills employers are looking for when hiring graduates.
You’ll have a personal tutor to help you navigate challenges, keep on track, and access academic and wellbeing support.
An extended independent research project tailored to your interests helps you build expertise and a portfolio around your interests and your unique skills. Our course is eligible for UK MoD Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC). We are committed to supporting the Armed Forces community.
Assessments mirror professional outputs in aviation operations and management so you can gain evidence you can show employers. Simulation, case study and the ¶Ù¾±²õ³¦´Ç±¹±ð°ù–A±è±è±ô²â–R±ð´Ú±ô±ð³¦³Ù approach develop analytical thinking, leadership and build stronger decision making.
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 – 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 ¶Ù¾±²õ³¦´Ç±¹±ð°ù–A±è±è±ô²â–R±ð´Ú±ô±ð³¦³Ù 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.
Part of the induction is one session per week focused on academic writing, critical analysis and research skills at master’s level. This induction is highly recommended for all learners and expected for those without a recent Higher Education (HE) background or anyone wanting to refresh study skills before the programme starts.
- Year 1: one live online class each week.
- Year 2: two live online classes each week to support extended independent research.
All live sessions are recorded and made available on the VLE for flexible catch-up and review. However, regular attendance and active engagement with the module content are vital to your success on the programme. Active engagement is monitored so we can offer timely support from your personal tutor and the module team.
At master’s level, you are expected to undertake independent study using credible, verifiable sources (e.g. peer-reviewed journals, regulator publications, OEM/airport/airline reports). This includes tracking current developments, regulatory changes and company financial results to inform your analysis and demonstrate up-to-date industry awareness in your work. Support will be provided to you if you have more questions about this.
What are the course entry requirements?
The University’s general entry requirements will apply to admission to this programme with the following additions/ exceptions:
- All English waivers need to be taken within the last 4 years. These waivers are country specific and can be found on our country pages, or
- English language skills to IELTS 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component, or (TOEFL 94, Pearson PTE 66 and ELLT 7). Any English qualifications such as IELTS, PTE and TOEFL need to be taken within 2 years.
If you do not meet the entry requirements you may, if you have relevant professional experience, still be invited for interview, where you will be required to demonstrate the necessary knowledge and understanding for entry onto the course.
Previous study, professional and / or vocational experiences may be recognised as the equivalent learning experience and permit exemption from studying certain modules in accordance with our accreditation of prior learning (APL) process.
If your first language is not English, we will require evidence of English language proficiency to IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. For further details of our international English entry requirements, please visit our international pages.
Modules
This provides a guide of the modules that make up your course. You can find more information about how your course is structured on our Academic Advice section.
What are the tuition fees
Home
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Home, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £4,405 per year *
International
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Overseas/International, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £4,405 per year *
Following the Government’s announcement of 4 November 2024, we will be increasing our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for UK students to £9,535 per year from the start of the 2025/26 academic year. Our part-time fees for UK undergraduate students will increase to £7,145 per annum. Please visit , on the Government’s website, for more information about the changes.
Tuition fees for Home undergraduate students (including with foundation year) may increase in subsequent years for both new and continuing students in line with an inflationary amount determined by the Government.  
Tuition fees for both new and continuing international students may be subject to an inflationary increase based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the 12-month period to 31 January each year.  
Tuition fees for postgraduate courses and CPD may be subject to an inflationary increase based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the 12-month period to 31 January each year. This increase will apply to both new and continuing students.  
We understand, and really appreciate, the significant financial commitment our students make when they choose to study at BNU. We take our responsibilities to our students very seriously, and are ambitious for each to reach their full potential and succeed in their chosen career. Our fees help us to continue providing our students with a high-quality education, and to invest in the services and facilities which create an excellent student experience at BNU.
The following factors will be considered by the University when we set the annual fees: measures of inflation such as the retail price indices; projected increases in University costs; and any changes in the level of funding for teaching received from the Government.
UK Ministry of Defence - Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) scheme
This programme is eligible for funding under the UK Ministry of Defence – our ELCAS number is 1682.
Emergency Planning Society student membership is included in the price of the programme.
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.
Managers gain knowledge and analytical skills to enable them to perform at higher management levels; recent graduates or people employed outside the aviation sector are more likely to be able to obtain employment in the industry; and current employees will be better equipped to seek promotion if they apply themselves.
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.
Course leader
