Why Study / Key Benefits

The Master of Aviation (MAv) is a postgraduate qualification designed for aviation graduates and professionals who want advanced knowledge of the aviation industry and preparation for more senior roles. It combines taught study with either independent research or professional practice.

Key benefits include:

• Advanced understanding of the global aviation industry.
• Choice between a research pathway and a professional-practice pathway.
• Development of aviation management, strategic planning, research and communication skills.
• Opportunity to investigate contemporary aviation issues through independent research.
• Professional-practice option that can draw on an existing aviation role for a case study.
• Research-led teaching and access to academics with industry connections.
• Potential progression to PhD study after successfully completing the research pathway.
• Flexible study through distance learning or full-time on-campus study.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The programme is parts-based, meaning Part One must be completed before progressing to Part Two. Progression requirements differ by pathway.

Research pathway

Part One requires at least 60 credits and includes the compulsory:

• 190704 Research Methods in Aviation – 30 credits: qualitative and quantitative research design, data collection, data analysis, interpretation and research-report writing.

Students choose additional aviation subjects from:

• 190701 Human Factors for Professional Aviation – 30 credits: human factors policies and regulations, ICAO developments, aviation safety, security and reliability, and contemporary human-factors research.
• 190703 Management in Aviation Systems – 30 credits: senior management systems, organisational roles and responsibilities, and moral, ethical and legal obligations in aviation.
• 190720 Aviation Strategic Management – 30 credits: economic, political, regulatory and management considerations in airline and aviation-organisation planning.
• 190721 Design and Management of Airports – 30 credits: strategic, economic and administrative aspects of modern airports and future airport development.
• 190790 Special Topic – 30 credits, subject to appraisal.

Part Two consists of at least 60 credits of research and can include:

• 115894/115895 Research Report – 60 credits in two 30-credit parts.
• 190890/190891 Thesis – 90 credits.
• 190892/190893 Thesis – 120 credits.
• 190895 Research Report – 60 credits.
• 190898 Thesis – 90 credits.
• 190899 Thesis – 120 credits.

Part One consists of 120 credits.

Compulsory courses:

• 190703 Management in Aviation Systems – 30 credits.
• 190720 Aviation Strategic Management – 30 credits.

Students then choose 60 credits from:

• 190701 Human Factors for Professional Aviation – 30 credits.
• 190721 Design and Management of Airports – 30 credits.
• 190790 Special Topic – 30 credits, appraisal required.
• 190791 Special Topic – 30 credits, appraisal required.

Part Two:

• 190894 Professional Practice in Aviation – 60 credits.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The Master of Aviation does not currently list formal named specialisations in the same way as some Massey master's degrees.

Instead, students select one of two pathways:

1. Research pathway
2. Professional Practice pathway

Within these pathways, students can develop subject expertise in areas such as:

• Aviation management
• Aviation strategic management
• Human factors and aviation safety
• Airport design and management
• Aviation research
• Professional aviation practice
• Aviation organisational systems

Programme Highlights

• 180-credit NZQF Level 9 master's qualification.
• 18 months full-time.
• Up to 5 years part-time according to Massey's 2027 qualification guide.
• February and July entry.
• Manawat? campus and distance/online study options.
• Two distinct study pathways: Research and Professional Practice.
• Research pathway can support progression towards doctoral study.
• Professional pathway is designed to integrate industry experience with postgraduate study.
• Small classes and access to lecturers are highlighted by Massey.
• Teaching is research-led and connected with aviation industry expertise.
• Massey describes its School of Aviation as an internationally recognised pilot-training facility.

Career Outcomes

The qualification is aimed particularly at professionals seeking more advanced or senior aviation responsibilities. Massey states that the programme develops knowledge of the global aviation industry together with communication, management and administrative skills relevant to senior aviation positions.

Potential career areas include:

• Airline management
• Airport management
• Aviation operations
• Aviation strategic planning
• Airport planning and development
• Aviation safety and human factors
• Aviation policy and regulatory roles
• Aviation consulting
• Aviation research
• Air transport planning
• Aviation administration
• Professional aviation management

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

Current points international applicants should note:

• The qualification remains a 180-credit NZQF Level 9 master's.
• Massey's 2027 Aviation Qualification Guide confirms 18 months full-time and up to 5 years part-time.
• A minimum B- average in the highest-level undergraduate courses is required.
• The qualification has two pathways: Research and Professional Practice.
• Research-pathway students need at least a B average across the first 60 credits, including the compulsory Research Methods course, before progressing to Part Two.
• Professional-pathway students need at least a B- average across Part One, including the compulsory course, before progressing to Part Two.
• Special Topic courses require appraisal.
• Advanced entry/credit may be available to eligible applicants with specified prior qualifications.
• International students studying physically in New Zealand need an appropriate New Zealand student visa.

International Student Visa Requirements

For an international student physically studying the Master of Aviation in New Zealand, the relevant visa is generally the Fee Paying Student Visa.

Current Immigration New Zealand requirements include:

• An Offer of Place from an approved education provider.
• Sufficient funds to pay tuition fees, or an applicable scholarship.
• Sufficient funds for living expenses or an acceptable sponsor.
• Acceptable medical and travel insurance for the stay.
• Meeting health and character requirements.
• A genuine reason for studying in New Zealand.
• Evidence that the student can leave New Zealand at the end of the stay.