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Master of Aviation Management

Science
Join one of Australia's top science faculties
Gain a competitive edge in the aviation industry with the Master of Aviation Management. Led by one of Australia’s leading science faculties and the only stand-alone aviation school in Australia, this program will equip you with contemporary industry knowledge and skills essential to propelling your career in aviation management.
Commencing Terms
Term 1, 2 & 3
Duration
2 Year(s)
Delivery Mode
Online
Campus
Kensington
Codes
Program code 8741
CRICOS code N/A
Entry Requirements
View all admission criteria
Fees
2024 Indicative first year full fee
$36,000*

Overview

Enhance your professional knowledge and gain a competitive edge in the aviation industry with the Master of Aviation Management. This program is designed for students who have a university degree and relevant industry experience. It will equip you with essential skills and knowledge in the fields of science, engineering, interpersonal relations, the environment and management. You’ll explore law and regulations, safety and security, airline and airport management, technical operations and aviation economics.

Key features

  • Research experience
    In your final term, you’ll complete a research project, which draws together everything you’ve learned during the program. The project will provide you with practical skills in research relevant to the applied aviation environment. This is your opportunity to demonstrate your ability to take initiative and use your imagination to solve problems in the industry.
  • Wide range of career opportunities
    Launch your career in aviation management or enhance your current role with industry knowledge. We have students from non-aviation backgrounds, such as law or finance, who chose this degree to either gain entry into the industry or work with aviation organisations. Personnel with technical skills, such as engineers and pilots, can enhance their knowledge of management and commercial issues. If you have a business background, this degree will help you understand airline strategy and technical issues, which impact aviation operations.
  • Flexible and interactive online environment
    Choose courses in any order that suits your interests and study part-time or full-time in any term depending on your other commitments. This program is delivered via distance using the university’s eLearning system. Each course has its own facilitator who is responsible for interacting with students and enabling students to interact with one another. The course facilitator leads discussion groups, ensures participation in web-supported activities, advises students on where to source research materials and responds to questions relating to the course and assignments.

Why study this degree at UNSW?

Join a top 20 global university
UNSW is ranked 19th in the world.* UNSW Aviation operates as a school within the Faculty of Science. It’s the only stand-alone university aviation school in Australia. We’re focused on combining leading research, world-class facilities and practical teaching to create graduates that are ready to take on global opportunities within the aviation sector.

Learn from expert educators
Our industry facilitators bring a wealth of aviation experience, while our academic staff regularly engage with regulatory authorities, industry bodies and research collaborators. Our courses are written and coordinated by experts with substantial industry experience, have rigorous academic standards and are designed to guide student learning. UNSW Aviation educators come directly from leadership roles in industry, having held senior management positions with airlines, airports, government and regulatory authorities and air services providers.

Gain industry-relevant knowledge and experience
This program was developed in consultation with the Australian aviation industry to produce graduates who will advance to positions of management and influence. Our courses are regularly reviewed to ensure quality and relevance. Our teaching staff refer to academic readings, case studies and relate examples from their own professional experiences. Where possible, assignments relate to workplace situations – as such, many of the tasks undertaken in courses may be later used in the workplace, reinforcing the theory and benefiting both yourself and your employer. Throughout the degree, you’ll also be encouraged to undertake industry-based scholarships and internships. These programs provide valuable opportunities to consolidate knowledge, determine career interests and significantly enhance employment prospects upon graduation. 

*QS World University Rankings, 2024

 

Program Code
8741
CRICOS Code
N/A
Campus
Kensington
Total Units of Credit (UOC)
96
Indicative Enrolments
116

Want to see more from UNSW Science?

Entry requirements

For entry into this program, you must have a three-year undergraduate bachelor’s degree. There are four different entry groups – the group you belong to will depend on the discipline of your undergraduate degree and years of industry experience (if applicable). If you have more than half a year of relevant professional experience you may be eligible for advanced standing into the program which will shorten the duration of your studies

Entry group one
This group may be eligible for 48 units of credit of advanced standing. This group includes any of the following:

  • Bachelor of Aviation (Honours) with no industry experience
  • Bachelor of Aviation with minimum two years' industry experience
  • bachelor’s degree in cognate area with minimum two years' industry experience
  • bachelor’s degree in non-cognate area with minimum five years' industry experience

Entry group two
This group may be eligible for 36 units of credit of advanced standing. This group includes any of the following:

  • Bachelor of Aviation with minimum 0.5 years industry experience
  • bachelor’s degree in cognate area with minimum 0.5 years industry experience
  • bachelor’s degree in non-cognate area with minimum two years' industry experience

