• Research

Aviation and Air Transport Management PhD

Overview

Overview

Research within the London Geller College of Hospitality and Tourism (LGCHT) takes a multifaceted approach to aviation and air transport management. We emphasise flight safety and human factors within the industry while exploring ways to celebrate and empower women and drive sustainable transitions.

As a postgraduate researcher at UWL, you will receive training in a range of research methods and theoretical approaches. You will need to demonstrate strong analytical skills, creativity, motivation, and a deep interest in aviation and air transport management. 

Working closely with your supervisors, you will undertake rigorous scientific investigation, generating significant discoveries relevant to business, social life, and academic scholarship.

LGCHT academics provide excellent supervision covering a diverse range of exciting research topics in aviation and air transport management, including:

  • human error and accident prevention in high-reliability organisations
  • airport and aviation risk management
  • air-traveller behaviour and airport reputation management 
  • celebrating and empowering women in aviation leadership: paths for women in aviation management; addressing gender-based challenges within airline operations 
  • evidence-based research on diversity and inclusion 
  • making the transition to green aviation: green aviation policies and their impact on air-traveller behaviour; sustainable airport management 
  • contemporary topics in aviation psychology; stress and fatigue management for flight crew; impact of automation on pilot decision-making.

See the topics doctoral students in Aviation and Air Transport Management have been researching. 

An airliner, photographed from below with a blue-sky background

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 Aviation and Air Transport Management with us?

Why study Aviation and Air Transport Management with us?

A collage of students

What our students say…

The staff members that I encountered were warm, welcoming and supportive of my studies. The relatively small size of the University’s postgraduate school created a close family/communal environment for both staff and students. This provided a good support system as I could quickly grow acquainted with the postgraduate team and other Doctoral research candidates.

Abdulazeez Rotimi - PhD
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study full time or part time
A female student sitting down with a mentor

World-leading Research

The University of West London has been recognised by the Government's Research Excellence Framework (REF) for its exceptional research work.

Research REF PHD World-leading

Emissions from auxiliary power units and ground power units

During the aircraft turnaround process, the main source of emissions is the APU. The use of the APU can be significantly reduced if the aircraft stand is equipped to supply external electrical power and pre-conditioned air to the cabin.

Dr Anil Padhra profile image
Course detail

Course detail

With academic staff with extensive professional experience within a vast array of disciplines, we provide a stimulating and supportive environment where you will benefit from:

  • peer feedback and discussion
  • a series of master classes and lectures from industry figures
  • support by a supervisor and a second supervisor suited to your project.
About PhD study

This course is available for you to study either on a full-time or part-time basis and you have the flexibility to switch should you need to.

A PhD is founded on independent research.  You will undertake a systematic and in-depth exploration of your chosen topic to produce a substantial body of knowledge and make an original and important contribution to the subject area.  

The support provided by your supervisory team will be vital to your student experience and scholarly advancement.  You and your supervisors will have regular one-to-one meetings which will provide you with opportunities to develop your research topic and discuss your progress.

London Geller College of Hospitality and Tourism's Research Centre

Our London Geller College of Hospitality and Tourism (LGCHT) is closely affiliated with The International Centre for Hospitality and Aviation Resilience Management (ICHARM). 

ICHARM provides a platform for research within hospitality, tourism and aviation, focusing on the management of reputation, risk and resilience.

Find out more about our Research Centres and Research Groups.

Our research record

View our academic journal 'New Vistas'  to see the work of students and academics who are making an impact both locally and globally through their research findings.

Location

Based in the heart of Ealing, west London, you can make use of the excellent transport links to travel to the capital or further afield.

London is well known for its concentration of high-technology industry including many of the big names in technology and computing companies, alongside digital media, computer games, and electronic commerce.

The department of Computing Science has close connections with many of these organisations via collaborative projects, staff secondments and visiting industrial staff.

Got a question?

If you would like guidance or more information about studying for a research degree, you can contact Professor Alexandros Paraskevas.

To enable you to enhance your professional profile, we support you throughout your research degree by:

  • providing research seminars
  • organising doctoral events and activities
  • facilitating networking and collaboration opportunities
  • encouraging and supporting publication and dissemination of your research
  • offering opportunities to gain teaching expertise and experience.

We provide structured research training, expert supervision, and an environment where you can discuss your research with other PhD students and researchers.

