Sustainable Air Transport
Full-time
Part-time
One year
28 month
September 2025
In a nutshell
MSc Sustainable Air Transport is an interdisciplinary, innovative and future-facing postgraduate course focused on how air transport (including airports as multimodal hubs) addresses the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Net Zero 2050 and the requirements of the topmost Airport Carbon Accreditation Level 5 (which requires airports to address emissions produced by third parties: aircraft operators and airport surface access companies).
This course covers the most important sustainability aspects of airlines and airports, air traffic management, airport surface access, as well as emerging advanced air mobility and aviation urbanism. It highlights the need for air transport companies to develop sustainability strategies and report on sustainability, and for air transport and airport surface access policies and projects to be properly evaluated for their economic, social, and environmental impacts.
To enable you to personalise this course based on your individual interests, you may choose two out of five elective modules focused on contemporary sustainability issues in air transport, environmental impact assessment of airport and surface access projects, air transport and airport surface access noise measurement and modelling, synergies between airports and sustainable urban developments. This course uses the UK and international case studies, policies and principles in sustainable air transport and airport surface access.
This course has start dates in September and January, for both full-time and part-time pathways. If you start this course in September, the full-time course runs for 12 months, with the part-time running for 28 months. If you start this course in January, the full-time course will run for 16 months, and the part-time runs for 32 months.
International applicant? Please check international intakes for the latest information and application dates.
Start your MSc Sustainable Air Transport Journey
Register for our next Open Day where you can learn more about the course, tour our new engineering facilities and meet the tutors
You will:
- Study an innovative and future facing course focused on sustainable air transport, including airport surface access and aviation urbanism, which satisfies professional requirements.
- Benefit from tailoring the course according to your interests and career aspirations by choosing two out of five elective modules.
- Benefit from the unique proximity to Manchester and Liverpool airports, Jet2 airline, extensive airport surface access infrastructure and talks given by industry speakers.
- Obtain up-to-date knowledge and skills developed with input from senior managers in air transport and airport surface access.
- Have access to air transport and airport surface access related academic journals, industrial magazines, specialist software and equipment.
- Improve your research, critical thinking, analytical, problem-solving, report writing, time management, leadership, communication and presentation skills.
students accepted
This is for you if...
You are a recent graduate or looking for a career change and moving into air transport or airport surface access management.
You have existing professional experience and want to boost your career and move into a more senior position.
You are thinking about moving into air transport or airport surface access research or consultancy.
You are looking for a course which satisfies current and emerging professional industry requirements and is innovative and future facing.
You are looking for a cutting-edge course which addresses the sustainability challenges which air transport and airport surface access need to overcome.
You want to be taught by experts from academia and industry both from the UK and other countries.
All about the course
Course delivery
This course covers important aspects of sustainable air transport and airport surface access and enables students to structure it based on their individual interests by choosing two out of five elective modules.
This course is based not only on the UK, but also on international policies and regulations in sustainable air transport and airport surface access. It also uses case studies from both the UK and from all over the world.
Course development
This course is based on the completion of eight taught modules with two of them to be selected from five elective modules. A dissertation in sustainable air transport must be completed for a full MSc degree. If a student chooses not to do the Dissertation (SAT) module or is unable to complete the course within a certain period, a student may receive a Postgraduate Diploma on successful completion of 120 credits or a Postgraduate Certificate on successful completion of 60 credits (Sustainable Airlines and Greener Air Traffic Management, Sustainable Airports and Integrated Advanced Air Mobility, Sustainable Multimodal Airport Surface Access modules are mandatory).
Part-time mode is available to home students only. It is ideal for air transport professionals seeking to upgrade their knowledge and skills in the sustainable aspects of the industry.
Modules available as single modules may be of interest to industry professionals as continuous professional development courses.
Every core taught module on the course is delivered in a six-week block, on one full day (two three hours long sessions) per week. Additionally, you will be expected to undertake self-directed learning.
