Why Study / Key Benefits

• The Bachelor of Aviation Management allows students to build aviation management knowledge without becoming a pilot.
• The Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) major focuses on drones, UAV operations and Advanced Air Mobility, an emerging area involving drones and other new aircraft types.
• Students develop skills in UAV design, aerodynamics, navigation, communication, cyber security and UAV data analysis.
• The course includes Remote Pilot Licence Theory and Practicum for multi-rotor drones up to 25kg.
• Swinburne states that its Work Integrated Learning programme is included across bachelor degrees. Aviation students undertake industry-related projects based on real problems faced by the aviation industry and organisations such as Qantas and Melbourne Airport.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The degree combines aviation-management core studies, the Uncrewed Aircraft Systems major and other study/elective units.

The current indicative Semester 1, 2026 study sequence is:

Year 1

Semester 1:

• The Global Aviation System and Regulatory Framework – AVA10001
• Essential Aviation Analytical Skills – AVA10011
• Introduction to Uncrewed Aircraft Systems – AVA10015
• Remote Pilot Licence Theory and Practicum (Multi-rotor drones up to 25kg) – AVF10001

Semester 2:

• Aviation Project: Blue Sky Ideas – AVA10014
• Aviation Safety and Risk Management – AVA10017
• Aircraft Aerodynamics and Performance – AVA10007
• Elective

Year 2

Semester 1:

• Aviation Project: Managing Implementation – AVA20024
• Uncrewed Aircraft Vehicle (UAV) Operations – AVA20026
• Elective
• Elective

Semester 2:

• Human Factors in Aviation – AVA20025
• Airspace Management and Air Traffic Services – AVA20009
• UAV Design and Propulsion Systems – AVA30013
• Elective

Year 3

Semester 1:

• Communication, Navigation and Cyber Security for UAV – AVA30012
• Elective
• Elective

Semester 2:

• UAV Data Analysis – AVA30011
• Elective
• Elective

The complete Uncrewed Aircraft Systems major comprises eight major units:

• Introduction to Uncrewed Aircraft Systems
• Remote Pilot Licence Theory and Practicum
• Aircraft Aerodynamics and Performance
• Uncrewed Aircraft Vehicle (UAV) Operations
• Airspace Management and Air Traffic Services
• UAV Design and Propulsion Systems
• Communication, Navigation and Cyber Security for UAV
• UAV Data Analysis

Disciplines / Specialisations

The Bachelor of Aviation Management currently offers two majors:

• Aviation Operations
• Uncrewed Aircraft Systems

This report covers the Uncrewed Aircraft Systems major.

The UAS specialisation focuses on:

• Uncrewed aircraft and drone systems
• Remote piloting
• UAV operations
• Aerodynamics
• UAV design and propulsion
• Airspace management
• Navigation
• Communication
• Cyber security
• UAV data analysis
• Advanced Air Mobility

Programme Highlights

• Specialisation in Uncrewed Aircraft Systems.
• Remote Pilot Licence Theory and Practicum for multi-rotor drones up to 25kg.
• Study of UAV design, propulsion, aerodynamics and operations.
• Training in airspace management and air traffic services.
• Communication, navigation and cyber security for UAV applications.
• UAV data analysis.
• Exposure to Advanced Air Mobility concepts.
• Work Integrated Learning through industry-linked projects.
• Aviation projects covering idea development and implementation.
• Aviation safety and risk management.
• CRICOS registration under course code 093355C.

Career Outcomes

Swinburne identifies career opportunities including:

• Remote pilot / drone operator
• Uncrewed Aircraft Systems technician
• Aviation regulatory analyst
• Airspace integration specialist
• Aerial surveyor
• Aerial cinematographer

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The current course information shows the following important points:

• The course is currently offered at Hawthorn.
• Both Semester 1 and Semester 2 intakes are currently listed for 2027.
• The current CRICOS code is 093355C.
• International students in Australia on a Student visa must study full-time and on campus.
• The UAS major contains safety-related learning activities involving visual information, hearing, radio communication, drone controls and monitoring of live flight/environmental information.
• Swinburne's Informed Choices information identifies certain sensory, mobility, communication and professional-practice components associated with safe participation in the course. Reasonable adjustments may be available for components identified as adaptable.
• Professional placement is shown in the course structure, but Swinburne's handbook states that international students holding a Student visa cannot undertake Professional Placements in this course.
• The standard degree remains 300 credit points and approximately three years full-time. 

International Student Visa Requirements

International students intending to study this course in Australia generally require an Australian Student visa, subclass 500.

Key requirements and conditions include:

• Enrolment in a full-time course registered on CRICOS.
• A valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), unless an exemption applies.
• Meeting Australia's Genuine Student requirement.
• Meeting applicable health and character requirements.
• Providing evidence of financial capacity where required.
• Meeting applicable English-language requirements where evidence is required.
• Signing the Australian Values Statement where applicable.