SUSTAINABILITY IN AVIATION - 2025/6

Module Overview

This module aims to develop students' ability to evaluate principles of sustainability as applied to the aviation sector. In this module, students will explore the relationship between aviation and emergent social and environmental issues. Environmental implications for the aviation sector are dissected into three key areas: governance, technological advancements and consumer perspectives. Socio-cultural issues ranging from diversity to hypermobility will also be examined.

This module is relevant to individuals interested in working within the aviation sector, as well as those working alongside aviation industry bodies. The module will provide students with a holistic perspective of aviation and sustainability, and equip students with the skills to critically evaluate future pathways for the aviation sector.

Module provider

Surrey Hospitality & Tourism Management

Module Leader

COCOLAS Nicole (Hosp & Tour)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 7

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 2

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

None

Module content

Locating aviation within sustainability and climate change debates

Implications of hypermobility

Carbon Offsetting in aviation

New technologies in aviation

International aviation governance and initiatives

Equality, diversity and inclusion in the aviation sector

Policy responses to aviation emissions

Consumer perspectives on the carbon footprint of air travel

The role of aviation in access, justice and peace

Climate change risk

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

If an individual is unable to participate in the group presentation, an individual assignment of 2000 words will instead be required.

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their critical understanding of key environmental and socio-cultural issues facing the aviation industry. The assessment is designed to ensure students apply their practical knowledge and analytical skills developed through the course to industry-relevant contexts.

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:

• Group presentation: Students are required to consider industry perspectives of sustainability issues facing the sector, and present recommendations for how the chosen issue can be addressed. Students should draw on the theoretical concepts and case studies presented throughout the module's teaching materials.


• Individual Assignment (3,000 words): Students will apply the concepts learned in class in a critical essay, reflecting on either a socio-cultural or environmental issue from a consumer or governance perspective. Students will need to conduct independent research to demonstrate a thorough understanding of their chosen issue beyond the material presented in class.

Module aims

• Develop knowledge of the theoretical underpinnings of sustainability in the context of aviation
• Dissect and analyse current socio-cultural implications of aviation
• Critically evaluate the relationship between aviation and the environment
• Apply theoretical understanding of sustainability to explore potential future pathways for the aviation industry

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

Encourage students to think critically about the aviation sector from a sustainability perspective

Explore gaps between theory and practice in sustainability in aviation

Provide opportunities to apply sustainability principles to define emergent strategies and new pathways for aviation

Provide opportunities for the students to explore and analyse relevant issues individually and in collaboration with peers, lecturers and visiting speakers

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: MANM508

Other information

This module appears in the Air Transport Management MSc Programme.

This module adopts the university curriculum framework which aims to develop learners with strong capabilities in Employability, Digital Capabilities, Global and Cultural Capabilities, Sustainability and Resourcefulness and Resilience. This module contributes to the development of the following capabilities:  

Global and Cultural Capabilities: The module revolves around the development and management of air transport organisations (Airport/ Airlines) from a global perspective. Students develop an understanding of the influence of environment on the industry’s development, including international, national and cultural environments. Since students are from different countries with diverse cultural backgrounds, class discussions and seminar exercises will be used to reinforce students’ global and cultural capabilities. 

Digital Capabilities: Teaching and learning materials are provided in several formats, and students are encouraged to use discussion boards for communication. Students will be provided instruction on digital literature review searches that support their development of independent learning and successful assessment preparation. Students will use the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), SurreyLearn, video conferencing platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams, and data analytics software to facilitate learning. These include accessing teaching and learning materials and engaging with their instructors and peers. 

Employability: Guest lecturers will be present up-to-date insight from the air transport industry on relevant topics and provide an opportunity for students to directly learn from industry experts and stakeholders. Students will gain knowledge on current developments in air travel and be taught to critically evaluate these developments. They will also learn how to develop strategies to manage these developments. All these skills can be transferred to various situations at the workplace, including problem-solving tasks. 

Sustainability: This module motivates students to critically evaluate the impacts of air travel/ transport industry on society, environment and economy through a case study analysis and class discussion. Students will be guided in developing recommendations for minimizing negative impacts of air travel for society, the environment and/or economy based on their knowledge of sustainable air transport/ tourism management and sustainable development.   

Resourcefulness and Resilience: The assessment strategy which comprises two stages; formative assessment and summative assessment. Through this strategy, this module empowers students to build self-evaluation into assessment processes and create spaces for students to reflect on their own performance whilst reviewing feedback. The structured schedule of the two-stage assessment will also support students in developing time management skills. Also, students are motivated to make informed decisions from a range of options as to which aspect of their work they would like to request feedback. The critical nature of the in-class discussion will help foster openness by encouraging students to understand and discuss contrasting perspectives. 

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2025/6 academic year.