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Graduate Diploma in Aviation Management

Science
Join one of Australia's top science faculties
The Graduate Diploma in Aviation Management provides aviation professionals with the skills and with knowledge to be effective in a contemporary aviation environment. This online program is a pathway for those without an undergraduate qualification to bolster their professional qualifications or progress to study the Master of Aviation Management.
Commencing Terms
Term 1, 2 & 3
Duration
1 Year(s)
Delivery Mode
Online
Campus
Kensington
Codes
Program code 5741
CRICOS code -
Entry Requirements
View all admission criteria
Fees
2024 Indicative first year full fee
$36,000*
Plane Wing Aviation Management

Overview

The UNSW Graduate Diploma in Aviation Management is a program of study designed to provide aviation managers and professionals with the skills and knowledge to be effective in a contemporary aviation environment. This program is a pathway for people without an undergraduate qualification to study for the Master of Aviation Management. You will learn entirely through distance education. The online courses are delivered through a secure learning and teaching website, meaning you do not need to attend any on-campus activities.

To complete this program, you must study eight elective courses of your own choice. These could include courses covering operations and corporate management, law and regulation, security, accident prevention and more. The program is 48 units of credit (or one-year full-time equivalent) and can be taken on a full-time or part-time basis. Students with appropriate education and/or professional experience may be eligible to complete the degree in less time. Students with full-time employment are recommended to undertake a part-time study load.

This program is ideal for students intending to bolster their professional qualifications and/or progress to the Master of Aviation Management. 

Key features

  • 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 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
5741
Campus
Kensington
Total Units of Credit (UOC)
48
Indicative Enrolments
80

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Entry requirements

The minimum entry requirement to the Graduate Diploma in Aviation Management is at least 1 year of relevant industry experience.

There are three entry groups to the GradDip AvMgmt. The entry groups are determined by the applicant's years of industry experience. Each entry group offers different amounts of advanced standing and therefore the total UoC to complete at UNSW is different for each group.

A minimum of 1 year of relevant industry experience is required to enter the program. If you have at least 2 years of relevant industry experience or advanced flying experience to ATPL then you may be credited with up to 12 UoC advanced standing. 5 or more years of industry experience may give you up to 24 UoC advanced standing. Remaining units must be completed at UNSW.

Examples of industry experience:

  • Advanced flying training (e.g. any holder of Command Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot Licence or Air Transport Pilot Licence)
  • Air traffic controller
  • 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
  • Licence 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 and risk management personnel
Group Degree Required? Industry Experience Required? Max Advanced Standing (UoC) Total UoC required to complete at UNSW Total UoC Accumulated to Graduate
1 No Minimum 5 years
24 24 48
2 No Minimum 2 years or completed advanced flying experience to ATPL#
12 36 48
3 No Minimum 1 year
0 48 48

 

Applicants are to submit the following documents for assessment of entry:

  • CV
  • Evidence of work in Aviation industry and years of experience

Applicants with other relevant qualifications and experience not listed may apply for admission to this program as follows. This is in accordance with UNSW Policy and Procedure on Recognition Of Prior Learning. Applicants will need to demonstrate that they have achieved the same knowledge and skills (learning outcomes) through their formal or informal learning as the qualifications listed for entry for this program. Any relevant documentation should be attached to the application and will be considered by the Academic Coordinator for the Program.

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.

The minimum entry requirement to the Graduate Diploma in Aviation Management is at least 1 year of relevant industry experience.

There are three entry groups to the GradDip AvMgmt. The entry groups are determined by the applicant's years of industry experience. Each entry group offers different amounts of advanced standing and therefore the total UoC to complete at UNSW is different for each group.

A minimum of 1 year of relevant industry experience is required to enter the program. If you have at least 2 years of relevant industry experience or advanced flying experience to ATPL then you may be credited with up to 12 UoC advanced standing. 5 or more years of industry experience may give you up to 24 UoC advanced standing. Remaining units must be completed at UNSW.

Examples of industry experience:

  • Advanced flying training (e.g. any holder of Command Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot Licence or Air Transport Pilot Licence)
  • Air traffic controller
  • 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
  • Licence 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 and risk management personnel
Group Degree Required? Industry Experience Required? Max Advanced Standing (UoC) Total UoC required to complete at UNSW Total UoC Accumulated to Graduate
1 No Minimum 5 years
24 24 48
2 No Minimum 2 years or completed advanced flying experience to ATPL#
12 36 48
3 No Minimum 1 year
0 48 48

 

Applicants are to submit the following documents for assessment of entry:

  • CV
  • Evidence of work in Aviation industry and years of experience

Applicants with other relevant qualifications and experience not listed may apply for admission to this program as follows. This is in accordance with UNSW Policy and Procedure on Recognition Of Prior Learning. Applicants will need to demonstrate that they have achieved the same knowledge and skills (learning outcomes) through their formal or informal learning as the qualifications listed for entry for this program. Any relevant documentation should be attached to the application and will be considered by the Academic Coordinator for the Program.

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 Graduate Diploma of Aviation Management is comprised of eight courses. 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.

 There are 20 elective courses for you to tailor your degree to your interests:

ø Students are recommended to complete AVIA5015 prior to undertaking AVIA5022. Students enrolling in AVIA5022 without AVIA5015 should hold advanced knowledge of SMS.

^Students who completed AVIA5017 are excluded from undertaking AVIA5018 and vice versa.

Articulation

The graduate diploma provides an articulation pathway into the Master of Aviation Management. After completing the Graduate Diploma in Aviation Management, provided you have achieved a WAM of >65, you’ll only need to complete a further 48 units of credit including a research project to complete the master’s degree.

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.

Potential careers

  • Fleet Planner 
  • Flight Crew Schedular 
  • Aviation Maintenance Controller 
  • Cargo Marketing Manager 
  • Aviation Consultant 
  •  Aviation Revenue Manager 
  • Aviation Operations Controller

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
$36,000*

*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
$46,500*

*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.


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.

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.

UNSW has a strong focus on industry collaborations with opportunities for students to network.
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