LW6056 - Aviation Law

What will I learn on this module?

This module will provide you with a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the legal framework governing aviation law. Within this module you will examine a range of international law issues as they relate to the operation of aircraft. This module will mainly focus on the sui generis legal regime that has emerged consisting of distinct and specialised rules for aviation. When such regime is silent, especially regarding competition aspects or passengers’ rights, regional and national initiative will be analysed. The module will explore the evolving landscape of aviation law, examining its theoretical underpinnings and the existing framework as it currently operates. The module will cover areas such as the foundational concepts and the sources of aviation law, air traffic management and Air Service under international law. You will dissect the key international treaties and agreements such as the Chicago Convention, Warsaw and Montreal Conventions, ASAs, Open Skies and look at the operation of the ICAO. You will examine Airport and Aircraft operation, financing, and insurance. The module will develop and enhance your critical thinking by engaging with both hypothetical scenarios and real-life case studies in aviation law. There will be an examination of aviation competition law, the liability regime governing air carriers and the way in which aviation law deals with criminal behaviour onboard aircraft. Finally, there will be consideration of the environmental implications of aviation and how these are dealt with in law. Overall, this is a contemporary module, which explores synergies and intersections between international law, commercial law and regulatory theory in respect of aviation.

How will I learn on this module?

This module will use a series of 12 lectures to initiate and stimulate your thinking on the issues mentioned above. 6 x 2-hour seminars will provide an opportunity to discuss the detailed aspects of aviation law. These discussions will consolidate your understanding and allow you to critique and analyse the nuance of this area. During your seminars, you will be afforded opportunities to undertake research and to consider the evolution of aviation law. You will undertake tasks both individually and in groups. During these seminars you will receive feedback from your tutors and from fellow students and you will be encouraged to reflect upon this to improve your research, writing and understanding of the way in which law and technology interact. Your module is supported by a range of electronic materials, which are made available to all students via the eLearning platform (Blackboard Ultra). These include lecture recordings, written guidance, podcasts, YouTube videos, and self-test exercises. You will receive a module handbook which outlines the formal sessions (lectures and seminars) and provides details of independent study/learning.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

You will be supported academically in numerous ways:



Oral feedback on seminar preparation

Oral feedback from tutors during small-group discussions and debates in seminars

Seminar exercise on using the marking criteria to grade past student assessments thereby helping you to engage with the marking criteria in advance of the assessment.

The use of interactive mechanisms in lectures which provide immediate feedback on key questions.

The module Blackboard Ultra site (which includes video clips from the BBCs ‘Box of Broadcasts’ where relevant)

An electronic reading list which provides easy access to relevant articles and chapters from e-books.



In respect of support for your assessment, you will be provided with appropriate written or oral feedback (as appropriate), and, as part of your reflective development, such feedback can be utilised in the preparation of subsequent module assessments on the programme.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:

You will develop knowledge of the fundamental principles of Aviation Law.



Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

You will develop an understanding of the essential elements of Aviation Law and be able to apply them in a specific factual context.

You will be able to identify relevant policy considerations appropriate to Aviation Law, to apply them to a given factual scenario and to draft appropriate advice.



Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

You will be able to understand the nature and implications of proposed changes in the global aviation industry and the social, cultural, and political factors influencing the development of international aviation law.

How will I be assessed?

Formative feedback will be provided throughout the module, particularly in relation to seminar tasks.
Marking criteria will be provided from the start of the module to enable you to understand what is expected and how you will be judged on your performance.

Summative assessment will be a single piece of written coursework based on a contemporary issue in aviation law (maximum 2500-word limit).

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

This module will provide you with a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the legal framework governing aviation law. Within this module you will examine a range of international law issues as they relate to the operation of aircraft. The module will explore the evolving landscape of aviation law, examining its theoretical underpinnings and the existing framework as it currently operates. The module will cover areas such as the foundational concepts and the sources of aviation law, air traffic management and Air Service under international law. You will dissect the key international treaties and agreements such as the Chicago Convention, Warsaw and Montreal Conventions, ASAs, Open Skies and look at the operation of the ICAO. You will also examine Airport and Aircraft operation, financing, and insurance. The module will develop and enhance your critical thinking by engaging with both hypothetical scenarios and real-life case studies in aviation law. There will be an examination of aviation competition law, the liability regime governing air carriers and the way in which aviation law deals with criminal behaviour on board aircraft. Finally, there will be consideration of the environmental implications of aviation and how these are dealt with in law. This module is ideal preparation for any student looking to embark on a career in the exciting and ever-expanding aviation industry.

Course info

UCAS Code M102

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department Northumbria Law School

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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