Faisal Mustafa

I’ve taught on our International Tourism Management and Airport and Aviation Management courses since 2022, with specific expertise in tourism and aviation operations, niche tourism, medieval history and travel. Before entering higher education, I spent over 12 years teaching, history, and travel and tourism at the secondary level, serving as both Head of History and Head of Year. In December 2025, I completed another Masters level degree in history, to pursue my own personal passion of the medieval era. This studying was managed alongside teaching full-time and raising a family - this remains one of my proudest achievements. 

My career has taken me across the UK, Qatar, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, giving me an international perspective and ensuring my teaching prioritises clear communication, accessibility, empathy and inclusivity. I really appreciate that UCB has an incredibly diverse and international student base, so my experiences feel very relevant here. I was proud to receive UCB’s Best Higher Education Tutor Award in 2025 and have also been shortlisted for the TES Inspirational Teacher of the Year Award (2012). Students describe my teaching style as “firm but fair”, warm, and engaging.

Early in my career, I worked as a Security Agent and Retail Assistant at London Gatwick Airport, spent two years operating rides at Thorpe Park, and completed work experience at Twycross Zoo, Istanbul and Tirana Airports. These roles gave me valuable first-hand experience of tourism operations, which I draw upon to bring this fascinating area of study to life for my students.

A core part of my UCB role involves building partnerships with industry professionals and welcoming guest speakers who offer students insights into current trends within tourism, aviation, and events. I also really enjoy leading our residential trips, which strengthen relationships between staff and students, and give our students hands-on experiences within the industry. 

Beyond work, I’m a keen traveller and have a passion for historical sites - I often take road trips or train rides around the UK to visit them. I also enjoy reading historical non-fiction and fiction, especially the works of Ken Follett and Peter Tremayne. A quote I return to often is one attributed to Prophet Muhammad: “The best among you are those who have the best manners and character,” so my advice is to be nice and kind to everyone you meet.