Course team
The Sustainable Air Transport postgraduate course is delivered by an academic team with extensive industry and research experience.
Course leader: Dr. Viktoriia Myroniuk
Sustainable Airlines and Greener Air Traffic Management
In this module, students will critically explore existing and emerging sustainability issues faced by airlines around the world. Key topics include sustainable aircraft fleet planning; inflight health and wellbeing of air passengers and crews; sustainable aviation fuels; electric and hydrogen aviation; countermeasures against human and wildlife trafficking; sustainable baggage and cargo operations; sustainable aviation catering and cabin waste management; air transport workforce and passenger equality, diversity and inclusion; humanitarian and disaster assistance flights; sustainable flight operations, air traffic management and airspace modernisation. Through international and the UK regulations, real-life examples and talks given by top industry experts, students will gain experience of improving airline and air traffic sustainability.
Sustainable Airports and Integrated Advanced Air Mobility
In this module, students will critically explore existing and emerging sustainability issues faced by airports around the world. Key topics include sustainable airport land use planning; sustainable airport terminal design and operations; sustainable airport surface access and advanced air mobility (including vertiports, U-space, etc.); air transport noise and emissions; sustainable ground support equipment and ramp handling operations; airport biodiversity preservation and wildlife hazard management; airport water and waste management; climate change and extreme weather impacts on airports; disruption and emergency management. Through international and UK regulations, real-life examples and talks given by top industry experts, students will gain experience of improving airport sustainability and advanced air mobility integration.
Sustainable Multimodal Airport Surface Access
In this module, students will critically explore the application of transport system designs to the development of airport surface access interventions in the context of integrated and inter-related networks and the impact of both established and emerging technologies (i.e. applications of Intelligent Transportation System – ITS). Current practice and recent research in the design of transport infrastructure for a range of transport modes including walking, cycling, mass transit and motor vehicles, as well as traffic management and urban design, airport's catchment area and airports as multimodal transport hubs will be discussed (using case studies of multimodal airport hubs in the UK and around the world). Students will gain experience of improving sustainability of an airport surface access.
Sustainable Transport Policies and Principles
In this module, students will critically explore the development of transport strategies, projects, and policies, emphasizing SMART objectives and multi-modal solutions across all transport modes. Students will learn about the planning system and the role of a sustainable development. Key topics include accessibility metrics, demand management, stakeholder roles, transport equity, and air transport policies, with a particular focus on airport planning and surface access to airports. Through real-life case studies and practical exercises, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of sustainable transport planning and its impact on economic, environmental, and social objectives.
Sustainability Strategy and Reporting in Air Transport
In this module, students will critically explore air transport sustainability strategy development and reporting. Key topics include airline and airport corporate social responsibility; development of an effective sustainability strategy for an airline or an airport; environmental and sustainability management systems; carbon markets and carbon offsets, including CORSIA and ETS; voluntary carbon offsetting and passenger offset programs; airport carbon accreditation; sustainability reporting standards (e.g., GRI); sustainability communications; green financing; engagement with stakeholders, including local communities. Through international and the UK regulations, real-life examples and talks given by top industry experts, students will gain experience of air transport sustainability strategy development and reporting.
Sustainable Transport Appraisal and Evaluation
In this module, students will critically explore various methods for appraising the environmental, social, and economic impacts of transport policies, plans, and projects, with a focus on air transport-related infrastructure. They will develop an understanding of both traditional and innovative techniques for assessing transport user benefits, public accounts, environmental impacts (such as noise, air pollution, and climate change), safety and security issues, and strategic-level appraisals. Through practical examples, students will develop the skills to evaluate the effectiveness of policies and projects at both local and strategic levels, with a connection to air transport considerations.
Choose one 15-credit module from the following three options:
Contemporary Issues in Sustainability
In this module, students will explore the broad concept of sustainability: the terms development, contemporary and future uses, urban sustainability, Just Sustainabilities, radical sustainability, other sustainability concepts, such as ecosystem services and beyond; sustainability challenges; green social prescribing; green infrastructure solutions; air quality; climate change (disease epidemiology, carbon); green agenda (from social return to ecosystem assessment). Students will have an opportunity to personalise the course by choosing and analysing a case study that illustrates innovative sustainability practices relevant to air transport or airport surface access.
