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Bachelor of Aviation

Undergraduate course

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Overview

ATAR
RC
This course has a range of selection criteria.
You can also look at entering this course via pathways from one of our UniLink or TAFE courses.
This course will equip you for a professional career as a commercial pilot. You will undertake commercial flying training at CAE Oxford Aviation Academy, located at Moorabbin Airport, to obtain your Commercial Pilot Licence and operate a multi-crew jet aircraft. Additional elective flying qualifications are available. You will study the theory units required by CASA up to and including Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) standard, as well as studies in aviation human factors, aviation management and aviation technology.
Duration3 years
Campus and intakes  Calendar
Hawthorn -Semester 1
Study modeFull-time
Part-time (day)
Course codeM055N
Fees
For information about Swinburne's fees visit the Fees website.

Career opportunities

This course prepares students for aviation careers in the air transportation industry as professional pilots.
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Course in detail

On this page: course description, course structure and units of study.

Course description

This program information is provided for prospective students. Current students, please refer to your program planner and unit outline. Program planners are available on the faculty website under Information for Current Students. 
The objective of the programs is to prepare students for professional careers in the aviation industry either as aeroplane pilots (particularly those with aspirations for a career with regional and major airlines) or in other professional capacities. The double degree with Bachelor of Commerce will equip students with the knowledge and practical skills for a career in the area of the major undertaken in the Commerce studies.
The Bachelor of Aviation or Bachelor of Aviation/Bachelor of Commerce may be undertaken concurrently with Graduate Certificate of Aviation (Piloting) 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 Oxford Aviation Academy (COAA) at either Moorabbin Airport or Swinburne's Hawthorn campus.
Please also refer to the Aviation website for more information.
(Students holding an international student visa are required to study full-time and cannot study part-time.) 

Course structure

The Bachelor of Aviation programs operate under a student workload model based on 100 credit points for a full-time academic year. One credit point is deemed to be equivalent to one hour of student work per week over a semester, whether in contact with staff or in private study. Total student contact hours per unit, including lectures, classes, tutorials and computer laboratory sessions, will normally be approximately 48 hours per week during the academic semesters (Winter and Summer Term have the same number of contact hours but compressed in time).
All units of study are 12.5 credit points unless noted otherwise.
Students complete at least 300 credit points consisting of:
  • Aviation Professional Major of 16 units, 200 credit points and either,
  • a Co-Major of 8 units, 100 credit points, or two minors of 4 units, 50 credit points each.
Careers in the Curriculum (0 Credit Points)
In addition to the above, all Swinburne undergraduate students must complete a compulsory unit of study, Careers in the Curriculum. Careers in the Curriculum is an innovative unit designed to assist Swinburne students to enhance their employability and career prospects.
Careers in the Curriculum has been developed by Swinburne Careers and Employment who provide advice and feedback on completing job applications and undergoing interviews, directed at obtaining graduate employment. Careers in the Curriculum is a one semester compulsory unit usually undertaken in second year.
Students will not incur a HECS or fee debt as the cost will be met by the university as part of an initiative to enhance students' employability skills.

Units of study

Aviation Professional Major
HES1900A Private Pilot Licence Theory*
HES1906A Commercial Pilot Licence Theory 1*
HES2901A Commercial Pilot Licence Theory 2*
HES2906A Air Transport Pilot Licence Theory 1*
HES4901A Air Transport Pilot Licence Theory 2 *
HES4906A Air Transport Pilot Licence Theory 3*
HET124A Energy and Motion for Aviation or (HET124 Energy and Motion)      
HMS141 Aviation Mathematics
HES1903 Introduction to Aviation
HES1915A Human Performance and Limitations in Aviation
HES1945 Aircraft Electrics and Avionics
HES2910A Human Factors and Performance in Aviation
HES2986A Aviation Regulation and Operation
HES4981A Aviation Business Strategies and Management
HES4961A Aviation Research Project (Part 1)
HES4962A Aviation Research Project (Part 2)
HES0000 Careers in the Curriculum
The units marked with * must meet the appropriate syllabus requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
For further information, please refer to Aviation Professional Major 
Aviation Technology Minor
Select four of:
HES1935 Internal Combustion and Gas Turbine Engines
HES2926 Flight Operations for Managers
HES2930 Aircraft Structures 
HES2940 Aircraft Aerodynamics and Performance 
HES2945 Aircraft Design and Operations 
HES4970 Current & Future Airline Technological Operational Concepts 
HES4965 Aviation Study Tour
For further information, please refer to Aviation Technology Minor.
Aviation Management Minor
Select four of:
HES1925 Aviation Marketing
HES2915 Airline Planning & Operations
HES2935 Aircraft Maintenance
HES2990 Airport Planning, Operation and Management 
HES2992 Project Management in Aviation (commencing Sem 2, 2013)  
HES4916 Integrated Safety Management Systems 
HES4965 Aviation Study Tour 
HES4990 Aviation Legal Framework 
HES4985 Airspace Management and Air Traffic Services 
HES6132 Managing Modern Distribution 
HES6720 Risk Perception and Analysis or HES6727 Introduction to Risk and Due Diligence
For further information, please refer to Aviation Management Minor.

