This module explores the multi-layered, multi-faceted concept of leadership in a manner that exposes the crucial role of a leader in bringing about change. Students examine some of the vast literature that underpins leadership theory, giving special attention to how each theoretical approach could be applied in real-world organisations. The module focuses the impact of modern business environments and the nature of organisations on the leadership function. It examines the core tasks of leaders in initiating, implementing and anchoring change. In essence, the module is designed to explore how leadership theory can inform and direct the way leadership is practised.

This module examines the formulation and implementation of competitive and corporate strategy in the airline industry. It integrates strategic management theory with the structural, economic and operational characteristics of airlines as complex, capital-intensive network firms. Students analyse how airlines create and sustain competitive advantage through business model design, network configuration, alliances, cargo operations, and digital transformation. Emphasis is placed on strategic trade-offs, market power, international expansion, and resilience under uncertainty.

This module examines the institutional, economic and legal foundations of aviation policy and regulation at national, regional and international levels. It analyses how regulatory frameworks shape market access, competition, safety oversight, security, consumer protection and industry governance. Students critically evaluate the evolution of international air transport regulation, including bilateralism, liberalisation and the development of supranational regulatory regimes. The module explores the role of global institutions, state sovereignty, competition authorities and economic regulators in shaping the structure and performance of the aviation sector.

This module introduces students to the core principles of research and data analytics in the aviation context. It develops understanding of the research process, including research design, ethics, literature review, data collection, analysis, and the communication of evidence-based findings. Alongside this, the module explores the growing role of digitalisation and data analytics in aviation operations and decision-making. Students will examine key digital technologies and learn how analytical tools can be applied ethically to support sustainable business decisions. Through practical examples and industry case studies, the module equips students with the skills to critically analyse data, conduct applied research, and support informed decision-making in aviation.

Airport Operations are by their nature expansive and inherently interconnected. These operations are a critical component to the success of the aviation industry. This module examines these operations at managerial level and discusses the role and importance of the management of this complex array of operations to the aviation industry. In doing so, it gives students a firm foundation in the principles of airport operations as well as an understanding of management of various components ranging from aircraft to passenger to cargo handling.

This module examines the environmental sustainability challenges facing aviation and the technological, operational and policy innovations aimed at mitigating them. Students evaluate decarbonisation pathways including Sustainable Aviation Fuel, hydrogen and electric propulsion, alongside operational efficiency measures and market-based mechanisms. The module also examines aircraft noise management, airport-level environmental constraints and air pollutant emissions affecting local communities water resource management and circular design principles across aviation infrastructure and aircraft systems. Emphasis is placed on technological feasibility, cost implications, regulatory alignment, innovation systems and the trade-offs between environmental performance, growth and economic viability.

This module discusses in detail the key features of Aviation Safety Management Systems as outlined in ICAO Annex 19 and ICAO Doc 9859, and how these are applied in aviation organisations. Safety Management in aviation is predicated on an iterative process of risk management.  Students explore the regulatory framework shaping aviation safety management at international, national and organisational levels. The module examines the impact of new technologies, challenges in harmonising global safety standards, and current and emerging regulatory developments. The module also broadens its discussion of risk management systems to consider their application to such areas as security management and enterprise risk management, introducing the ISO31000 framework.

The Strategy, Organisation and Innovation module is designed at the intersection of examining how organisations create value, how they are structured, and understanding how innovation can shape their performance trajectories. The module examines both traditional approaches to strategy and value-based strategies for not-for-profits, business models and how corporate social responsibility shapes business practices. Further, the module also examines process and product innovation, including approaches to open innovation using a lead user methodology. A key feature of the module is the integration of data-driven insights which can be used to inform strategy and decision making.

Students complete either an applied research project or a dissertation as a major independent research component of the programme. This module applies theoretical knowledge to a real-world aviation or business problem through literature review, primary research, analysis and evidence-based conclusions, demonstrating critical thinking and academic rigour.