Bachelor of Aviation
Course handbook
On this page you will find:
General Information
Overview
The Bachelor of Aviation will equip you for a professional career as a commercial pilot.
You'll undertake commercial flying training at CAE Melbourne Flight Training, located at Moorabbin Airport, to obtain your Commercial Pilot Licence and operate a multi-crew jet aircraft. Additional elective flying qualifications are available.
You'll study the theory units required by Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) up to and including Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) standard, as well as studies in aviation human factors, aviation management and aviation technology.
This course is undertaken concurrently with the Graduate Certificate of Aviation (Piloting)
Study structure
Successful completion of the Bachelor of Aviation requires students to complete units of study to the value of 300 credit points. All units of study are valued at 12.5 credit points unless otherwise stated.
Full-time study: 100 credit points/eight standard units of study per year
Part-time study: 50 credit points/four standard units of study per year
One credit point is equivalent to one hour of study per week per semester (including contact hours and private study)
See the course planner for an example degree structure.
Full-time study: 100 credit points/eight standard units of study per year
One credit point is equivalent to one hour of study per week per semester (including contact hours and private study)
See the course planner for an example degree structure.
Units of study | Unit code |
---|---|
Core units | |
The Global Aviation System
Core unit , 12.5 credit points |
AVA10001 |
Aviation Legal and Regulatory Framework
Core unit , 12.5 credit points |
AVA10010 |
Essential Aviation Analytical Skills
Core unit , 12.5 credit points |
AVA10011 |
Airline Business Strategy
Core unit , 12.5 credit points |
AVA10012 |
Aviation Project: Blue Sky Ideas
Core unit , 12.5 credit points |
AVA10014 |
Airline Operations Management
Core unit , 12.5 credit points |
AVA20022 |
Aviation Safety and Risk Management
Core unit , 12.5 credit points |
AVA20023 |
Aviation Project: Managing Implementation
Core unit , 12.5 credit points |
AVA20024 |
Aviation Capstone 1: Project Planning
Core unit , 12.5 credit points |
AVA30008 |
Aviation Capstone 2: Project Implementation
Core unit , 12.5 credit points |
AVA30009 |
Major units | |
Private Pilot Licence Theory
Major unit , 12.5 credit points |
AVT10005 |
Commercial Pilot Licence Theory 1
Major unit , 12.5 credit points |
AVT10006 |
Commercial Pilot Licence Theory 2
Major unit , 12.5 credit points |
AVT20003 |
Air Transport Pilot Licence Theory 1
Major unit , 12.5 credit points |
AVT30003 |
Air Transport Pilot Licence Theory 2
Major unit , 12.5 credit points |
AVT30004 |
Advanced Aviation Analytics and Research Skills
Major unit , 12.5 credit points |
AVA30005 |
Air Transport Pilot Licence Theory 3
Major unit , 12.5 credit points |
AVT30002 |
Current and Future Aviation Technologies and Operational Concepts
Major unit , 12.5 credit points |
AVA30006 |
Choose from a combination of the following course components to complete 75 credit points of other study. Students may also select elective units (12.5 credit points each).
Advanced minors are a structured set of 4 units or 50 credit points in a field of study which builds upon your first major. Advanced minors can only be taken in conjunction with specific majors - more information will be available soon.
Aviation Technology Advanced
Minors are a structured set of 4 units or 50 credit points and may be chosen from any field of study.
- Accounting
- Advertising
- Animation
- Applied Mathematics
- Applied psychology
- Aviation
- Biotechnology
- Biomedical Science
- Business Law
- Chemistry
- Climate and Social Justice
- Cinema & Screen Studies
- Criminology
- Computer Science
- Creative Writing
- Data Analytics
- Data Science
- Digital Advertising Technology
- Design History & Theory
- Design Principles & Processes
- Digital Marketing
- Diversity & Multiculturism
- Editing
- Engineering
- Entrepreneurship
- Environmental Sustainability
- Ethics and Technology
- Finance
- FTV Production
- Film and television Theory
- Games and Interactivity
- Global History
- Global Studies
- Gender & Sexualities
- Healthy Socities
- Health Statistics
- History
- Health Planning and Evaluation
- Human Resource Management
- Information and Communication Technology
- Indigenous Studies
- Innovation
- International Relations & Security
- Journalism
- Literature
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management
- Management
- Management for Health
- Media Industries
- Managing Information Systems
- Marketing
- Neuroscience
- Nutrition
- Professional and Creative Writing
- Perspectives on Globalisation
- Philosophy
- Photomedia
- Physics
- Politics and International Relations
- Politics, Power and Technology
- Public Relations
- Sociology
- Social Impact
- Social Media
- Sports Management
- Space Technology
- Screen Studies and Popular Culture
- UX Interaction Design
- Web Development
These recommended elective units can deepen your understanding of your chosen major or an area of interest. A full list of available elective units can be found upon enrolment.
