• Postgraduate

Advanced Air Mobility Management MSc

Overview

Overview

The MSc Advanced Air Mobility Management is designed for forward-thinkers aspiring to lead the rapidly expanding field of advanced air mobility (AAM). 

This management-focused Masters degree explores the future of unmanned aerial vehicles, urban air passenger vehicles and regional aircraft management.

Designed and developed with collaboration from industry leaders the course will enable you to gain a comprehensive understanding of AAM including:

  • policy and regulations 
  • vehicle design
  • airspace
  • physical infrastructure
  • safety
  • security
  • operational planning. 

You will obtain a UK CAA Flyer and Operator ID from the course, empowering you to pilot drones and model aircraft.

There is also the option to choose between a capstone research project or a 6-month AAM sector internship, bridging theory with real-world practice. Please note, the internship is only open to UK students and must be self sourced. See Internship section below for more information.

Finally, a flexible blend of online and hybrid learning tailored to accommodate personal and professional commitments will help you succeed in this exciting and rapidly expanding field.

Study options

Please note, the following study options are available.

  • Executive MSc course - 18 months (part-time): This is the full course and you will complete all the modules.
  • Executive MSc course with Internship - 24 months (part-time): This is the full course and you will complete all the modules plus a six-month internship.
  • PGDip - 12 months duration (part-time): You will complete all modules except the Aviation Applied Research Project.
Two eVTOL aircrafts in front of a city skyline

Select your desired study option, then pick a start date to see relevant course information:

Study options:
We support flexible study by offering some of our courses part-time or via distance learning. To give you real world experience before you graduate, we also offer some courses with a placement or internship. All available options are listed here. Your choices may affect some details of your course, such as the duration and cost per year. Please re-check the details on this page if you change your selection.

Start date:

If your desired start date is not available, try selecting a different study option.

Why study Advanced Air Mobility Management with us?

Why study Advanced Air Mobility Management with us?

A collage of students

What our students say…

UWL has truly state-of-the-art facilities. I feel like I'm learning something new every day.

Nicolas Gutierrez
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This course offers a blend of online and hybrid learning
You can obtain your UK CAA Flyer and Operator ID from this course
This course's curriculum is designed by the industry
This course will help advance your career through a project or internship
Course detail & modules

Course detail & modules

The MSc Advanced Air Mobility Management course is tailored for individuals seeking to advance their career and knowledge in the field of advanced air mobility (AAM). 

The course content is designed in partnership with industry leaders, ensuring that it remains industry-relevant and forward-thinking. 

Tailormade to offer a comprehensive perspective of the AAM sector, the curriculum is delivered in a hybrid format, combining online and in-person (block) delivery. 

This means that it is flexible and manageable for you to fit around your personal and professional commitments.

The structure also fosters networking and collaboration with like-minded professionals, encouraging the sharing of ideas and contacts.

Finally, this course will equip you to spearhead innovation in AAM, ensuring safe and sustainable sector expansion.

Internship

As an alternative to the research module, you may be eligible to undertake the internship option. An internship will allow you to put theory into practice in the real world, acquire new skills and explore career opportunities. 

  • the internship route for this course is open to UK students only.
  • this will require undertaking a 26-week (min. 850-hour) internship
  • it is your responsibility to find your internship, with support from the Placement Team and Careers Team.

Any student unable to secure an internship will automatically be transferred to the Dissertation route. This is to ensure you are still successful in being awarded a degree.
 

Course subject to approval

Approval is the formal process by which the University ensures that the proposed design, content and delivery of a course will provide a high quality learning experience for all students.

You will study all compulsory modules plus either the Research Project or Internship depending which course you select.

Compulsory modules

All modules are subject to approval.

  • Academic Research and Study Skills

    This Module runs the full duration of the course and has two aims; 

    1. Prepare you for Level 7 academic studies and research skills (this is important for graduates returning to and for professionals starting in higher education) 

    2. Act as a reflective companion to aid your Level 7 study journey and beyond.

  • Aerial Vehicle Design and Technology

    The indicative module content is as follows: 

    • Introduction to aircraft design
    • Vehicle structure, materials, components and construction 
    • Power and propulsion systems
    • Battery and hybrid technology
    • Hydrogen fuel technology and management
    • Aircraft performance
    • Aircraft stability and control
    • Sensor technologies
    • Communication, navigation and surveillance (CNS) systems
    • Maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO).

