The Graduate Diploma in Aviation (GDipAv) is a Level 7 graduate qualification designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree or have equivalent professional experience and want to build specialised expertise in aviation.

The programme recognises prior academic study and aviation industry experience and provides students with advanced aviation knowledge without requiring completion of a second bachelor’s degree.

The qualification offers two endorsement pathways:

1. Aviation Studies
2. Flight Instruction (selection-based)

The programme draws courses from Massey’s Bachelor of Aviation Management and is designed to support both career advancement and postgraduate study opportunities. 

Why Study Graduate Diploma in Aviation at Massey University?

• Massey University is one of the few universities in New Zealand offering specialised aviation qualifications.
• Designed for students with previous degrees or aviation industry experience.
• Strong aviation industry reputation and practical learning approach.
• Flexible study options available for Aviation Studies endorsement.
• Opportunity to combine aviation theory with management and operational knowledge.
• Flight Instruction endorsement helps students work toward aviation instructor qualifications.
• Industry-relevant curriculum focused on airline systems, aviation management, safety, and human factors.
• Excellent pathway into postgraduate aviation or management study

Disciplines / Specialisations Offered

1. Aviation Studies

Focuses on aviation operations, management, safety, and industry systems.

Available:

• Distance/Online
• Manawat? Campus

2. Flight Instruction

Focuses on practical flight instructor training and aviation teaching competencies.

Available:

• Manawat? Campus only
• Full-time and selection-based

Subjects / Topics Offered

Topics may include:

• Aviation Human Factors
• Airline Strategic Management
• Aviation Security Issues
• Legal Issues in Aviation
• Airline Systems Management
• Aviation Safety
• Flight Instruction Fundamentals
• Aerobatic Aircraft Handling
• Aviation Communication
• Pilot Decision-Making
• Aviation Operations
• Flight Instructor Human Factors

Career Outcomes

Graduates may pursue careers such as:

Aviation Studies Careers

• Aviation Operations Coordinator
• Airline Operations Analyst
• Aviation Safety Officer
• Airport Operations Officer
• Aviation Administration Roles
• Airline Management Support Roles
• Aviation Compliance Officer

Flight Instruction Careers

• Flight Instructor
• Aviation Trainer
• Pilot Development Instructor
• Commercial Aviation Educator

The qualification can also lead to:

•  Postgraduate aviation study
• Aviation management pathways
• Airline operational leadership roles

Highlights of the Programme

• Specialised aviation qualification
• Industry-recognised aviation education
• Flexible Aviation Studies option
• Practical and professional aviation focus
• Pathway to aviation management and postgraduate study
• Strong aviation safety and operational training
• One of New Zealand’s recognised university aviation programmes
• Designed for both professionals and career changers

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• Flight Instruction endorsement is selection-based and requires aviation licensing.
• Practical flight competencies must be completed for instructor qualification.
• Students in Flight Instruction must complete competencies leading toward:
  • CAA NZ ‘C’ Category Flight Instructor Rating
  • Night instructor endorsement removal
  • Aerobatics instructor endorsement removal
• Some integrated aviation courses include both academic and practicum components.
• Aviation Studies endorsement is open to international students studying online from outside New Zealand.

Visa Requirements for International Students

International students studying on campus in New Zealand generally require:

• Valid New Zealand Student Visa
• Offer of Place from Massey University
• Proof of tuition fee payment
• Evidence of sufficient living funds
• Valid passport
• Medical and travel insurance
• English language proficiency proof
• Health and character documentation if required

Flight Instruction students may also require:

• Aviation medical certification
• Aviation licensing verification