Aviation Management

The MSc in Aviation Management is an innovative master’s programme that focuses on e-commerce and e-strategies for managing in the world of aviation. This programme will develop critical and practical skills applied in the field of aviation management. You will be equipped for management and leadership within the aviation sector, which ranges from operational management, strategic overview and planning, regulations and compliance and financial management.

A flexible study option to balance work, study and life

This Masters degree is designed to offer a level 9 qualification for those coming from a broad spectrum of degree programmes, such as business, finance and engineering. The blended learning delivery mode is a flexible study option for those seeking to fit learning around work and family. There is access to extensive learning resources and support materials through our virtual learning environment that enables students to choose the time and place most suited for them to study.

Cultivate strategic thinking

Cultivating strategic thinking is a core theme and the programme is taught from this perspective. Tutors are experienced industry leaders, ensuring the relevance of the content to the aviation sector. Graduates can immediately implement their learning and make a positive impact to the success of their working environment.

Advance your career

This MSc programme will benefit your personal development as well as your professional career putting you in a strong position for career progression in this sector. During this post graduate qualification, you will advance your knowledge, understanding and professional practice giving you a platform for you to progress your career.

Build your career with a strong network of connections

Building a strong network of connections is essential as you advance your career to senior level. Portobello Institute has an established network of connections and we offer our students the opportunity to engage with those connections through live and online events run annually. You’ll have the opportunity to visit major international airlines, airports and commercial aircraft manufacturers. Our partnership with London Met, as one of the leading universities in aviation studies, gives our students the opportunity to visit a number of leading aviation companies, such as Boeing and Bombardier. Owing to established links with the industry, we often welcome visiting lecturers from airlines, airports, maintenance organisations, consultancy organisations and aircraft manufacturers.

You’ll be encouraged to obtain Royal Aeronautical Society membership and engage with the Society’s regular lectures and events throughout your studies.

We also have links with the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), which is a professionally focused partner for the aviation sector. Membership of CILT will be strongly encouraged.

Combine working full-time with study from anywhere

These modules have been designed by Portobello Institute for blended online learning so you can study from anywhere and in your own time. This online blended learning option gives mature students and those working or training full-time, the opportunity to access this masters degree qualification from anywhere in the world.

Who will recognise my qualification?
MSc Aviation Management awarded by London Metropolitan University (London Met). This is mapped to the National Framework of Qualifications and is equivalent to a level 9 post graduate qualification.

Students are registered as postgraduate students of London Metropolitan University and will receive a student card confirming their student status.

You are eligible to obtain Royal Aeronautical Society membership and engage with the Society’s regular lectures and events throughout your studies.

Membership of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), which is a professionally focused partner for the aviation sector is also open to you and is strongly encouraged.

Qualifications Frameworks in Ireland and the UK

The Irish and UK qualifications authorities have collaborated on initiatives that promote the transparency, recognition and mobility of qualifications between our respective jurisdictions. The qualifications authorities in the UK and Ireland have agreed the qualifications frameworks in operation, Brexit will not impact this agreement. Further guidance on this framework is available https://www.qqi.ie/

During this Masters programme, you will learn about the latest systems and technologies of aviation, ensuring you have the most up-to-date knowledge, in a sector that’s constantly evolving. You will learn about the concept of e-commerce within aviation management and the impact the digital age will continue to have on the strategic activities of airlines and airports. You will learn about leadership and strategic management theories and further develop your leadership skills through the application of theory to practice.

MSc Aviation Management Course
Studying project management and developing the ability to create, manage and close projects effectively is an important skill developed during this programme. Making use of project management software is another key skill you will develop. You will be introduced to the different theories, methodologies and data sources which will allow you monitor and understand the logistical strategies developed by the major global producers and consumer goods intermediaries.

Exploring the sustainability context, and how business practices will need to evolve to reflect the realities of operating within a globalised trading system that is striving to apply sustainability principles is a key benefit of studying this programme. This is an important area of increasing scrutiny for airlines and airports.

Learning to evaluate the complex range of financial issues that airline managers have to address to ensure a sustainable business in the long term and how to manage the critical aspects of negative financial exposure that are common in the sector.

Course Aims

Students will further develop skills such as critically analysing and problem solving in the context of strategic decision making. Practical industry insights and presentations ensure that students relate theory to real-life work scenarios.

This MSc degree programme is designed to encourage student interaction and contribution by developing their ability to work independently, in proposing and developing solutions to problems in a systematic and effective manner, and in communicating confidently and clearly both in writing and verbally.

Year 1
Leading, Managing & Developing People
Strategic Operations Management for Airlines & Airports
Aviation Governance & Regulation
Strategy, Leadership & Innovation for Aviation Managers
Finance & Forecasting Methods for Airline & Airport Operations
Environmental Economics & Investment for Aviation Industry
Research Methods for Aviation Management
Business Research Project for Aviation Sector

Delivery Mode
Blended learning takes the schedule of a traditional face to face learning programme and re-structures it to reduce the contact tuition time by introducing more online learning together with one to one tutor support. This mode of delivery includes contact tuition and web-based e-learning sessions. The e-learning platform is interactive including recorded sessions, webinars with weekly content and assigned tasks to themes and topics. There is a seminar held at the commencement of each module. Attendance is not mandatory. The seminars are designed to support students understand the requirements of the learning outcomes, the expectations of the assessment and meet their tutor for the module.

Without a Leaving Certificate
You will be required to have:

a minimum of a 2.2 (or equivalent) in a related subject discipline
The course is also open to professionals already working in the aviation industry who may not necessarily have an undergraduate degree. However, you must have a minimum of two years related work experience at managerial level within the industry. This will need to be confirmed by two letters of reference. You’ll also need to submit a CV in support of your application.

Entry is by direct application to Portobello Institute You will be required to have:

a minimum of a 2.2 (or equivalent) in a related subject discipline
The course is also open to professionals already working in the aviation industry who may not necessarily have an undergraduate degree. However, you must have a minimum of two years related work experience at managerial level within the industry. This will need to be confirmed by two letters of reference. You’ll also need to submit a CV in support of your application.

If you have experience which falls outside of this specification and is non-standard, we’d like to invite you to interview/Skype interview for a more detailed discussion relating to your application.

Entry to this course is by direct application to the college.

1 year blended learning.

Start Date: 9th October 2023

Career prospects
The areas of aviation management you could work in include:

Passenger handling management
Airline Operations management – under wing
Air cargo management
Airline sales management
Airline marketing management
Revenue management
Engineering management
Cabin crew management
Flight deck management

The specialist areas of aviation you could work in include:

Airline finance and procurement
Airline strategy
Airline branding
Airline IT support
Airline Corporate Legal services
Airline procurement