Bachelor of Aviation (Management)

If you want to work in aviation, but not necessarily as a pilot, this is the degree for you. The aviation industry requires a large corporate world to function successfully. The industry is becoming more complex and sophisticated, meaning employers are looking for graduates who have wide industry knowledge, tertiary qualifications and all-round capabilities.

The Bachelor of Aviation (Management) addresses these issues to produce graduates with essential skills and knowledge in the fields of science, engineering, interpersonal relations, the environment and management. This skill base provides a solid foundation upon which you can expect to advance to positions of management and influence within the aviation industry.

Students are exposed to current aviation topics and often work in teams to solve contemporary air transport problems. Learning exercises range from operating a start-up airline in a management simulation to exploring the cognitive abilities of humans in the fast-developing environment of aviation.

Graduates of the management degree have a broad education that provides a solid base for pursuing a career in aviation. Many graduates have enjoyed the flexibility to grow their careers through various roles in airlines and related industries. The degree is designed to prepare graduates for employment in international and regional airlines of all sizes. Other prospective employers include airports, government agencies such as the Australian Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development, Air Services Australia, tourism authorities, freight forwarders and airport ground handling companies. Students looking more widely are well prepared to join consulting firms, IT firms and air safety authorities.

Aviation requires many disciplines and skills and is increasingly looking to people who have appropriate tertiary qualifications and the personal qualities needed for a career in the dynamic environment of the aviation industry. The Bachelor of Aviation (Management) aims to produce aviation professionals of this calibre.

The Concurrent Graduate Diploma in Flying (UNSW Program 5536)
Australian citizens and permanent residents, and New Zealand citizens with special Australian residency visas may concurrently study for the Graduate Diploma in Flying. This will enable them to also achieve professional flying qualifications. The concurrent BAv (Management) – Grad Dip (Flying) programs take four years to complete. Read more about the Graduate Diploma in Flying.

• Industry relevant degree
  This program is constantly evolving in response to the needs of the aviation industry. It will equip you with essential skills and knowledge in the fields of science, engineering, interpersonal relations, the environment and management.

• Practical experience
  Learning exercises range from operating a start-up airline in a management simulation to exploring the cognitive abilities of humans in the fast-developing environment of aviation. Throughout your 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 your employment prospects upon graduation.  

• Aviation streams
  The management degree shares a common academic core with the flying specialisation. Please note this degree does not provide training or accreditation to work as a pilot. In the management stream, you’ll also explore operations management, law and regulations, airline marketing, safety and aviation economics.

Join a top 50 global university^*
UNSW Aviation operates as a school within the Faculty of Science. UNSW is 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 School of Aviation has been a leading educator in the industry for over 25 years.

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. UNSW Aviation educators come directly from leadership roles in industry, having held senior management positions with Qantas, Airservices Australia, CASA, ATSB and the Federal Airports Corporation.

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. Aviation management covers a wide range of areas. Our courses aim to develop skills including critical thinking and decision making in topics including airline marketing, aviation safety, aviation security, corporate planning, fleet planning, schedule planning, flight operations, air traffic management, aircraft engineering and airport management. 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 2023}