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AVIATION AND AIRPORT MANAGEMENT

CertHE

Award

CertHE

Duration

1 year FT

Entry

September and February

Fees

View fees

Department of Hospitality and Tourism
Discover more at our next open day

Saturday 15 August 2026

Join our Clearing open day
Open for clearing There are places available on this course

Global passenger traffic is forecast to exceed 12 billion passengers by 2030 (ICAO, 2024)

Birmingham Airport is investing £500 million to expand capacity and support future growth (Birmingham Airport, 2025)

Our Aviation and Airport Management CertHE is a one-year recognised higher education qualification that provides an introduction to the management and operational principles that underpin airports, airlines and the wider aviation sector.

Through your studies, you will explore areas such as airport operations, customer experience, business management and the global aviation environment. You'll develop an understanding of how the industry functions, while building the professional and transferable skills valued by employers.

This course will help you develop the knowledge and skills needed to progress into a range of aviation and airport management roles. Successful completion guarantees progression onto our BA (Hons) Aviation and Airport Management degree

This course is not open to international students.

Why should I choose to study Aviation and Airport Management CertHE?

  • TRIPS – Gain first-hand insight through UK aviation sector visits. Past destinations have included Bristol, IWM Duxford and British Airways Headquarters 

  • INDUSTRY-INFORMED TEACHING – Learn from experienced aviation professionals and specialists

  • INDUSTRY APPROVED – Study at an ITT Centre of Excellence, with enrichment opportunities available, including aviation, tourism and travel industry events on campus

  • TOP FOR STUDENT SATISFACTION - We came third in the UK for overall student satisfaction among universities in the National Student Survey 2026 (when taking the average score for student satisfaction for each of the 26 questions in the NSS)

Our facilities

At University College Birmingham, you'll learn in modern teaching spaces designed to support your studies, including lecture theatres, collaborative learning areas and extensive library facilities.

You'll have access to leading aviation and tourism industry resources, including Cirium, CAPA, the Civil Aviation Authority, FlightGlobal, Statista and Mintel, helping you develop valuable research and industry insight.

Digital learning is embedded throughout the course via our online learning platform, Canvas, where you'll access learning materials, complete activities and engage with staff and fellow students. Subject to module choice, you may also have the opportunity to use our specialist Aviation and Tourism Suite

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.

Find out more

Course breakdown

  • Modules

Core Modules

Global Aviation Environment

In Global Aviation Environment, you will uncover the key players, sectors and dynamic events that shape the global aviation industry. Learn how external factors such as geopolitics, economic shifts and emerging markets impact travel, while gaining insight into the legal and regulatory frameworks governing passenger movements. Discover the social, cultural and economic significance of aviation, and explore how digital innovation and sustainability initiatives are transforming the aviation sector. By the end of the module, you will have developed the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of the global aviation industry and identify future opportunities.

Aviation Passenger Experience

Aviation Passenger Experience introduces you to the fundamentals of consumer behaviour within the aviation industry, exploring how psychological, social and cultural factors influence passenger decisions and experiences throughout their journey. By understanding passenger behaviour, you will learn how airlines and other aviation organisations design services to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty. This module emphasises customer service innovation, alongside the analysis and improvement of aviation systems to enhance the passenger experience. With a strong focus on digital technologies, you will learn how these tools can be used to transform the passenger journey. This module is ideal for students looking to innovate and excel within the aviation sector by combining technical knowledge with creative thinking.

Personal Branding

Personal Branding introduces you to the concept of future employability and career readiness. You will develop the knowledge and skills needed to build your personal brand as a future professional or entrepreneur. This will include developing your professional profile and engaging with a range of experiences linked to your programme of study. These activities are designed to prepare you for successful placement and work experience opportunities.

Digital Content Creation

In Digital Content Creation, you will explore the principles and tools used to curate effective digital content that resonates with today's consumers. You will learn how to develop compelling narratives, create multimedia content and apply digital marketing techniques to engage diverse audiences. With a strong focus on practical application, this module will develop the skills needed to design innovative content campaigns that reflect evolving industry trends and sustainability goals.

