MSc Aviation Security
- Study Mode: Part Time
- Location: Distance Learning
- Duration: Two Years
- Start Date: September 2025
In cooperation with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), this MSc in Aviation Security allows you to explore and develop theories and methodologies to mitigate risks and consider and analyse the future of safe and secure aviation.
The two-year distance learning programme represents the first time ICAO has partnered with an academic institution to offer a master’s qualification in Aviation Security. By working together, Buckinghamshire New University and ICAO aim to help you become qualified and knowledgeable aviation security professionals and meet the needs of the aviation industry.
Pushed by zeal of feeling secure in aviation and career development, I sought to take aviation security to acquire knowledge and skills of evaluating and mitigating aviation risks by understanding the challenges. I sought a university that would enable studying and work at the same time. BNU was the best choice for its collaboration with ICAO and only university offering MSc Aviation Security. It has enabled me to appreciate aviation security input and instilled proactive approach to security. The staff is supportive and provides interactive seminars by renowned experts in aviation.Antony Kamile
Why study this subject?
The development and maintenance of effective security management play a crucial role across all facets of the aviation sector. Given the ever-evolving threat and risk landscape, security professionals face ongoing challenges.
This programme allows you to explore various subjects, helping you build a practical theoretical skillset for aviation security.
The academically rigorous and work-related curriculum enables you to strategise, develop, and handle security matters within the aviation industry.
Whether you’re responsible for integrating security protection into aviation operations or aiming to specialise in this field, this master’s programme is suitable for enhancing your expertise in general security management or aviation.
Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?
Ensuring the safety of air travellers, cargo, aircraft, and company employees goes beyond routine passenger and baggage screening. This master’s programme focuses on security management within the high-risk, technology-dependent aviation industry. Its aim is to develop confident, capable, analytical, and knowledgeable security professionals for the present and future.
Drawing on best practices and regulatory guidance from aviation leaders and governing bodies, you’ll explore innovative approaches to managing and planning for aviation security issues. The programme stands out due to its unique opportunity in the sector, given the global scarcity of higher education qualifications in aviation security.
Buckinghamshire New University has strong connections to the aviation and security industry and collaborates with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Studying at this level allows you to develop applied, high-level knowledge while working alongside leading thinkers in the field. The programme is delivered by a combination of academics and industry professionals, fostering a professional setting and providing a platform for idea exchange at the postgraduate level.
You’ll engage with specialist academics and practitioners from aviation, security, and resilience sectors, building your expertise, network, and prospects in this dynamic and stimulating domain. Our support will help you achieve your specific work goals and tap into current and future opportunities within the sector.
As a global programme, it’s ideal for international students who prefer not to travel to the UK for their studies.
ELC scheme
This programme is eligible for funding under the UK . Our ELCAS number is 1682.
Armed Forces Covenant
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.
What will I study?
The programme draws on knowledge from a broad range of academic disciplines, which converge and are considered within an aviation security context. It allows you to explore these subjects, building a practical theoretical skillset for aviation security.
The curriculum encompasses six key areas:
- Laws and regulations
- Threat and Risk management
- Aviation risks and security challenges
- Stakeholders management
- Aviation Security and Organisational Resilience
- Security Culture and Security Management Systems.
By the end of the course, you’ll achieve:
- a master’s level qualification relevant to your professional development
- high-level knowledge that earns professional recognition in this field
- lifelong skills, particularly the ability to analyse and evaluate operational and strategic contexts
- the capability to apply academic theory and principles in a business environment
I'm confident I have made the right choice with BNU, and I'm grateful for all the knowledge, guidance, patience and understanding my tutors have provided. I'm looking forward to exploring new horizons and contributing to building a safe and secure sky.Hristina Ivanova MSc Aviation Security student
How will I be taught and assessed?
You will study by distance learning and learn in a virtual classroom, providing you with the flexibility to study this course alongside your work or other commitments. We will tailor the way it is delivered based on your particular needs and work profile.
You will attend online learning events, where you will participate in open discussions, with contributions from tutors, practitioners and industry representatives.
You will receive lectures and study materials online, as well as podcasts and other tools, and interact with your tutors online, through discussion boards, blogs and wikis.
Virtual visits from industry professionals and web seminars are an integral part of the programme, giving you first-hand insight into current aviation security practice, and preparing you for working, or progressing, in this emerging field.
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.
Entry to taught postgraduate programmes normally requires a first degree, but relevant experience, can substitute for this requirement. 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 you have specific questions about entry requirements or any other elements of the course please email rania.khbais@bucks.ac.uk.
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: £5,680 per year *
International
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Overseas/International, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £5,680 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.
I strongly recommend anyone who wishes to enhance their knowledge in aviation security, especially professionals with a complex work programme, to enrol on this course and benefit from the expert knowledge of a wide range of experts in various aspects of aviation security involved in the programme.Benard Lamfu Mbiydzenyuy MSc Aviation Security Graduate
What are my career prospects?
Upon successful completion of this programme, your employment prospects will be enhanced, and your understanding of various facets of aviation security management will significantly deepen.
Managers will acquire the necessary knowledge and analytical skills to perform at higher management levels within their organisations.
Graduates will have improved chances of securing employment in the discipline, and current employees will be better equipped for promotions.
Potential roles include practitioner, manager, consultant, or general security adviser within the aviation industry. Additionally, all graduates will develop transferable skills applicable to a wide range of employment opportunities.
Read about what MSc Aviation Security Graduate, Benard Mbiydzenyuy, has to say about his time at BNU.
Course leader