Entry group three
This group may be eligible for 24 units of credit of advanced standing. This group includes any of the following:

  • bachelor’s degree in non-cognate area with minimum 0.5 years industry experience

Entry group four
This group is not eligible for any advanced standing. This group includes:

  • bachelor’s degree in non-cognate area with no industry experience
Group Degree Industry Experience Standing (UoC) Required to complete at UNSW Required to graduate MAvMgmt
1 Bachelor of Aviation (Honours) N/A 48 48 96
Bachelor of Aviation Minimum 2 years
Bachelor's degree in cognate area Minimum 2 years
Bachelor's degree in non-cognate area Minimum 5 years
2 Bachelor of Aviation Minimum 0.5 years 36 60 96
Bachelor's degree in cognate area Minimum 0.5 years
Bachelor's degree in non-cognate area Minimum 2 years
3 Bachelor's degree in non-cognate area Minimum 0.5 years      
Bachelor of Aviation 0      
Bachelor's degree in cognate area 0 24 72 96
4 Bachelor's degree in non-cognate area 0 0 96 96

 

Cognate degrees
Any degrees from any of the following disciplines:

  • aviation
  • science
  • engineering
  • psychology
  • management
  • economics
  • commerce

Examples of industry experience
Your industry experience could be (but not limited to) any of the following:

  • advanced flying training (e.g. any holder of command instrument rating, commercial pilot licence or air transport pilot licence)
  • air traffic controller
  • airport operations specialist
  • airport compliance personnel
  • airport/aviation consultant
  • aviation legal practitioner
  • airline captain, first officer, second officer or line pilot
  • business strategy analyst
  • defence force personnel
  • flying instructor
  • flight attendant
  • flight scheduler
  • human factors analyst
  • licensed aircraft maintenance engineer
  • aircraft technician
  • managerial role
  • marketing and sales personnel
  • network planner
  • police and fire fighters
  • research analyst
  • revenue analyst
  • flight dispatcher and load controller
  • flight safety operations
  • risk management personnel.

 

English language requirements

 

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.

If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

For entry into this program, you must have a three-year undergraduate bachelor’s degree. There are four different entry groups – the group you belong to will depend on the discipline of your undergraduate degree and years of industry experience (if applicable). If you have more than half a year of relevant professional experience you may be eligible for advanced standing into the program which will shorten the duration of your studies

Entry group one
This group may be eligible for 48 units of credit of advanced standing. This group includes any of the following:

  • Bachelor of Aviation (Honours) with no industry experience
  • Bachelor of Aviation with minimum two years' industry experience
  • bachelor’s degree in cognate area with minimum two years' industry experience
  • bachelor’s degree in non-cognate area with minimum five years' industry experience

Entry group two
This group may be eligible for 36 units of credit of advanced standing. This group includes any of the following:

  • Bachelor of Aviation with minimum 0.5 years industry experience
  • bachelor’s degree in cognate area with minimum 0.5 years industry experience
  • bachelor’s degree in non-cognate area with minimum two years' industry experience

Entry group three
This group may be eligible for 24 units of credit of advanced standing. This group includes any of the following:

  • bachelor’s degree in non-cognate area with minimum 0.5 years industry experience

Entry group four
This group is not eligible for any advanced standing. This group includes:

  • bachelor’s degree in non-cognate area with no industry experience
Group Degree Industry experience Standing (UoC) Required to complete at UNSW Required to graduate MAvMgmt
1 Bachelor of Aviation (Honours) N/A 48 48 96
Bachelor of Aviation Minimum 2 years
Bachelor's degree in cognate area Minimum 2 years
Bachelor's degree in non-cognate area Minimum 5 years
2 Bachelor of Aviation Minimum 0.5 years 36 60 96
Bachelor's degree in cognate area Minimum 0.5 years
Bachelor's degree in non-cognate area Minimum 2 years
3 Bachelor's degree in non-cognate area Minimum 0.5 years      
Bachelor of Aviation 0      
Bachelor's degree in cognate area 0 24 72 96
4 Bachelor's degree in non-cognate area 0 0 96 96

 

Cognate degrees
Any degrees from any of the following disciplines:

  • aviation
  • science
  • engineering
  • psychology
  • management
  • economics
  • commerce

Examples of industry experience
Your industry experience could be (but not limited to) any of the following:

  • advanced flying training (e.g. any holder of command instrument rating, commercial pilot licence or air transport pilot licence)
  • air traffic controller
  • airport operations specialist
  • airport compliance personnel
  • airport/aviation consultant
  • aviation legal practitioner
  • airline captain, first officer, second officer or line pilot
  • business strategy analyst
  • defence force personnel
  • flying instructor
  • flight attendant
  • flight scheduler
  • human factors analyst
  • licensed aircraft maintenance engineer
  • aircraft technician
  • managerial role
  • marketing and sales personnel
  • network planner
  • police and fire fighters
  • research analyst
  • revenue analyst
  • flight dispatcher and load controller
  • flight safety operations
  • risk management personnel.