  • Aerial Vehicle Operations and Planning

    At the end of this module, you will be able to: 

    1. Critically interpret the theoretical knowledge required to operate aerial vehicles in relation to aviation regulations. 

    2. Critically assess risk and justify operating principles in the form of an operating manual to plan and conduct aerial vehicle operations in a safe and legal manner. 

    3. Critically examine and evaluate the operating and safety procedures for large and complex unmanned aerial vehicle operations, involving multiple operators. 

    4. Critically review policy and regulations in relation to aerial vehicle operations in congested airspace.

  • Air Mobility Infrastructure Planning

    The aim of the Air Mobility Infrastructure Planning module is to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the requirements, regulations and future considerations involved with air mobility planning and infrastructure. 

    The content covers concepts relating to vertiport/landing area design, inspection, certification, payloads, facilities, fuels, environmental considerations, transport networks, operations, and planning.

  • Airspace Management

    The aim of the airspace management module is to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of current airspace structure and air traffic management, future technological development and the integration of advanced air mobility aircraft. 

    The content covers both air traffic management in the air and on the ground including heliports and vertiports. The focus is on technology, safety and efficiency of the system.

  • Regulations, Policy and Commercial Strategy

    The "Regulations, Policy, and Commercial Strategy in Advanced Air Mobility" module provides postgraduate students with a comprehensive understanding of regulations, policy frameworks, and commercial strategies within the evolving field of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). 

    You will analyse the complex regulatory landscape governing AAM, evaluate the impact of policy decisions on industry development, and develop skills to formulate effective commercial strategies for AAM operations. The module incorporates theoretical concepts, case studies, guest lectures, and practical exercises to facilitate a well-rounded learning experience.

  • Safety, Security and Human Factor

    The module aims to present Safety Management, Security and Human Factors in terms of related theoretical foundations and their application for the benefit of safe and secure operations within the advanced air mobility (AAM) sector as a part of the air transport system in general. 

    The module explores a fundamental systems approach to safety and security and discusses some of the unique challenges this sector and the system are experiencing due to their heavy reliance on the understanding and application of appropriate Human Factors principles and practices.

  • Aviation Applied Research Project (only for students on the regular pathway)

    This module provides the opportunity to conduct a research project on any aviation topic of your choice. Projects can be academic and/or related to industry practice. You will demonstrate skills in reviewing literature, developing research methodologies, analysing information/data and project management. You will be allocated a supervisor to guide you through the process. You are encouraged to collaborate with the aviation industry to ensure impact and relevance. 

  • Aviation Internship (only for students on the internship pathway)

    The aim of this module is for you to gain real-world work experience with an organisation involved in the advanced air mobility sector. 

    The module enables you to put into practice your theoretical and conceptual knowledge and understanding of advanced air mobility gained on the course. 

    The module also provides you with the opportunity to develop professional employment skills. You will learn to work effectively on individual tasks and collaborative projects and thereafter reflect on good practice and areas of improvement.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Successful completion of an undergraduate honours degree at grade 2:1 or above and evidence of a minimum of one year’s continuous employment in the aviation/transport/travel industry or a closely related field.

For applicants who do not hold an undergraduate honours degree at grade 2:1 or above, one of the following requirements must be met: 

  • Currently hold or have previously held a professional licence such as an Air Transport Pilots’ Licence (ATPL), Aircraft Maintenance Licence (Cat A or B) or Air Traffic Controller licence and evidence of a minimum of two-year’s continuous employment in the aviation/transport/travel industry or  
  • Evidence of a minimum of five years’ continuous employment in the aviation/transport/travel industry at a managerial level or equivalent.

Prospective students who do not fully meet these requirements are still encouraged to apply as other personal and professional experiences may be relevant to meet the threshold requirements. Offer decisions are made on a case-by-case basis and prospective students may be interviewed before an offer is made.

International students must have a formal English Language qualification accepted by the university and/or overall IELTS score of 6.5 (at least 5.5 IELTS score in any individual element). Visit our English language requirements page for information on other English language tests we accept.

Successful completion of an undergraduate honours degree at grade 2:1 or above and evidence of a minimum of one year’s continuous employment in the aviation/transport/travel industry or a closely related field.