We run seminars in research methods from the Graduate Centre, as well as an ongoing series of events and activities organised by Schools and Colleges. Specialist help with academic English for students for whom English is not their first language is available.

The Heathrow Exhibition

‘Heathrow: The Journey’, which opened on 18 April 2018, is a free, permanent exhibition at the University of West London’s Ealing site on St Mary’s Road. 

FlightPad: Flight simulator experiences in London

Based in Ealing, West London, FlightPad is a conveniently-located, high-tech fixed-based flight simulator, ideal for aspiring pilots and aviation enthusiasts alike.

The Paul Hamlyn Library

The Paul Hamlyn Library provides an extensive range of books, journals and digital resources, PC and Mac workstations and a variety of study spaces. Find out more about what the Paul Hamlyn Library has to offer.

We contribute to national and international initiatives and promote collaboration and networking opportunities. We also encourage and support you to publish and disseminate your research in academic journals and via presenting papers at conferences.

We run an annual conference for doctoral students, where you are encouraged to present a paper about your research. As well as being an opportunity to discuss your work with other students, the conference is a chance to gain valuable experience in presenting your research and participating in open discussions with academic peers.

You will also find other opportunities such as postgraduate student seminars and forums within your specific subject area.

Community

Once you start a PhD course at UWL, you become part of our research community. You will have access to a postgraduate common room, located at our Ealing campus on St Mary’s Road, where you will meet fellow researchers from other subject disciplines offering scope for collaborations or simply to discuss ideas, allowing you to be part of a vibrant research environment.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

The minimum entry requirements for a research degree are:

  • a good first degree (First Class or Upper Second Class), or equivalent qualification in a relevant field
  • a Masters Degree (MA, MSc, MBA or MRes) with Merit, or equivalent postgraduate or research experience.

We look for students with:

  • dedication
  • enthusiasm
  • a passion for their chosen subject.

You will also have a well thought through and persuasive proposal.

 

6.5 IELTS or above

The minimum entry requirements for a research degree are:

  • a good first degree (First Class or Upper Second Class), or equivalent qualification in a relevant field
  • a Masters Degree (MA, MSc, MBA or MRes) with Merit, or equivalent postgraduate or research experience.
  • Competence in written and spoken English is a pre-requisite for entrance to this programme.
    An IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 6.5 (with no element under 6.0).

We look for students with:

  • dedication
  • enthusiasm
  • a passion for their chosen subject.

You will also have a well thought through and persuasive proposal.

 

Fees & funding

Fees & funding

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Please note:

  • Fees for the 2026/27 academic year and onwards may be subject to Government regulation and change.
  • Tuition fees are charged for each year of your 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.
  • 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

Funding for postgraduate students usually comes from one or more of a range of key sources:

  • research councils
  • charities and trust funds, including those funded by the UK government
  • higher Education institutions
  • overseas governments (international students only)
  • employers
  • professional and career development loans
  • self-funding (including family funds).

Find out more about funding opportunities.

Examples of most of these types of funding are included on the postgraduate studentships website, (with the exception of funding you may be able to obtain from your employer and self-funding).

Bursaries and scholarships

We offer generous bursaries and scholarships to make sure your aspirations are your only limit.
See our PhD scholarships, scholarships and bursaries.

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

Please note:

  • Fees for the 2026/27 academic year and onwards may be subject to Government regulation and change.
  • Tuition fees are charged for each year of your 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.
  • 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

For any overseas students, your first port of call should be grant-awarding bodies in your own country (eg The Ministry / Department of Education) and your local (or nearest) office of the British Council.

The British Council manage a small number of international studentship grants in some countries and should be able to tell you what other awards may be available to you - they also produce the Sources of funding for international students guide.

See our International pages for more information
Supervisors

Supervisors

Study & career progression

Study & career progression

mature female student at the cafeteria having coffee

As a PhD Graduate you will be a recognised authority within your research field. Having gained valuable transferable skills during your PhD you will be a  self-motivated project managers with excellent organisational and analytical skills, experienced in public speaking and event planning with an ability to effectively collect, analyse, interpret and communicate large amounts of complex data.

Most of our graduates do go on to careers within academia, some graduates take their research and teaching expertise into other professions, including:

  • the business sector
  • travel technology
  • airlines and airports
    • destination management organisations
    • public administration.
How to apply

How to apply

Search for courses

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.