Science

Aviation

Get your career off to a flying start at a globally renowned aviation school.

Students learning in the Science facilities at the UNSW Kensington campus

Join an exciting and dynamic growth industry

Be on the right path for outstanding career success with an aviation degree from UNSW in Sydney, Australia. You’ll learn from expert educators while studying with a global top 20 university* and the only Go8 institution to offer aviation degree courses, training and research.

As air travel returns, the industry needs increasing numbers of airline pilots and aviation professionals to meet demand. From the technically challenging cockpit with awe-inspiring views, to the operational, logistical, safety and financial challenges of managing airports and airlines, UNSW Aviation is a leader in preparing graduates like you to take on the diverse and exciting opportunities across this vital industry.

The aviation industry is fast becoming more complex and sophisticated. Employers seek graduates with broad industry knowledge, tertiary qualifications, critical thinking skills and all-round capabilities. Whether you’re interested in flying planes, drones or calling the shots from the ground, UNSW is the go-to place to get your wings.

*QS World University Rankings, 2024

What is aviation?

Aviation refers to all industries surrounding mechanical air transportation. This includes the technology and activities related to aircraft design, development, production, operation and maintenance. Aviation includes various aspects of flight, from the science of aerodynamics, aircraft engineering, and navigation and control systems, to regulations and procedures surrounding our travel.

There are two major sectors in aviation: civil and military. Civil aviation refers to all non-military applications, including commercial and private air travel for cargo or passengers. In contrast, military aviation refers to using aircraft in a military setting for surveillance or aerial warfare purposes.

Careers in the aviation industry

When it comes to careers, the sky’s the limit for UNSW graduates. You’ll be confident knowing you have all the skills for an exciting career in technical or management roles.

With over 25 years of experience in industry collaboration, our programs are designed in partnership with industry-leading experts. You’ll benefit from a wealth of aviation experience our facilitators provide and learn cutting-edge information from academic staff who frequently engage with regulatory authorities, industry bodies and research collaborators.
    • Commercial airline pilot
    • Private airline pilot
    • Flight instructor
    • Technical support officer
    • Flight operations manager
    • Chief Operating Officer
    • Flight operations management
    • Aviation economics
    • Aviation law and regulations
    • Aviation safety
    • Aviation security
    • Airline operations
    • Corporate planning
    • Fleet planning
    • Schedule planning
    • Flight operations
    • Air traffic management
    • Aircraft engineering
    • Airport management
    • Airline marketing
    • Chief Remote Pilot
    • Drone Missions Commander
    • UAV Supervisor
    • Drone Operations Manager

Why study aviation at UNSW?

As the only Go8 university to offer aviation, and three flagship aviation degrees: flying, management and RPAS, UNSW Aviation will have your career flying high.

  • The UNSW School of Aviation has been a leading educator in the industry for over 25 years. We’re the highest-ranked global university with a stand-alone aviation school that offers aviation degrees, operates flight training under its own Air Operator’s Certificate and undertakes research. The Bachelor of Aviation (Flying) program is one of three undergraduate programs, sitting alongside the Bachelor of Aviation (Management) and the new Bachelor of Aviation (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems).

  • The Bachelor of Aviation (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems) is one of the first university courses of its kind. A Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) is any unmanned aircraft which is piloted from a remote pilot station, such as a commercial drone, and the flight systems that support it.  Dozens of sectors are already integrating RPAS technology into their work, including emergency services, defense, surveying, entertainment, and safety management.

  • You’ll learn from courses written and coordinated by experts with substantial industry experience. On top of that, our industry facilitators can offer you a wealth of aviation experience. Plus, you’ll gain industry-leading knowledge from our academic staff, who regularly engage with regulatory authorities, industry bodies and research collaborators.

  • Second year Bachelor of Aviation (Flying) and Graduate Diploma in Flying students now have the opportunity to participate in Q-ACE – a program delivered by the Qantas Group that helps prepare aspiring airline pilots for direct entry employment opportunities after completing their university study. Q-ACE builds on the hugely successful Qantas Future Pilot Program (QFPP), pioneered by UNSW and Qantas in 2015, and provides development activity in technical and non-technical skills, personal preparation, and insight into the recruitment process. The program is conducted by Qantas Group pilots and the talent acquisition team.

Our facilities

You’ll gain hands-on aviation experience at our Flying Operations Unit (FOU) at Bankstown Airport. Housing our own aircraft, the FOU delivers all flying training, aeronautical knowledge and ground theory courses and conducts airborne sensing research.

Our aircraft fleet comprises Diamond DA40 Diamond Star and Piper PA44 Seminole aeroplanes fitted with Garmin G1000 flight navigation and display systems. A FRASCA DA40/ DA42L360 Flight Simulation Training Device, also fitted with the G1000 systems, is used for procedural and instrument training. As well as a Pacific Simulators 4.5 multi-crew trainer and an Aerosim Q400 virtual procedures trainer.

Our programs

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