Cardiff Met partnership with Cardiff Airport delivers hands-on aviation degree with strong industry outcomes
Cardiff Metropolitan University is playing a central role in shaping the next generation of aviation professionals through its close partnership with Cardiff Airport and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, offering students on the BA (Hons) Aviation Management degree unrivalled hands-on experience within a live airport environment.
Students are immersed in the day-to-day operations of Cardiff Airport, taking part in structured sessions across multiple departments, gaining practical insight into areas such as operations, safety and security, customer experience and commercial activity.
This direct exposure is complemented by work experience opportunities and real-world consultancy projects, ensuring graduates leave with both academic knowledge and practical skills.
The degree, developed in collaboration with Cardiff Met, Cardiff Airport and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, has quickly gained momentum since its launch in 2022. Its strong focus on industry engagement has already led to tangible outcomes, with students securing employment at Cardiff Airport both during and after their studies, creating a growing pipeline of work-ready talent.
Delivered by Cardiff Met, the programme combines its established strengths in business and management education with the operational expertise of Cardiff Airport and the global perspective of Embry-Riddle. Together, the partners have designed a course that reflects the evolving needs of the aviation sector, including sustainability, innovation and operational resilience.
The programme reached an important milestone last year with its first cohort of graduates, with a further group set to complete their studies this summer. Many of these students have already benefited from extensive on-site experience at Cardiff Airport, working alongside professionals across departments and contributing to live business challenges.
This practical, immersive approach has also been recognised by the Royal Aeronautical Society, reinforcing the degree’s credibility and relevance within the aviation and aerospace sector.
Nicholas Jephson, Programme Director, said: “Our aim from the outset was to create a degree that is academically robust, industry-informed and genuinely transformative for students. The close working relationship with Cardiff Airport and Embry-Riddle means our students gain real insight into how the aviation sector operates today, while developing the skills and confidence to shape its future. The success of our graduates and the growing industry engagement with the course demonstrate the value of this collaborative approach.
“I’m incredibly grateful to our friends at Cardiff Airport for all the effort they put in to ensuring our students get the absolute best firsthand experience. I’m grateful for Cardiff Airport’s generosity in giving the students their time, expertise, and resources to enhance the learning that takes place on their degree course.”
Third year student of the course, Ethan George, spoke about his time at Cardiff Airport as part of his work experience placement. He said: “Being able to immerse myself in the day-to-day operations at Cardiff Airport has given me a much deeper understanding of what goes on behind the scenes. From observing airfield operations to shadowing fire and rescue services and terminal management, I’ve developed a well-rounded view of how an airport functions on a practical level.”
Jon Bridge, CEO of Cardiff Airport, said: “This partnership is a brilliant example of how industry and academia can work together to develop the skills our sector needs now and in the future. At Cardiff Airport, we are proud to offer students meaningful, firsthand experience across our operations, giving them real insight into how an airport functions. Seeing students progress into roles here and across the wider aviation industry is exactly the outcome we want to achieve for Wales and beyond.”
Covering areas such as airport and airline operations, aviation safety and security, and strategic management, the programme places a strong emphasis on employability and industry alignment. Graduates are well positioned for careers across airlines, airports and the wider aviation ecosystem, both in the UK and internationally.
As the aviation industry continues to evolve, the BA (Hons) Aviation Management degree offers a forward-looking pathway for students seeking to enter a dynamic and globally connected field.