 

English language requirements


You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

Check the specific English language requirements for this program

Program structure

The Master of Aviation Management is comprised of 16 courses, including a compulsory research project taken in your final term under the guidance of a supervisor on an aviation topic of your choice. You may choose courses in any order that suits your interests and may study part-time or full-time in any term depending on your other commitments.

Future careers

Australia has one of the most highly developed aviation industries in the world. It’s home to some of the best global airlines and has significant hubs for airlines based in Asia, the Americas and Europe.

Aviation management is a broad and dynamic field. It offers a wide range of career opportunities in areas such as: 

  • airline marketing
  • flight operations management
  • aviation economics
  • aviation law and regulations
  • aviation safety
  • aviation security
  • corporate planning
  • fleet planning
  • schedule planning
  • flight operations
  • air traffic management
  • aircraft engineering
  • airport management.

Aviation management graduates are hired by airlines and related organisations such as airports, government agencies, tourism authorities, freight forwarders and airport ground handling companies. If you look even more widely you can also join consulting firms, IT firms and air safety authorities.

UNSW Aviation produces graduates of the highest calibre, whose qualifications are recognised throughout the world. Our graduates work across a range of Australian and international organisations including Qantas, Airservices Australia, Rex, the Defence Forces, Sydney Airport, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, Virgin Australia, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways and Emirates, to name a few.

Our alumni

“Being a pilot, there is so much more that I can offer than flying a plane. There are opportunities within my company to be a ground school or human factors instructor, or work on other meaningful projects. The master’s degree really opens these doors for me to work in other areas of the industry or in other industries such as transport, especially in a scenario where if I couldn’t fly. My master’s degree has made me a more competitive candidate, knowing that I can also work in the administration side of aviation. It has also given me opportunities to be involved in pilot recruitment.”

Rosina Helbig

First Officer, Jetstar

“The range of subjects available in the master’s program gave me the opportunity to specialise in certain topics, while gaining more general knowledge in other aviation disciplines. Aviation is such a varied field; the master’s was able to give me a good grounding in so many areas of the industry. My degree with UNSW Aviation has been invaluable to my career, in providing me with both credibility and knowledge. “

Graham Stevenson

Head of Midfield Terminal Program, Etihad Airways

How to apply

1. Submit an online application. Applications close on: 15th January for Term 1, 15th April for Term 2 and 31st July for Term 3.

2. Please indicate on application if you are seeking credit/advanced standing based on previous degree and/or work experience.

3. Applicants are to submit the following supporting documents online for assessment of entry:

  • CV 
  • Evidence of relevant industry experience and years of service e.g. letters from workplace supervisors or HR department, licences and logbooks
  • Evidence of completion of UG degree e.g. original/certified testamur
  • Original/certified academic transcript
  • Any other supporting documentation requested by UNSW Admissions Office

Ready to start your application?

1. Submit an online application. Applications close on: 15th January for Term 1, 15th April for Term 2 and 31st July for Term 3.

2. Please indicate on application if you are seeking credit/advanced standing based on previous degree and/or work experience.

3. Applicants are to submit the following supporting documents online for assessment of entry:

  • CV 
  • Evidence of relevant industry experience and years of service e.g. letters from workplace supervisors or HR department, licences and logbooks
  • Evidence of completion of UG degree e.g. original/certified testamur
  • Original/certified academic transcript
  • Any other supporting documentation requested by UNSW Admissions Office

Ready to start your application?

Fees & Scholarships

2024 Indicative First Year Full Fee
$36,000*
2024 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree
$74,000*

*Fees are subject to annual review (or when required) by the University and may vary accordingly.

Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the program. The indicative fees listed here is an estimate for tuition only and excludes non-tuition fees and charges. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year of enrolment, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (48 units of credit (UOC) per year).

You should not rely on indicative fees as fee increases are assessed when required and may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Actual fees are calculated on enrolment. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.

2024 Indicative First Year Fee
$45,500*
2024 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree
$95,500*

*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).

Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.

Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.

Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.

Scholarships


At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.


  • Top 20
    Worldwide

    QS World University Rankings, 2024.

  • Most
    Employable Graduates

    AFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.

  • Leading
    Innovation

    #1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.

This degree opened doors for me to work in other areas of the industry.
Rosina Helbig

Rosina Helbig

First Officer, Jetstar

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