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 will help you to develop the strategic, operational and leadership capabilities needed to manage aviation in a rapidly changing world.
The aviation industry is complex, global and continually evolving. Airlines, airports and aviation organisations must respond to commercial pressures, regulatory requirements, safety and security expectations, emerging technologies, sustainability challenges, operational disruption and changing passenger demands.
This MSc is designed to help you understand these challenges while developing the critical thinking, analytical skills and professional judgement required to contribute effectively to aviation operations, management and leadership.
Delivered online and part-time, this course has been designed to fit around your professional and personal commitments. You will engage with a blend of live online teaching, guided independent learning and structured digital resources, allowing you to study from wherever you are based. This flexibility makes the course especially relevant for aviation professionals working across different time zones, shift patterns and operational environments.
The course reflects the College of Leadership and Innovation’s practice-led approach, in which professional experience, applied learning, research, and industry engagement are brought together to support real-world impact.
You will explore real challenges facing aviation organisations today, and identify how aviation businesses operate, how managers respond to disruption, how organisations balance safety and commercial performance, and how leadership decisions shape outcomes across airlines, airports and the wider air transport system.
The programme is delivered by academics and industry professionals, creating a learning environment where aviation theory is tested against current sector situations. You will engage with contemporary aviation examples, case studies, sector commentary, and guest lectures from aviation professionals across areas such as airline operations, airport management, aviation strategy, safety, security, resilience, sustainability, passenger experience, and emerging technology.
Aviation is an international industry shaped by global markets, regulation, geopolitics, technology, environmental pressures and changing patterns of demand. This course encourages you to examine aviation as a global system. You will consider how different aviation organisations operate across varied commercial, regulatory and cultural contexts, and how managers must respond to uncertainty, competition and disruption.
You will implement our Discover, Apply, Reflect learning approach. You will engage with guided preparation, readings, and learning prompts before applying your ideas through live online workshops, aviation case studies, debates, problem-solving tasks and professional scenarios. Finally, you will reflect on what you have learned and how it connects to your development as an aviation professional.
As an online learner, you will be supported through structured module guidance, live teaching, assessment preparation, feedback, personal tutoring and access to wider University support services. The programme recognises that many postgraduate learners are returning to academic study after time in industry, balancing study with employment, or developing confidence in academic writing and research. Support is built into the learning journey to help you engage, progress and succeed.
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 Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) scheme – our ELCAS number is 1682.
Is this course right for you?
If you’re looking to deepen your understanding of aviation operations and management, develop leadership and analytical skills, and study flexibly while continuing to work, then this course is for you. It is particularly suited to those looking to progress from operational or specialist roles into management, or to strengthen their understanding of aviation from a global, strategic and operational perspective.
How will I be taught and assessed?
The course is delivered fully online through BNU’s Virtual Learning Environment, combining live lectures and seminars, interactive workshops, case studies, group activities, recorded materials and guided independent study.
The course blends synchronous and asynchronous learning to provide a structured yet flexible learning experience, supported by research activities and formative feedback.
Assessment formats may include reports, case analyses, presentations, portfolios, reflective work and an independent research project.
These assessments help you develop postgraduate-level skills in critical analysis, evidence evaluation, professional communication and applied aviation decision-making.
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.
Applicants who do not meet the standard entry requirements may still be considered where they can demonstrate relevant professional experience and the necessary knowledge and understanding for postgraduate study. Previous study, professional or vocational experience may also be considered through the University’s accreditation of prior learning process.e 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 2026 - 2027: £4,575 per year *
International
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Overseas/International, Academic Year 2026 - 2027: £4,575 per year *
Please note all of 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.
Please note, distance learning and international fees are subject to change for 2027/2028 intake.
Additional costs
Your tuition fees cover most course costs, but you may need to budget for additional expenses. These can include specialist equipment, project materials, professional memberships, field trips or placements, as well as everyday student costs like printing, books and stationery.
ELCAS Funding
This programme is eligible for funding under the UK Ministry of Defence Enhanced Learning Credits scheme, subject to applicant eligibility, our number is 1682.
Contact us
If you have any questions about the fees above, contact our enquiries team by completing this form.
What are my career prospects?
The MSc in Aviation Operations and Management is designed to strengthen your understanding of aviation as a complex professional system and to help you develop analytical, managerial and research skills that are transferable across aviation and related sectors. The course will support career development across a broad range of aviation and air transport roles including:
- airline and airport operations
- commercial aviation
- aviation management and consultancy
- flight operations support
- aviation safety and security
- emergency planning and organisational resilience
- cargo and logistics
- sustainability
- further postgraduate or doctoral study
Course leader
