If you want to work in aviation, but not necessarily as a pilot, this is the degree for you. The aviation industry relies on a large network of systems, processes and functions to operate smoothly – flying is just one part of it. The aviation sector in Australia has persevered through immense challenges in recent years, and is adopting more complex and sophisticated systems to keep the country moving. Employers are looking for graduates who have wide industry knowledge, tertiary qualifications and all-round capabilities.

The Bachelor of Aviation (Management) is ideal for those seeking to join one of the world’s most critical industries. This three-year, full-time program teaches the essential skills and knowledge required to break into the aviation industry and begin making an impact from day one. 

Throughout the course, you’ll engage in independent and team-based learning activities to solve contemporary air transport problems. From human factors and safety to finance and aviation law, you’ll graduate as a knowledgeable, confident aviation professional, ready to take on roles of influence. You’ll also have the opportunity to pursue on an optional minor to develop a stand-out specialisation, such as Aviation Data Analytics, Human Factors and Aviation Safety, or Aviation Law and Sustainability. 

With a Bachelor of Aviation (Management), you’ll unlock opportunities within international and regional airlines of all sizes, as well as airports, government agencies and air safety authorities.

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 allow you to also achieve professional flying qualifications. The concurrent Bachelor of Aviation (Management) and Graduate Diploma (Flying) programs take four years to complete. Read more about the Graduate Diploma in Flying.

The Bachelor of Aviation (Management) is made up of 24 courses taken over three years of full-time study. This includes core courses, aviation (management) electives, free electives, general education courses and an optional minor in Aviation Data Analytics, Aviation Law and Sustainability or Human Factors and Aviation Safety.

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

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

Full program structure

Students must complete 144 units of credit (UOC) to graduate with a Bachelor of Aviation (Management). This three-year full-time course includes core courses (78 UOC), prescribed electives (18 UOC), free electives (36 UOC), general education courses (12 UOC) and an optional minor (24 UOC).

Core courses

• Level 1
• Level 2
• Level 3

Prescribed electives

• Level 2
• Level 3
• Free electives
• General education courses
• Optional minor

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.

Bachelor of Aviation Management graduates are hired by airlines and related organisations such as airports, government agencies, tourism authorities, freight forwarders and airport ground handling companies. This degree equips students with strong transferable skills that also sees our graduates join consulting firms, IT firms and air safety authorities, as well as other transport organisations including Transport for NSW.

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.

Potential careers

• 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
• human factors specialist
• aviation data analyst
• airline marketing

There are several admission pathways to an undergraduate degree at UNSW including high school qualifications, UNSW Foundation Studies, UNSW Diploma, recognised prior study or university trans

IELTS: 6.5 overall (min. 6.0 in each subtest); TOEFL IBT (Internet Based): 90 overall (min. 23 in writing, 22 in reading, listening and speaking); Pearson (PTE - Academic): 64 overall (min. 54 in each subtest); C1 Advanced Cambridge: 176 overall (min. 169 in each subtest); C2 Proficiency Cambridge: 180 overall (min. 180 in each subtest); UNSW Global University English Entry Course (UEEC): C+, Writing C.