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Science

Aviation

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

How to apply

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
    • Airport Operations Manager
    • Incident Investigator
    • Government Relations Management
    • Airport Management
    • Flight Operations Management
    • Legal and Compliance
    • Aerodrome Reporting Officer
    • Customer Service Management
    • Freight Operations Management
    • Work Safety Officer
    • Revenue Management
    • Ground Operations Management
    • Brand Marketing Management
    • Finance Strategy and Commercial Planning
    • Customer Experience Professional
    • Digital IT and Aviation Analytics
    • Environment and Quality Assurance
    • Logistics
    • Aviation Safety and Human Factors
    • Airworthiness Management
    • Property Management
    • Human Resources and Workforce Planning
    • Network Planning, Scheduling, and Slots
    • Human Factors specialists in other transport industries such as rail and road (Transport for NSW)
    • Chief Remote Pilot
    • Drone Operations Manager
    • Aerial and Ground Robotics Operator
    • Drone Delivery Pilot
    • Drone Light Show Pilot
    • First Response Drone Team (RPIC)
    • Flight Test Operator
    • LIDAR Analyst & UAS Pilot
    • UAS Flight Operations Lead
    • UAS Sensor
    • UAV Technician
    • Counter Drone Specialist
    • Multi-Vehicle Supervisor (MVS)
    • eVTOL Pilot/Operator
    • Geospatial Data Analyst
    • Commercial Drone Operator
    • Drone Missions Commander

Why study aviation at UNSW?

As the only Go8 university to offer aviation, and three flagship aviation degrees: flying, management and Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems, 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.Ìý 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

  • Study aviation in the following undergraduate degrees:

  • You’ll gain research experience and enhance your career prospects with an honours degree. These programs are designed to connect your undergraduate study with supervised independent research. An honours degree also gives you a pathway into further study, such as a Masters by Research or PhD.

    Standalone honours program

  • Study aviation in the following postgraduate coursework programs:Ìý

    Interested in postgraduate study but not sure which Aviation program to choose? View our flow chart to discover which degree is right for you.

  • Study aviation in the following postgraduate research degrees:

    Interested in postgraduate study but not sure which Aviation program to choose? View ourÌýflow chartÌýto discover which degree is right for you.

  • Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) Theory

    Aeronautical knowledge at air transport level is fundamental for pilots who aspire to command transport category aeroplanes. This course is delivered by the Flying Operations Unit (FOU) and is designed to provide you with the knowledge required for the ATPL, as outlined in theÌý. Our experienced teachers will guide you through the material, explain the concepts, and provide practical and precise methods of calculation.

    This short course is available to both UNSW flying students and external students.Ìý

    Ìý

    The course will be valuable to all Executives, Managers or WHS Duty Holders. WHS Managers; Safety Managers; Health and Safety Managers; Health Safety and Environment Managers; Mental health leads/managers/directors; Wellbeing managers/directors/leads; Human Resources/Organisational Development managers/directors/leads.

    This course is presented by the UNSW Faculty of Science and the UNSW Lifelong Learning Hub.

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