How is the Master in Air Cargo Management different from a general logistics master's?

A general logistics master's covers road, sea, rail and multimodal in breadth. This programme focuses tightly on air freight: airline networks, freighter economics, special cargoes, cargo security regimes and the commercial dynamics between airlines, forwarders and integrators.

Do I need an aviation background to enrol?

An aviation, logistics or supply-chain background is strongly recommended. If you come from an adjacent field, admissions will look at your professional experience and reasons for moving into cargo before confirming entry.

Will this qualify me to work for an airline cargo division?

It strengthens your application meaningfully, particularly for management-track posts. Airlines recruit on the combination of qualification, experience and right-to-work, so check visa and employment requirements separately for any country you plan to work in.

Can I complete the dissertation on a problem from my current employer?

Yes, and many students do. Practical dissertations on yield management, special cargo operations or network optimisation are common and welcomed.

How long does the Master in Air Cargo Management take?

Full-time is typically 12 to 18 months; part-time and distance options extend this. Confirm specifics with admissions.

How much does the programme cost?

Fees depend on study mode, intake and student status. Contact HICL admissions for the current schedule.

Master in Air Cargo Management | HICL London | Harold International College of London

Master in Air Cargo Management at HICL

Air cargo is the part of the aviation industry that most travellers never see and most logistics graduates underestimate. It moves a small fraction of world trade by volume and a sizeable share by value — pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, perishables, e-commerce, project freight, dangerous goods. The Master in Air Cargo Management at HICL is a postgraduate programme for professionals who want to step into senior, commercially-accountable roles in this segment.

If you have already worked in freight forwarding, ground handling, an airline cargo department or an integrator and you want to move into management — commercial, operational or strategic — this is the level the qualification is pitched at. It is not an introduction to logistics; it assumes you already know what an AWB is and what GSAs do.

The shape of the Master in Air Cargo Management

Expect serious engagement with cargo network planning, capacity management, yield and revenue management for freight, e-commerce logistics, special cargoes (pharma cold chain, live animals, dangerous goods, valuables), cargo handling operations, security regimes such as ACC3 and known consignor frameworks, and the commercial relationships between airlines, forwarders, integrators and shippers. The programme also pushes into strategy — how cargo fits into a hybrid passenger-freighter network, fleet decisions on dedicated freighter aircraft, and the structural shifts brought by e-commerce platforms.

Who the Master in Air Cargo Management is for

Experienced cargo and freight professionals targeting head-of-department or director-level roles.
Airline staff in commercial, network or operations functions moving into the cargo side.
Freight forwarders and 3PL managers wanting a structured strategic view of the airline-cargo ecosystem they sell into.
Senior staff at airports and ground handling agents managing cargo terminals and warehouses.

Career direction after the programme

Graduates typically progress into cargo manager, head of cargo operations, cargo commercial manager, regional cargo director, freighter network manager and senior pricing/capacity roles. Some move into consultancy or into supplier-side businesses such as IT vendors and ULD providers. As with any masters, outcomes depend on prior experience and the market you operate in.

How the programme runs

The Master in Air Cargo Management is delivered on-campus, online and via distance learning. Most working professionals choose online or distance mode and tackle the dissertation around a real-world cargo problem from their own employer or sector. Module sequence and intake calendar are confirmed at enrolment.

Entry requirements

A relevant bachelor's degree, or equivalent professional qualifications and substantial industry experience.
IELTS 6.0 or equivalent for non-native English speakers.
A statement of purpose outlining your professional background and reasons for pursuing the Master in Air Cargo Management.
Two referees, ideally one academic and one professional.

Apply for the Master in Air Cargo Management

If you are ready to step from operational delivery into strategic leadership in air freight, this is the level to study at. Click Enroll Now and HICL admissions will respond within one working day with application details and a fee schedule.