Bachelor of Aviation
Blended learning – on-campus and digital learning
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.
Build up your CV with real industry experience while you study through our Work Integrated Learning programs, which are a guaranteed part of all our bachelor degrees and can include placements, internships or industry-linked projects. In this degree, you’ll work on four projects based on real industry problems faced by the aviation industry and organisations including Qantas and Melbourne Airport.
Flying students can access FEE-HELP
Eligible students can elect to enrol in the Graduate Certificate of Aviation (Piloting) to access FEE-HELP – this allows students to defer the cost of all components of their flying training up to the FEE-HELP loan limit.
Start dates
Hawthorn campus
- Semester 1 - 27 February 2023
- Semester 2 - 31 July 2023
VTAC code
- 3400234511 (CSP)
New pilot pathway program takes off at Swinburne
Swinburne is partnering with Qantas under a new pilot pathway program that will see aviation students eligible to enter the airline’s regional brand, QantasLink, as a Turboprop First Officer. Under the Qantas Future Pilot Program, Bachelor of Aviation students will be mentored by experienced pilots during their degree. Selected students will be invited to complete a fast-tracked 12 week airline transition course.
The Bachelor of Aviation course at Swinburne offers one of the most comprehensive university aviation courses in Australia. The training and study provided, especially the dynamic between flight training, ground theory, and university study, has prepared me well to start my career via the QFPP, an exciting opportunity for students to gain a solid footing on joining the Australian aviation industry.
Fay
Bachelor of Aviation Graduate and QantasLink First Officer
Learn to fly with Swinburne and CAE Melbourne Flight Training
Course details
- Description, course structure, career opportunities and professional recognition.
Course 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.
View course rules and special requirements
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| The Global Aviation System | AVA10001 | 12.5 |
| Aviation Legal and Regulatory Framework | AVA10010 | 12.5 |
| Essential Aviation Analytical Skills | AVA10011 | 12.5 |
| Airline Business Strategy | AVA10012 | 12.5 |
| Aviation Project: Blue Sky Ideas | AVA10014 | 12.5 |
| Airline Operations Management * | AVA20022 | 12.5 |
| Aviation Safety and Risk Management | AVA20023 | 12.5 |
| Aviation Project: Managing Implementation | AVA20024 | 12.5 |
| Aviation Capstone 1: Project Planning * | AVA30008 | 12.5 |
| Aviation Capstone 2: Project Implementation * | AVA30009 | 12.5 |
*Outcome unit – completion demonstrates the attainment of course learning outcomes
+
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Private Pilot Licence Theory | AVT10005 | 12.5 |
| Commercial Pilot Licence Theory 1 | AVT10006 | 12.5 |
| Commercial Pilot Licence Theory 2 | AVT20003 | 12.5 |
| Advanced Aviation Analytics and Research Skills | AVA30005 | 12.5 |
| Future Aviation Technologies and Operational Concepts | AVA30006 | 12.5 |
| Air Transport Pilot Licence Theory 3 * | AVT30002 | 12.5 |
| Air Transport Pilot Licence Theory 1 * | AVT30003 | 12.5 |
| Air Transport Pilot Licence Theory 2 * | AVT30004 | 12.5 |
*Outcome unit – completion demonstrates the attainment of course learning outcomes
+
Other studies
6 units (75 credit points)
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).
Work Integrated Learning
Swinburne's Work Integrated Learning program provides additional opportunities for you to gain valuable skills and real industry experience in the form of placements, internships or study tours - all while earning credit towards your degree.
Choose a Work Integrated Learning option:
You'll get paid to work in an area related to your field of study for 12 months, where you'll combine hands-on learning with academic submissions, workplace reflection and feedback from your host organisation. Most students undertake their placements in the third year of their degree, so you’ll want to map out your electives as soon as you can and register for a placement at least 6 months before your preferred start date.
The Professional Placement co-major has four 25 credit point units.
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You'll get paid to work in an area related to your field of study for 6 months, where you'll combine hands-on learning with academic submissions, workplace reflection and feedback from your host organisation. Most students undertake their placements in the third year of their degree, so you’ll want to map out your electives as soon as you can and register for a placement at least 6 months before your preferred start date.
The Professional Placement minor has two 25 credit point units.
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A Professional Internship is all about gaining valuable real-world skills in your area of study all while earning credit points towards your degree. Plus, it looks great on your CV as it shows you’ve had real industry experience before you’ve even graduated!