Environmental Impact Assessment
In this module, students will examine and evaluate processes for investigating and mitigating the impacts of development in the context of environmental impact assessment and planning procedures: screening in EIA, scoping and baseline studies in EIA, quality assurance in EIA, heritage planning and EIA, public participation and stakeholder engagement, sustainable planning and impact assessment, mitigation and monitoring in EIA, sustainability and EIA, social impact assessment / health Impact. Students will have an opportunity to personalise the course by focusing on the assessment of the environmental feasibility of a development at Manchester’s Airport City with reference to the likelihood of gaining the necessary planning consent.
Environmental Noise Measurement and Modelling
In this module, students will measure and model environmental noise using appropriate sound measuring instrumentation and modelling capabilities by learning about the main provisions of current environmental noise legislation, guidance and best practice; instrumentation for environmental sound measurement; noise metrics, frequency weightings and filters; quantifying effects of environmental noise, noise prediction software; aviation and ground transport noise measurement, assessment & management. Students will have an opportunity to personalise the course by producing an Acoustic Design Statement (ADS) for a development at Manchester’s Airport City.
Plus, choose one 15-credit module from the following options:
Planning and Policies of Urban Environments
In this module, students will explore the role of planners and policy tools in enabling sustainability; best practice and how radical approaches have allowed cities to become more resilient; heritage and planning; smart cities and transport planning; GIS and planning; disaster resilience; adaptation and investments in urban areas; environmental impact assessment and sustainability appraisal. Students will have an opportunity to personalise the course by allowing to demonstrate understanding of the principles of planning and to undertake a critical analysis of a selected development plan relevant to air transport or airport surface access in line with the ICAO’s concept of synergy between airports and urban development.
Spatial Planning and Infrastructure Development
In this module, students will examine the origins, evolution and development of spatial planning strategies for the delivery of infrastructure development projects in the context of relevant legislation: evolution, the hierarchy of plans, opportunities and challenges of spatial planning; stakeholder management and spatial management strategies; political, economic and social context; delivery of government targets, legislation and proposed reforms; property development, purpose, valuation and process; national infrastructure projects; the role of the IPA and implementation of large-scale infrastructure projects; transportation planning, CPO and development for health and wellbeing; sustainability issues. Students will have an opportunity to personalise the course by preparing a professional consultancy report referring to the relevant spatial planning and air transport or airport surface access infrastructure development.
Dissertation (SAT)
Students will have an opportunity to exercise what they have learnt to conduct their own research projects on topics related to sustainable air transport. Students will conduct their research projects under the direction of academic supervisors, which will involve a range of high-level coordinated academic and practical work.
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
School of Science, Engineering and Environment
Rising to the challenge of a changing world, our postgraduate courses are designed to shape the next generation of urbanists, scientists, engineers, consultants and leaders.
Shaped by industry, and delivered by supportive programme teams, you can develop the skills to take your career potential further.
What about after uni?
Employment
Graduates may work at air transport companies such as airlines, airports, advanced air mobility companies, air traffic management providers, air cargo and logistics companies, ground handling companies, airline catering companies, suppliers of air transport products, aircraft manufacturers, aviation lease and finance companies, as well as at ground and water transport companies, tour operators, local and national transport authorities and regulatory bodies, transport consultancies, international professional transport organizations and associations, research institutes, professional relevant magazines, etc.
The most typical job titles have the following words: sustainable, sustainability, environment, environmental, ESG, airport, airline, aviation, advanced air mobility, transport, airport surface access, SAF, tourism, project, analyst, manager, planner, designer, developer, specialist, head, consultant, etc.
You will have access to career advice, careers fairs and Talentview, an employment resource hub for aviation students to access graduate roles and opportunities, and gain visibility by employers across the UK aviation industry.
