Why Study / Key Benefits

The Bachelor of Aviation Management / Bachelor of Applied Innovation combines aviation management with innovation, entrepreneurship and creative problem-solving. Students develop organisational, regulatory, safety, technical and business-management knowledge while also undertaking innovation-focused projects, hackathons and innovation activities.

Key benefits include:

• Aviation management knowledge without requiring the student to become a pilot.
• Study of aviation operations, safety, risk, regulation and business strategy.
• Practical project and capstone experience.
• Applied Innovation study covering creativity, innovation practice, experimentation and responsible innovation.
• Two aviation specialisation pathways: Aviation Operations and Uncrewed Aircraft Systems.
• The Uncrewed Aircraft Systems pathway includes Remote Pilot Licence Theory and Practicum for multi-rotor drones up to 25 kg.
• Development of critical thinking, creative problem-solving and adaptability.
• Exposure to aviation regulations and organisations including ICAO, FAA, EASA and CASA.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The programme consists of the Aviation Management component, Applied Innovation component and additional study.

Aviation Management core units include:

• Essential Aviation Analytical Skills
• Human Factors in Aviation
• The Global Aviation System and Regulatory Framework
• Aviation Project: Blue Sky Ideas
• Aviation Safety and Risk Management
• Aviation Project: Managing Implementation
• Aviation Capstone 1: Project Planning
• Aviation Capstone 2: Project Implementation

The Applied Innovation component includes:

• Exploring Creativity and Innovation
• Fundamentals of Innovation Practice
• Innovation Sandpit
• Responsible Innovation Futures

Disciplines / Specialisations

Students can choose one of two Aviation Management majors.

Aviation Operations

This major focuses on airport and airline management, aviation analytics, network planning, disruption management and operational decision-making. Current major units include:

• Aircraft Flight Operations for Managers
• Continuing Airworthiness Management
• Airport and Airline Planning: Factors and Outcomes
• Airline Crew Planning and Resourcing
• Airline Market Analysis and Network Planning
• Advanced Aviation Analytics and Research Skills
• Operations and Disruption Management
• Current and Future Aviation Technologies and Operational Concepts

Uncrewed Aircraft Systems

This major focuses on drones/UAVs and emerging Advanced Air Mobility. Current units include:

• Introduction to Uncrewed Aircraft Systems
• Remote Pilot Licence Theory and Practicum (Multi-rotor drones up to 25kg)
• Aircraft Aerodynamics and Performance
• Uncrewed Aircraft Vehicle Operations
• Airspace Management and Air Traffic Services
• UAV Design and Propulsion Systems
• Communication, Navigation and Cyber Security for UAV
• UAV Data Analysis

Programme Highlights

Important programme-specific features include:

• 4-year double degree.
• 400 credit points.
• Hawthorn campus.
• CRICOS 108348H.
• Two Aviation Management majors.
• Applied Innovation as the second degree component.
• Aviation Operations pathway.
• Uncrewed Aircraft Systems pathway.
• Remote Pilot Licence Theory and Practicum available within the UAS major.
• Aviation safety and risk-management study.
• Aviation regulatory and operational study.
• Aviation project and capstone units.
• Innovation projects and innovation practice.
• Work Integrated Learning opportunities.

Career Outcomes

For Aviation Management, Swinburne identifies career opportunities including:

• Business systems manager
• Airline ground operations manager
• Airport manager
• Airline operations manager
• Aviation consultant
• Aviation regulatory and safety services manager

Depending on the chosen major, graduates can also move towards roles such as:

• Remote pilot/drone operator
• Uncrewed Aircraft Systems technician
• Aviation regulatory analyst
• Airspace integration specialist
• Aviation safety/risk-related roles
• Aviation business analyst

The Applied Innovation component adds career directions such as:

• Innovation consultant
• Innovation lead
• Innovation analyst
• Strategic designer
• Creative producer
• Start-up founder
• Human-centred researcher
• Self-employed entrepreneur
• Product manager
• Transformation lead
• Innovation strategist
• Innovation manager

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The current course listing confirms:

• Course: Bachelor of Aviation Management / Bachelor of Applied Innovation
• Course code: BB-AVMAIN
• CRICOS: 108348H
• Duration: 4 years
• Campus: Hawthorn
• Intakes: Semester 1 and Semester 2
• 2027 start dates: 1 March and 2 August
• 2027 application deadlines: 24 February and 28 July respectively.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students intending to study this programme in Australia normally require the Australian Student visa, subclass 500.

The Department of Home Affairs currently requires students to:

• Be enrolled in an eligible course.
• Hold a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) when the visa is decided.
• Maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), unless an exemption applies.
• Meet the Genuine Student requirement.
• Meet applicable health and character requirements.
• Provide English-language evidence if required for the visa.
• Comply with Student visa conditions.
• Provide appropriate welfare arrangements if under 18.