Level 4 Diploma in Airline, Airport and Aviation Management

Introduction to the Aviation System is the unit that frames everything: regulators, airlines, airports, ground handlers and how they fit together. Airline Operations and Airport and Cargo Operations, both 20 credits, then take you into the two halves of the industry where most applicants work. Air Transport Marketing addresses how seats and cargo capacity are sold, Sustainability Management in Aviation deals with the industry's most pressing problem, and Operating in a Global Context, shared with OTHM's business diploma, puts it all in the wider economy.

This is a specialist title and its entry wording is a little different from other OTHM Level 4 diplomas: the awarding body says it can be offered from age 18 and recommends a Level 3 diploma or three A levels, without the management-experience clause. Applicants come from check-in, ground handling, cargo sheds, cabin crew and travel operations, and the assignments use their own airport or airline as the case. It is 120 credits at Level 4; it is not a pilot, engineering or air traffic qualification, and it confers no licence of any kind.

OTHM sets the entry requirements for this qualification and LSPM, as the approved centre, applies them when it assesses your application. As published by the awarding body:

• The OTHM Level 4 Diploma Airline, Airport and Aviation Management qualification can be offered to learners from age 18. It is recommended that learners hold one of a Level 3 Diploma, 3 GCE’s/A Levels or equivalent qualifications.
• OTHM centres must ensure learners are recruited with integrity onto appropriate qualifications and that they possess the required knowledge, understanding and skills to enrol and successfully achieve this qualification. The qualification is offered in English.
• English requirements: If a learner is not from a majority English-speaking country must provide evidence of English language competency. For more information visit the OTHM English Language Expectations page.

Source: the OTHM specification. If you are not sure whether your qualification counts as equivalent, send us the details and we will put the question to LSPM's admissions team, who make the decision.

Age 18 or over, with a Level 3 diploma or three A levels recommended by OTHM. Experience in the industry is not required by the awarding body but most applicants we speak to have it, and it makes the assignments much easier.

Written reports for each unit, most built on an airline or airport you know or can research in depth. There are no exams. Confirm draft-feedback arrangements with LSPM.

Assignments are set and marked by LSPM's tutors, moderated within LSPM and sampled by OTHM before LSPM claims certificates. Draft feedback and resubmission arrangements are LSPM's own practice; confirm them at enrolment. How assessment works in full.

Level 5 Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality Management or a related OTHM Level 5 route, as aviation does not continue as its own title in LSPM's current range.

Application for advanced entry to an aviation management or air transport degree, at the university's discretion.

Supervisory roles in ground operations, cargo, airline customer service or airport administration.