Links to industry
Air transport is one of the world’s growth industries: it will continue to experience further rapid growth and will more than double in the next twenty years.
MSc Sustainable Air Transport has been specifically developed to meet current and emerging needs of relevant employers. The course content has been developed with input from industry, ensuring that it remains industry-relevant and forward-thinking. We have extensive links with the Royal Aeronautical Society, the Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation, the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment, the Institute of Acoustics, air transport (airports, airlines, aviation regulatory authorities, etc.) and airport surface access companies.
You will benefit from our proximity to many airports and airlines based in the region, for example, Manchester Airport, which is the third biggest airport in the UK in terms of passenger traffic. We have outstanding links with the air transport industry. In the past we had guest speakers from Geneva Airport, Schiphol Airport, Kempegowda Airport, Bangalore Airport, Hamburg Airport, Munich Airport, Port of Seattle, SEA Milan Airports, Vancouver Airport Authority, Airports Authority of India, Jet2.com & Jet2holidays, UK Civil Aviation Authority, Eurocontrol, WSP, NACO, AECOM, Avia Network Helsinki, Noise Consultants, etc.
The course is guided by the Industry Advisory Board (IAB) comprising industry leaders and senior managers from British Aviation, ICF, WSP, Highlands and Islands Airports, Jet2, etc.
Further study
On completion of this course, graduates may undertake an appropriate doctoral programme or continue their professional education by completing short training courses delivered by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the Airport Council International (ACI), the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT), the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA), the Institute of Acoustics (IOA), the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), etc. You may obtain a UK CAA Flyer and Operator ID to pilot drones and model aircraft. Many UK airlines and airports offer graduate schemes and programmes (subject to successful application). Graduates may also participate in the activities of the Air Transport Research Society, AirNeth and the German Aviation Research Society. In the past graduates successfully presented and published papers written in collaboration with academic staff (e.g., at the AAIA Aviation Forum).
What you need to know
Applicant profile
This course is recommended for ambitious recent graduates and experienced professionals, both home and international, with strong analytical skills and a passion for air transport, airport surface access management and sustainability. The course can also provide a pathway for applicants seeking to move towards sustainable air transport and airport surface access research or consultancy.
English language requirements
International applicants will be required to show a proficiency in English. An IELTS score of 6.0 (with no element below 5.5) is proof of this.
Read more about our English language requirements, including information about pathways that can help you gain entry on to our degree courses. If you do not have the English language requirements, you could take our Pre-Sessional English course.
International applications
Please check international intakes for the latest information and application dates.
Undergraduate degree
A minimum 2:2 honours degree from a UK university (or international equivalent) in the following broad subject areas: medicine, biological sciences, agriculture & related subjects, physical sciences, mathematical sciences, computer science, engineering & technology, architecture, building & planning, social studies, law, business & administrative studies (transport in particular).
International student entry requirements
We accept qualifications from all around the world. Find your country to see a full list of entry requirements.
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)
We welcome applications from students who may not have formal/traditional entry criteria but who have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully.
The Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process could help you to make your work and life experience count. The APL process can be used for entry onto courses or to give you exemptions from parts of your course. Two forms of APL may be used for entry: The Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).
For more information or enquires about this scheme, please contact: AdmissionsSEE-PGT@salford.ac.uk
How much?
| Type of study | Year | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time home | 2025/26 | £9,800.00per year |
| Full-time international | 2025/26 | £17,000.00per year |
| Part-time | 2025/26 | Calculated on a pro rata basis |
Additional costs
Field trips in Environmental Impact Assessment, Environmental Noise Measurement and Modelling, Contemporary Issues in Sustainability modules are included in the course fees.
Any optional visits to airlines, airports, ground transport companies or industry events must be paid for by students wishing to attend those in addition to the course fees (unless a visit is fully or partially financed by the University).
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding, and general subsistence on trips and visits.
International student scholarships
If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships. Learn more about our latest international scholarships.