- ACC10007 Financial Information for Decision Making
- ADV10001 Principles of Advertising
- AVA10004 Aviation Marketing
- AVA10007 Aircraft Aerodynamics and Performance
- AVA10013 Aircraft Flight Operations for Managers
- AVF10001 Remote Pilot Licence Theory & Practicum (Multi-rotor Drones up to 25kg)
- AVT10003 Private Pilot Theory for Managers
- ECO10004 Economic Principles
- ENT10002 Creativity and Innovation
- FIN10002 Financial Statistics
- HRM10003 Human Resource Management
- INB10002 International Business Operations
- LAW10004 Introduction to Business Law
- AVA20025 Human Factors in Aviation Management
- INB20009 Global and Digital Marketplaces
- SCM20003 Global Logistics and Supply Chain Management
- AVA30004 Airport Planning, Operations and Management
- FIN30014 Financial Risk Management
- INB30020 Sustainable International Business Strategy
- AVA40004 Aviation Research Project Part 1
- AVA40005 Aviation Research Project Part 2
Outcomes and course rules
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- demonstrate coherent understanding and application of the body of knowledge contained within the aviation industry including appropriate international and domestic regulations and organisations in a professional piloting context
- employ an entrepreneurial approach in contributing to innovation, development and management of risk, data, technology and change within professional aviation practice
- demonstrate broad and coherent knowledge of Aviation human factors, safety, management and technology to critically analyse and solve aviation business problems, implementing effective solutions in a global aviation context
- work reflexively in teams and independently with a focus on safety, integrity, ethics, professionalism, accountability and collaborative leadership to function effectively within the highly dynamic and hazard rich aviation environment
- employ an adaptable approach, applying risk-based decision making to solving real-world aviation problems in commercial, operational and strategic areas
- demonstrate effective oral, written and visual communication skills to work effectively with internal and external aviation business stakeholders across diverse professional settings
- demonstrate a thorough and detailed understanding of the theory required to operate an aircraft as a professional pilot
Career opportunities
This course prepares students for aviation careers in the air transportation industry as professional pilots, flying instructor if complete in conjunction with the Graduate Certificate of Aviation (Piloting), airline or airport operations professional.
Professional recognition
The Bachelor of Aviation is structured to meet the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) requirements for Private Pilot Licence, Commercial Pilot Licence and Air Transport Pilot Licence theory examination for aeroplanes.
Course rules
To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Aviation students must complete 300 credit points comprising of:
- ten [10] aviation core units of study (125 credit points)
- eight [8] units of study from the piloting major (100 credit points)
- six [6] units of other studies comprising a minor and/ or electives (75 credit points)
Students may not complete more than 150 credit points (normally 12 units) at introductory level. A unit of study can only be counted once, where units are shared between majors and/or minors, students must choose an approved alternate.
Students looking to achieve CASA professional pilot qualifications must be co-enrolled in the Graduate Certificate of Piloting in order to undertake the requisite flying practicum units (delivered by business partner CAE Melbourne Flight Training)
Students also have an opportunity to undertake a WIL Professional Placement.
Professional placements
Professional placements are subject to a competitive selection process.
Students who undertake a 12-month professional placement are subject to the following course rules and must complete 375 credit points comprising:
- ten [10] aviation core units of study (125 credit points)
- eight [8] units of study from the piloting major (100 credit points)
- four [4] units of study of the professional placement co-major (100 credit points); and
- four [4] units of other studies comprising a minor or electives (50 credit points)
Students who elect to undertake a six-month professional placement are subject to the following course rules and must complete 337.5 credit points comprising:
- ten [10] aviation core units of study (125 credit points)
- eight [8] units of study from the piloting major (100 credit points)
- two [2] units of study of the professional placement minor (50 credit points); and
- five [5] units of study comprising a minor and/ or electives (62.5 credit points).
Volume of learning
The Bachelor of Aviation consists of a total of 300 credit points. Units normally carry 12.5 credit points (cps). A standard annual full-time load comprises eight units (100cp), and a standard annual part-time load comprises four units (50cp). The volume of learning of the Bachelor of Aviation is typically three years.
For students who complete a professional placement, the Bachelor of Aviation consists of 325-375 credit points. The volume of learning of the Bachelor of Aviation with a six-month placement is typically 3.5 years. The volume of learning of the Bachelor of Aviation with a 12-month placement is typically four years.