For applicants who do not hold an undergraduate honours degree at grade 2:1 or above, one of the following requirements must be met: 

  • Currently hold or have previously held a professional licence such as an Air Transport Pilots’ Licence (ATPL), Aircraft Maintenance Licence (Cat A or B) or Air Traffic Controller licence and evidence of a minimum of two-year’s continuous employment in the aviation/transport/travel industry or  
  • Evidence of a minimum of five years’ continuous employment in the aviation/transport/travel industry at a managerial level or equivalent.

Prospective students who do not fully meet these requirements are still encouraged to apply as other personal and professional experiences may be relevant to meet the threshold requirements. Offer decisions are made on a case-by-case basis and prospective students may be interviewed before an offer is made.

Fees & funding

Fees & funding

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The fees stated above are for the entire 180 credit Executive MSc course. 

If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year. If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront. Government regulation does affect your fees, so what you pay may go up in future. For example, government regulation around future inflation may increase your course fees.

If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.

Funding your studies

A range of loans, bursaries and scholarships are available to help you fund your studies.

If you are studying a Masters course you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan, this may help contribute towards your course fees and living costs.

Additional funding is available to some types of students, such as disabled students. 

Within the university, we offer a range of scholarships and bursaries. View full details including conditions and eligibility.

Help with funding
{{ formatCurrencyValue(currentVariantData.field_p_cv_int_main_fee.name) }} per year*

The fees stated above are for the entire 180 credit Executive MSc course. 

If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year. If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront. Government regulation does affect your fees, so what you pay may go up in future. For example, government regulation around future inflation may increase your course fees.

If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.

International students - funding your studies

We offer scholarships for international students including International Ambassador Scholarships. 

Further information about funding and financial support for international students is available from the UK Council for International Student Affairs.

 

Financial support for international students
Teaching staff

Teaching staff

James is wearing a pale pink shirt and a grey suit. He has light brown and grey hair . He is smiling at the camera and has blue eyes.

James Goodman

James has lectured in both Undergraduate and Post Graduate degrees in air transport management specialising in airline and airport management at the University of West London since 2017.  

Prior to this James spent over 20 years in aviation, airline and airport industries for various international organisation as a management consultant. His passion is supporting the next generation of aviation professionals to become the future managers and leaders in the industry. 

Specialist topics include digital aviation, commercial management, entrepreneurship, and human factors in aviation safety.

James has lectured in both Undergraduate and Post Graduate degrees in air transport management specialising in airline and airport management at the University of West London since 2017.  

Prior to this James spent over 20 years in aviation, airline and airport industries for various international organisation as a management consultant. His passion is supporting the next generation of aviation professionals to become the future managers and leaders in the industry. 

Specialist topics include digital aviation, commercial management, entrepreneurship, and human factors in aviation safety.

Study & career progression

Study & career progression

A smartly dressed man showing another man something on a tablet in front of a plane

This air mobility management course is designed to accelerate your career to more senior roles in the aviation industry. 

Air mobility graduates can look to build careers in aviation fields such as:

  • engineering and management
  • operations
  • maintenance
  • finance
  • airports
  • future spaceport operators
  • air traffic
  • air transport
  • security
  • defence
  • aerospace.

Students who have demonstrated exceptional performance may be able to progress to postgraduate research programmes such as PhD courses or other Doctoral programmes.

How to apply

How to apply

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Important notes for applicants

Disclaimer

*Modern universities - defined as higher education institutions that were granted university status in, and subsequent to, 1992.

**The National Student Survey 2023 and 2024 - Average of answers to all questions by registered student population. Excludes specialist institutions.

Testimonials - our students or former students provided all of our testimonials - often a student from the course but sometimes another student. For example, the testimonial often comes from another UWL student when the course is new.

Optional modules - where optional modules are offered they will run subject to staff availability and viable student numbers opting to take the module.

Videos - all videos on our course pages were accurate at the time of filming. In some cases a new Course Leader has joined the University since the video was filmed.

Availability of placements - if you choose a course with placement/internship route we would like to advise you that if a placement/internship opportunity does not arise when you are expected to undertake the placement then the University will automatically transfer you to the non-internship route, this is to ensure you are still successful in being awarded a degree.