of graduate employers say relevant experience is essential to getting a job with them
Why should I choose this course?
- WORK PLACEMENT (BA only) – Boost your career prospects and first-hand experience of the industry with a paid 48-week placement, during which you won’t incur any tuition fees
- PRACTICAL APPLICATION – Put your skills to the test studying in our cutting-edge aviation facilities and working on industry projects, along with opportunities for part-time work
- ENRICHMENT – Gain unique industry insight through visits to major airports – past students have visited Dubai, Istanbul, Budapest, Finland, Berlin and Amsterdam
- INDUSTRY APPROVED – Study at an Institute of Travel and Tourism (ITT) Centre of Excellence, with opportunities to attend conferences and events as well as applying for professional memberships
Our facilities
Students on our aviation courses at University College Birmingham have access to outstanding simulation facilities in our new Aviation and Tourism Suite. You will also have the chance to study in our new Digital Creative Studio, where you can learn an array of skills for producing digital content including video and audio.
Aviation and Tourism Suite
Take a look around our Aviation and Tourism Suite, featuring exciting simulation facilities for students on our aviation, travel and tourism courses.
Course breakdown
Students on the FdA have the option of progressing onto the final year upon completion of the foundation degree.
- Year 1
- Year 2
- Year 3
- Year 3/4
Core Modules
Digital Aviation
Exponential growth in digital technologies over the last decade has had, and continues to have, a significant impact on the aviation industry. These developments have produced a range of digital tools that are used by the aviation industry to enhance the passenger experience, improve marketing methods and empower the consumer. All of these developments will be examined in this module and through a range of innovative activities, you will develop essential digital skills in preparation for future employability.
Dynamic Aviation Environment
This module will examine the dynamic nature of the global aviation environment, the structure of the industry and the laws/regulations linked to airline safety, passenger rights and airline operations. In addition, this module will also analyse how changes in consumers, competition and global forces have impacted the industry and whether the response strategies of airlines and airports have been effective.
Employability and Professional Development
This module will encourage you to consider a range of career paths available to you within the aviation/tourism sectors. You will consider your skills and attributes by auditing your current abilities before mapping them against those you will seek to gain during your course of study. You will have opportunities to enhance your employability and professional skills through assessment scenarios.
Flight Route Operations
This module will introduce you to airline flight operations, in terms of managing commercial flights (from departure to arrival) on a daily basis. It is important to understand how the skies are managed, the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for general flight dispatch, diverted, cancelled and delayed flights.
Core Modules
Revenue and Performance Management
The purpose of this module is to offer insight into the rationale behind the pricing decisions taken by aviation/tourism organisations. It will examine the key sources of revenue and costs typically faced by providers within the industry and how these are managed to achieve profitable outcomes. It ultimately aims to increase students' employability by using up to date case studies and key industry metrics and financial statements to interpret and scrutinise financial results with improved fluency and confidence.
Flight Route Planning
This module will examine the planning process for airlines for new routes, examining their feasibility, capacity, efficiency and potential competitive performance. This module will provide you with an understanding of Standard Operating Practices in route planning, along with airport, meteorology, demand and supply factors.
Industry Live Project
This module will be based on an industry consultancy project with a real client. The context of the project will be based on market or operational research that will support an organisation or destination’s overall performance. This is an excellent opportunity to obtain another form of industry experience and will support you with your career aspirations.
Plus one option from:
Aviation Safety Management
Safety is at the core of the aviation industry and although the number of accidents has fallen over the years, one incident is still ‘one too many’. Safety management systems have been developed by industry to identify hazards, control risks and mitigate adverse impacts. When an accident/incident does occur, the causes have to be determined so that preventative and corrective actions can be implemented.
Crew Resource Management
This module will guide students through aviation Crew Resource Management focusing on the effective and efficient use of employees in operating in the dynamic aviation environment. The aim of this module is to enable students to develop crew resource management knowledge and skills of selected aviation operations. Central to crew resource management are the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). All of the above will support the development of key employability skills.
Sustainable Aviation Practices
We face many global challenges that some experts believe will harm future generations, so we have to respond now. An active global movement is demanding that we deliver more sustainable and ethical practices across all industries, especially aviation. This module will explore the key criteria for sustainability and the innovative practices employed by aviation providers.
Work Placement
Work Placement (optional - for BA (Hons) students only)
You will gain valuable work experience on a 48-week work placement. This is an exciting opportunity to put what you have learned into practice, broaden your experience and demonstrate your abilities to potential employers.
Core Modules
Global Air Transport Management
This module will critique the global air transport sector within its dynamic and turbulent setting. Contemporary global challenges and opportunities will be explored relating to governance, trade agreements, the movement of goods and people, digitisation of practices and aviation’s environmental responsibilities and perspectives. The use of best practice analysis will be utilised in order for realistic and appropriate creative approaches to be proposed in response to the identified challenges facing the air transport sector.
Strategic Change Management
In an increasingly fast-paced and changing global environment, it is more important than ever that a business can navigate its way to a successful future. This module will evaluate different strategic change management tools in supporting businesses to seize new opportunities and treat risks/threats.
Independent Research Project
This module provides you with the opportunity to demonstrate your capabilities in researching, planning and delivering an industry-related project. You can either self-select your own topic or choose from a list of contemporary industry projects. This project focuses on cultivating the desired graduate attributes of professionalism, critical enquiry, problem-solving, enterprise, creativity and innovation and in enhancing your professional profile.