Maximum Academic Credit
The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Bachelor of Aviation is 150 credit points (normally 12 units).
Admission criteria
Information about Swinburne's general admission criteria can be found at Admissions at Swinburne - Higher Education webpage.
Extra requirements for this course
Applicants will be invited (via email) to attend a Skills Assessment Test run by CAE Melbourne Flight Training at Moorabbin Airport. It is a computer-based aptitude test consisting of psychometric testing, hand-eye coordination, ability to manage a dynamic environment and personality type. Please note that applicants are still required to meet the academic criteria listed.
Entry requirements
A. Applicants with recent secondary education (within past three years)
ATAR
This course uses the ATAR as part of its selection considerations.
Educational history
An applicant's entire academic history, including ATAR results, will be considered for entry into this course.
Selection rank adjustments
Selection ranks for this course will be calculated based on your ATAR with adjustments to overall study scores based on subjects studied, location of your home address, SEAS application, and participation In Swinburne's Early Leaders program. For further details about selection rank adjustments, see Admissions at Swinburne.
Subject adjustments
A study score of 25 in any Mathematics, Physics or Psychology equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 15 points.
Meeting course prerequisites
VCE units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in any English (except EAL) or at least 30 in English as Alternate Language (EAL) or equivalent.
VCE units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 20 in any Mathematics or equivalent.
Bridging courses
Applicants who do not meet the mathematics prerequisites for this course will be required to successfully complete Swinburne's MathsLink: General bridging program.
ATAR profile for those offered places wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR in Semester 1 2024
ATAR-Based offers only, across all offer rounds | ATAR Excluding adjustment factors |
Selection Rank ATAR + any adjustment factors |
---|---|---|
Highest rank to receive an offer | 91.7 | 95.15 |
Median rank to receive an offer | 80.15 | 85.17 |
Lowest rank to receive an offer | 61.75 | 63.15 |
B. Applicants with higher education study
Educational history
An applicant's entire academic history, including results from previous higher education study will be considered for entry into this course. If previous higher education qualifications are incomplete, results must have been obtained in the last seven years.
Meeting course prerequisites
As for Year 12 or equivalent.
STAT/Bridging courses
Applicants who do not meet the English prerequisites can sit STAT Written English. STAT results are valid for two years.
Applicants who do not meet the mathematics prerequisites for this course will be required to successfully complete Swinburne's MathsLink: General bridging program. Mathematics prerequisites older than ten years are not considered to have met course requirements.
C. Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study
Educational history
An applicant's entire academic history from the past seven years, including complete and/or incomplete post-secondary VET studies, will be considered for entry into this course. Only graded results will be considered.
Meeting course prerequisites
As for Year 12 or equivalent.
STAT/Bridging courses
Applicants who do not meet the English prerequisites can sit STAT Written English. STAT results are valid for two years.
Applicants who do not meet the mathematics prerequisites for this course will be required to successfully complete Swinburne's MathsLink: General bridging program. Mathematics prerequisites older than ten years are not considered to have met course requirements.
D. Applicants with work and life experience
Educational history
This course uses an applicant's entire academic record as part of its selection considerations, including an applicant's ATAR results from the last seven years can be considered for entry into this course.
Meeting course prerequisites
As for Year 12 or equivalent.
STAT/Bridging courses
Applicants who do not meet the English prerequisites can sit STAT Written English. STAT results are valid for two years.
Applicants who do not meet the mathematics prerequisites for this course will be required to successfully complete Swinburne's MathsLink: General bridging program. Mathematics prerequisites older than ten years are not considered to have met course requirements.
Student profile
The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students who commenced in this course in the most relevant recent intake period, including those admitted through all offer rounds and international students studying in Australia.
Semester 1, 2024 | ||
---|---|---|
Applicant background | Number of students | Percentage of all students |
(A) Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) | N/P | N/P |
(B) Vocational education and training (VET) study | <5 | <5 |
(C) Work and life experience (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories) | 0 | 0% |
(D) Recent secondary education: | ||
Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points) | N/A | N/A |
Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were N/A considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR) | 21 | 65% |
Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was N/A not a factor (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement) | N/A | N/A |
International students | N/A | N/A |
All students | 32 | 100% |
“<5” – the number of students is less than 5.
N/A – Students not accepted in this category.
N/P – Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students.
Interested in the Bachelor of Aviation?
From state-of-the-art facilities to opportunities to engage with industry – this course is designed with your future in mind. Let's get started.