Pursue a career in flight operations on or off the flight deck. This degree will prepare you to become an aviation manager who understands the theory behind aviation operational management and can apply these principles to a practical work environment.

 

Faculty
Faculty of Science
Delivery Mode
Face-to-face (includes blended)
Award
Bachelor of Aviation
Commencing Terms
Term 1, Term 2, Term 3
Duration (Full Time)
3 Year(s)

Overview

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.

Key features

  • 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.

Why study this degree at UNSW?

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

 

Program Code
3981
CRICOS Code
018567B
Campus
Kensington
UAC Code
429520
Total Units of Credit (UOC)
144
Indicative Enrolments
402

Want to see more from UNSW Science?

Entry requirements

2022 Lowest Selection Rank
80
2022 A levels
13
2022 IB Diploma
29
2022 Lowest ATAR
74.8
    1. The 2022 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2022.
    2. The 2022 A levels score is based on four Advanced Level (A2) subject. Entry scores are calculated from the best three or four A2 subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1. At most one Applied A Level subject may be included in the best four subjects used to calculate the aggregate.
    3. The 2022 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2022. It is to be used as a guide only.
    4. The 2022 Lowest ATAR is the lowest ATAR (before adjustment factors were applied) to which an offer was made. Where <5 is listed, this indicates that less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made and so the score has not been published. N/A indicates no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
  • At UNSW, we are committed to ensuring prospective students have all the information they need in order to make informed decisions about their study options.

    To assist you in gaining a better understanding of how Admissions works at UNSW, we have provided you with a summary of ATAR offers and the student profile.

    We hope this information will help you identify the degree that is right for you.

Assumed knowledge

Mathematics Advanced

Adjustment Factors


We offer a range of adjustment factor schemes that reward students for academic performance and extra-curricular achievements. These schemes also take into account a range of personal and educational disadvantages that may have affected your studies. 

HSC Plus 
This scheme rewards students who perform well in Year 12 subjects that are relevant to their preferred UNSW degree. You may be awarded up to five points. 

Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL) 
This program recognises achievements in the areas of sport, academia, leadership and music at an elite level. You may be eligible for up to five points.

Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen UNSW degree.

Admission pathways


Your ATAR is not the only measure of your potential to succeed, which is why we offer a range of pathways into university. Explore your options below and get in touch with our future student advisors to discuss your path to UNSW. 

Gateway Admission Pathway
This scheme is open to students in Years 11 and 12 who attend Gateway schools. It significantly adjusts the ATAR requirements for your preferred UNSW degree and provides you with an early conditional offer to UNSW. 

Entry programs for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
We offer entry programs for Indigenous Australians, including the Indigenous Preparatory Programs and the Indigenous Admission Scheme (IAS). The entry pathway program you apply for will depend on the degree you want to study. 

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.

International direct entry

We do not accept secondary qualifications from this country. We may accept tertiary study results, please contact us for more information.

Please contact us for direct entry requirements.

Admission pathways


If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with UNSW College. UNSW College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your UNSW journey with confidence. 

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

Your courses will develop your critical thinking and decision-making skills in areas such airline marketing, aviation safety, aviation security, corporate planning, fleet planning, schedule planning, flight operations, air traffic management, aircraft engineering and airport management. You’ll be exposed to current aviation topics and often work in teams to solve contemporary air transport problems.

The Bachelor of Aviation (Management) is made up of 24 courses taken over three years of full-time study. This includes 13 core courses, five aviation (management) electives, four free electives and two general education courses.

To see the full list of electives on offer, please visit the UNSW Handbook.

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

“I really appreciated the industry expertise provided through guest speakers. Guest speakers turned theory into practical examples - I was able to use this knowledge in job searches and in my work. We were always given current topics to tackle.”

Cathy Ma

Customer Strategy Manager, Qantas

“The UNSW Aviation community is the best part of the course. I felt like my voice as a student was always heard through AvSoc (Aviation Student Society), and the students and the school have a really close connection. The teaching staff were always there to not only challenge you but as a student I felt valued. The course helped me broaden my idea of the aviation industry from being more than just airlines. It added another level of knowledge, understanding the different facets of the industry from aviation regulators to airports and maintenance.”

Robyn Thomson

Junior Aviation Consultant, To70 Aviation

How to apply

Applications for undergraduate study from domestic students (Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand citizens) are processed by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).

Visit the Apply section of the UAC website and you can nominate up to five degrees in order of preference, with the first being your most desired degree and university.

On-time applications for admission usually close at the end of September each year for Term 1 admission. Late applications can be submitted, but a late fee will apply. For study starting in Term 1, the majority of offers are made in December and January. Visit the UAC website for key dates for admission outside of Term 1.

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.

Ready to start your application?

For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.

Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.

*If you are an international student studying an Australian qualification, go to the Universities Admission Centre (UAC) for application and UAC key dates. Note: If you are under 18 years of age, you need to make special arrangements. Read more.

Ready to start your application?

Fees & Scholarships

2023 Indicative First Year Full Fee
$9,635*

Commonwealth Supported Place: Student Contribution Band 2

*The student contribution for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 based on a standard full-time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The actual student contribution you will be liable for depends on your individual program of study and the calendar year in which you enrol. Actual fees are calculated upon enrolment. Student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the university and may increase each year during your studies (subject to caps determined by the Australian Government), effective at 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.

2023 Indicative First Year Fee
$47,425*
2023 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree
$146,090*

*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.

Featured scholarships

Featured scholarships

  • SYD100 Scholarship
    The Sydney Airport SYD100 Scholarship has been established to support educationally disadvantaged students undertaking study with UNSW Aviation. This scholarship covers full tuition fees for four years and $25,000 towards residential fees (where relevant).