Plus one option from:
Managing Human and Anthropometric Factors in Aviation
This module will guide you through the application of human factors examining both airline accidents and human reactions that have prevented disasters. The module will further explore how human factors and anthropometrics in flight deck and cabin design have influenced and moulded modern air safety, giving you the knowledge and skills to conduct aviation operations within an efficient and safe environment.
Crisis Communcations Management
In an increasingly turbulent and dynamic global environment, it is more important than ever that businesses and destinations can manage their reputation effectively. This module will examine a range of key public relations and reputation management principles and provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to plan a successful communication campaign (media and public relations) in response to a crisis. Using an omnichannel approach, you will explore the challenges and opportunities that different media channels bring. This will further increase your employability by providing you with experience of the working practices of corporate press agencies or departments.
Smart Tourism and Aviation
This module will explore the increasingly smart approaches taken by destinations and tourism/aviation providers within an increasingly connective and smart world. Challenges and opportunities will be explored across the industries.
The modules listed above for this course are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up to date and informed by industry as well as the latest teaching methods. On occasion, we may need to make unexpected changes to modules – if this occurs, we will contact all offer holders as soon as possible.
Entry requirements
Aviation and Airport Management BA (Hons)
A-levels: An A-level grade profile of CCC-CDD.
BTEC: A BTEC grade profile of MMM-MMP. This can be achieved from either an Extended Diploma or a combination of smaller BTEC qualifications.
Tariff: Other Level 3 qualifications are accepted at University College Birmingham for entry. A minimum of 96-80 UCAS Tariff points will be required.
Access to Higher Education Diploma: 96-80 UCAS Tariff points including a minimum of 15 Level 3 credits at Distinction.
Aviation and Airport Management FdA
A-levels: An A-level grade profile of CD-DD.
BTEC: A BTEC grade profile of PPP-PP. This can be achieved from either an Extended Diploma or a combination of smaller BTEC qualifications.
Apprenticeship: Achieve an advanced apprenticeship (Level 3).
Tariff: Other Level 3 qualifications are accepted at University College Birmingham for entry. A minimum of 56-32 UCAS Tariff points will be required.
Access to Higher Education Diploma: 56-32 UCAS Tariff points.
Non-tariff: Non-UCAS Tariff-based Level 3 qualifications are also considered for entry. Please contact admissions@ucb.ac.uk to check your eligibility.
Work-based: We also give equal consideration to applicants who are currently in work and wish to apply to University College Birmingham. To apply, you must have a minimum of 3 years’ relevant work experience, demonstrating management or supervisory duties. Your application must also include a reference from your line manager supporting your entry to higher education. For further details, please contact Admissions.
EU/international students
For entry requirements for EU and international students, please visit the Country Specific Information page.
Key information
Teaching and assessment
Teaching
In light of COVID-19, we have made some changes to the way we deliver our teaching. We are continually following the guidelines and measures put in place by the UK Government to ensure our students and staff are safe on campus, whilst remaining committed to providing high-quality education. The information below explains how teaching will take place in semester 2 (or semester 1 for those joining us in January) for each level/year of this course.
Assessment
Estimated breakdown of assessment for this degree course:
- Coursework – 33%
- Practical assessment – 67%
Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy 2015-2020.
Kick-Start
As a new student studying this degree full-time, you will receive £300 per year via our Kick-Start Scheme (eligibility criteria applies). This scheme will support your studies and future career by contributing to course-related materials, uniform or selected items on campus. You might even qualify for an additional £500 per year.
Tuition fees
UK/EU students
If you are a UK/EU student enrolling on a full-time foundation degree or a BA/BSc in 2020/21, your fee for this academic year will be £9,250 per each full year. A half year tuition fee is £4,625. UK/EU students do not pay tuition fees for any placement periods.
International students
If you are an international student enrolling on a a full-time foundation degree or a BA/BSc in 2020/21, your fee for this academic year will be £11,500 per year.
If you complete a placement year, there will be an administration fee of £500 for a full year, or £250 for a half-year placement.
Accreditations, endorsements and partnerships
University College Birmingham works with a wide range of organisations to ensure you receive the best possible training and qualifications recognised by industry.
Work placements
Work placements are vital for gaining real-life experience and for building your confidence and skills before you finish your course – and they may even lead to a job when you graduate. Our hired@UCB team can help find the ideal placement for you.
Our four-year BA Aviation and Airport Management course features a 48-week paid placement, during which you will not incur any tuition fees. (There is also the option to study the course without a placement.) Opportunities are also available for part-time work during the summer months.
Please note: All formal placements depend on availability and are subject to an application/interview process. Security clearances and airside access are outside the control of the University. For more information, please visit the Civil Aviation Authority website.

The best part about this course is going abroad and travelling around the UK to see airports and compile reports on them instead of having to search online and read about them. We were able to view them first-hand and do the primary research we needed for the course.
Career opportunities
The example roles and salaries below are intended as a guide only.
Passenger transport manager
Average Salary: £30,000
Sustainability manager
Average Salary: £42,367
Business development manager
Average Salary: £42,500
Transport planner
Average Salary: £32,500
Regional sales manager
Average Salary: £39,716
Airport operations manager
Average Salary: £35,461
Want to take your studies to the next level? Completing the BA (Hons) degree will enable you to move onto our Aviation Management MSc/PGDip course.

Andrew’s Story
Thanks to his degree, Andrew’s career is positively flying as passenger services supervisor within Ground Operations at Cornwall Airport Newquay (NQY).
Course statistics
BA (Hons)
FdA
Meet your lecturers

Prof Michelle Callanan
Deputy Dean (School of Business, Tourism & Creative Industries)
Meet Michelle