Successful Airport Design

This module provides a comprehensive overview of the principles behind airport planning and infrastructure design. You will explore topics such as master planning, airfield layouts, terminal design, and the key differences between airside and landside operations. The module also covers passenger services, logistics, cargo management, safety compliance and ground handling, providing real-world insight into airport operations and management. Alongside this, you will develop essential professional skills including problem-solving, decision-making, project management and customer service. Through a combination of lectures, seminars and guest speakers from across the aviation industry, you will gain both theoretical knowledge and practical insight into airport planning and successful airport design.

Aviation Flight Planning

Aviation Flight Planning will develop your knowledge and skills in planning and managing flight routes effectively, with a focus on the interaction between geographical, operational, regulatory and technological factors. Through the exploration of day-to-day aviation operations and strategies for managing disruption, you will develop an understanding of the complexities of aviation route planning and the importance of maintaining business continuity in a dynamic and challenging industry.

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

Entry requirements

Applicants must be aged 19 years or over at the start of the course.

Formal academic qualifications are not required. Instead, applicants need to be able to demonstrate relevant experience and a strong commitment to learning. Typically, this will include at least three years of work, voluntary, caring or other significant life experience.

All applications are considered individually, and applicants may be asked to attend an interview to assess their suitability for Level 4 study and discuss their goals for the course.

Aviation and Airport Management CertHE is open for Clearing 2026

Still exploring your university options? Whether you are applying now, changing your plans or looking for a different course, you can apply to UCB through Clearing.

Apply through Clearing

Key information

Teaching and assessment

Teaching takes place through weekly lectures and seminars across two 12-week semesters. Each semester, you will study three 20-credit modules, supported by our weekly Skills for Success module and personal tutorials to enhance your academic and career development.

Assessment is industry-informed and is designed to reflect the wide range of roles and skills in the aviation sector. Our assessment aims to prepare you for employment by developing specialist knowledge and practical skills needed by industry, giving you a competitive advantage in the graduate job market. 

You will be assessed through a variety of methods, such as-

  • Industry live projects

  • Online simulations

  • Digital presentations

  • Digital content creation

  • Student debates and discussions

  • Business pitches

  • Academic posters and infographics

  • Industry standard toolkits

Every assessment is designed to bring you closer to the career you want, helping you graduate not just with knowledge, but with the skills, experience and edge to make a real impact.

Throughout your journey, you will be supported by personal tutors and module leaders who tailor their guidance to your individual needs - ensuring you always feel confident, capable and ready to succeed.

Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Learning and Teaching Strategy 2025-2030.

Home student tuition fees

If you are a home student enrolling on a CertHE at University College Birmingham, the 2026/2027 academic year tuition fee for full-time study is £9,790.

View tuition fees for home students

Please note: the 2026/27 fees stated are subject to parliamentary procedure. Tuition fees are expected to increase each academic year in line with the maximum permitted value set by the Government for that academic year. The expected rise for Home undergraduate students (including those on a foundation year course), may impact both new and continuing students. 

£3,000 Cost of Living Allowance

We are committed to supporting students who may be facing financial challenges due to the rise of living costs. If you are a full-time undergraduate student, studying a one year course starting in September 2026, with home fee status and plan to pay your fees using a student loan, you’ll be eligible for a £3000 Cost of Living Allowance. 

Further information and terms and conditions can be found here: £6,000 Cost of Living Allowance.

Kick-Start Scheme

As a new student studying this course full-time, you will receive £300 per year through our Kick-Start Scheme (UK students only, 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 may also qualify for an additional £500 per year.

Find out more about the Kick-Start Scheme here.

Designed in conjunction with industry, shaped by student feedback and with employability at the heart of everything we do, our Aviation and Airport Management CertHE will transform your prospects, accelerate your career path and secure your future in the aviation industry.

"Our aim is to deliver contemporary, cutting-edge teaching and learning based on an employability-informed curriculum that is tailored to your individual needs
.”

Karla Keating-Nel Head of Department - Hospitality and Tourism

Career opportunities

The example roles and salaries below are intended as a guide only.

Airline customer service agent

Average Salary: £22,000

Airport information assistant

Average Salary: £22,000

Airport customer service assistant

Average salary: approximately £21,000 to £32,000

Want to take your studies to the next level? Completing the BA (Hons) degree will enable you to move onto our undergraduate courses such as Aviation and Airport Management BA (Hons)

HIRED

We are here to support your career goals every step of the way. 

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Roland’s Story

Aviation graduate Roland is soaring in the private aviation industry, coordinating luxury flights for high-profile clients and turning his passion for aviation into a successful career.

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