You might choose to complete your internship part-time over a semester or in a more intensive block during Summer or Winter terms.
Travel overseas, discover other cultures, enrich your professional experience and enhance your CV all while gaining credit towards your course.
- 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
Course description
The primary purpose of the Bachelor of Aviation is to provide specialised educational support to students undertaking a concurrent pilot training course. The Bachelor of Aviation prepares graduates to undertake professional airline and aviation operational roles. Graduates who concurrently complete the Graduate Certificate of Aviation (Piloting) are additionally qualified as a professional pilot to commence an aircraft type endorsement in either the charter or regular public transport airline sectors, or alternatively commence employment as a professional flight instructor. Graduates attaining a credit grading average or higher may enter either the Bachelor of Aviation (Honours) or Master of Aviation courses.
The Bachelor of Aviation or Bachelor of Aviation/ Bachelor of Business (BB-AVBUS2) can be undertaken concurrently with the Graduate Certificate of Aviation (Piloting) (GC-AVPIL) so that graduates may obtain both the theory and practical training to meet the qualifications required of a commercial pilot seeking employment with an airline after undertaking a cadet pilot program, or as a commercial pilot in the general aviation sector. The Graduate Certificate of Aviation (Piloting) consists of entirely practicum units in which the flying training is undertaken. Alternatively, students may elect to undertake the required flying training privately under the auspices of the University’s arrangements with its’ flying training provider and not enrol in the Graduate Certificate.
Please note that the Graduate Certificate of Aviation (Piloting) is not available to students holding an international student visa.
Some units in this course may be either fully or partially delivered by CAE Melbourne Flight Training at either Moorabbin Airport or Swinburne's Hawthorn campus.
Please also refer to the Aviation website for more information including Aviation events scheduled throughout the year.
Course learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- demonstrate coherent understanding and application of the body of knowledge specified by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority for flight crew, including specialised knowledge required for the Air Transport Pilot's Licence
- demonstrate broad and coherent knowledge of Aviation Human Factors, Aviation Management and Aviation Technology to critically analyse and solve problems and implement solutions in global professional airline and aviation practice
- work autonomously and in teams within organisations with a focus on safety, quality, legality and profitability applying ethical standards with professional accountability
- plan and deliver a team-based professionally-relevant research project with some independence
- demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills in a professional aviation context
- employ an entrepreneurial approach in contributing to innovation, development and management of change within professional airline and aviation operational practice.
Career opportunities
This course prepares students for aviation careers in the air transportation industry as professional pilots.
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.
Fees
- Fees for 2023.
Additional fees and costs are applicable to the flying training (practicum) units that form part of this course. You should take these flying training fees into account when considering this course. Eligible students can elect to enrol in the Graduate Certificate of Aviation (Piloting) to access FEE-HELP to assist with flying training fees.
Students who participate in a six- or 12-month professional placement will be subject to an increase in total course fees.
| 2023 rate* | Estimated total cost of the course | Estimated cost of the course per year if studying full-time* | Amenities fee per year if studying full-time* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) |
$24,903 | $8,301 | See how your SSAF is calculated |
How do I pay my fees?
HECS-HELP is a loan and discount scheme available to eligible students enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place. A HECS-HELP loan can cover all or part of the student contribution amount.
Find out more about fees.
Swinburne is the best option for aviation if you want to get your pilot training and a degree. You get all the qualifications required to work for an airline. It's such a cool thing to be 18 years old and able to fly yourself from Melbourne to New South Wales.
Josh
Bachelor of Aviation
Scholarships
At Swinburne scholarships are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. Scholarships are available for both commencing and current students.
How to enter this course
- Entry requirements, pathways, credit transfer and recognition of prior learning.
How to apply
Applications for Semester 1 for courses listed on the VTAC Guide are generally made through VTAC. Under certain circumstances, some students (e.g. Non-Year 12) may apply directly to Swinburne. Find out more about how to apply.
Applications for all other intakes should be made directly to Swinburne.
Applicants will be invited via email to attend a Skills Assessment Test (SAT) session 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. SAT sessions will be held prior and during the selection round.
A non-refundable fee is payable prior to taking the test.
For more information on fees please visit the flying training fees page
Closing date
Applications for round 1 close on 20th Dec. Applications submitted after this date may be considered in later rounds.
View the Course Admission Information, which includes the ATAR and Student profiles for this course. Swinburne’s general admissions information is also available here.