Other Minors
Minors as approved by the program coordinator.
Recommended Study Sequence
This structure is for 2011 commencement onwards. For students who commenced prior to 2011 are to refer to their Program Planner.
Stage 1
Semester 1
HES1900A Private Pilot Licence Theory *
HES1910 Human Factors & Communication
HET124A Energy and Motion for Aviation
HMS141 Aviation Mathematics
Semester 2 HES1906A Commercial Pilot Licence Theory 1 *
HES1915A Human Performance and Limitations in Aviation*
HES1945 Aircraft Electrics and Avionics
HES2986A Aviation Regulation and Operation
Stage 2
Semester 1 HES2901A Commercial Pilot Licence Theory 2 *
HES2910A Human Factors and Performance in Aviation
First Minor /Co Major 1
First Minor /Co Major 2

Semester 2
HES0000 Careers in the Curriculum #(0 credit points, no fees incurred)
HES2906A Air Transport Pilot Licence Theory 1 *
HES4981A Aviation Business Strategies and Management
First Minor /Co Major 3
First Minor /Co Major 4
Stage 3
Semester 1 HES4901A Air Transport Pilot Licence Theory 2  *
HES4961A Aviation Research Project (Part 1)
Second Minor /Co Major 5
Second Minor /Co Major 6
Semester 2 HES4906A Air Transport Pilot Licence Theory 3 *
HES4962A Aviation Research Project (Part 2)
Second Minor /Co Major 7
Second Minor /Co Major 8
Note:
Students are recommended to follow the above sequence, however you can choose to vary your program by taking alternative electives according to the program structure rules. The faculty will timetable combinations of units according to the recommended sequence.
All seven CASA theory examination credits are required for the student to sit CASA ATPL theory exams.
* These units of study will be either fully or party delivered by CAE Oxford Aviation Academy (COAA), Moorabbin Airport.
# Students should undertake Careers in the Curriculum in their fourth academic semester. Students may undertake it after this point, however, priority will be given to students selecting it as scheduled.
+ Students may undertake HET124 Energy & Motion in lieu of HET124A Energy & Motion for Aviation.
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Graduate outcomes

On this page: aims and objectives, career opportunities and professional recognition.

Aims and objectives

The programs embody the objectives of the Swinburne Professional Learning Model through:
  • Combining teaching, industry visits and guest lecturers, on airfield environment and capstone research projects to provide a professional outcome for graduates.
  • A number of units in all the programs incorporate project based learning and each stunt has the option to undertake the Aviation Study Tour unit, which is offered on a biannual basis, as well as student exchange with the College of Aviation, Western Michigan University, USA.
  • With some academic units in all programs delivered on airport, and an integrated approach to practical flying training in the Aviation programs, career skills development and experiential learning is embedded firmly in the undergraduate teaching.
  • All programs incorporate the unit Careers in the Curriculum providing career assistance within the curriculum, and the option of undertaking a complementary Electives Plus minor designed to diversify career profile.

Career opportunities

This course prepares students for aviation careers in the air transportation industry as professional pilots.

Professional recognition

The Bachelor of Aviation and Bachelor of Aviation/Bachelor of Commerce programs are 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.

The Bachelor of Aviation and Bachelor of Aviation (Management) programs however do not have any accreditation by professional bodies.
 
The Bachelor of Commerce does have professional recognition by various professional bodies, depending on units studied, and details are available through the accreditation document for that program.
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Course experience

On this page: Swinburne Abroad.

Cameron Gee

Student testimonial - Cameron Gee

Bachelor of Aviation/Bachelor of Aviation (Management)

Being a commercial pilot is a great career, however your pilot licence "qualification" limits you to a small number of flying opportunities. Therefore I felt having a backup, by way of a tertiary education, would be a wise move. The Swinburne Aviation program offered the benefit of gaining a commercial pilots licence, whilst also broadening your horizons through gaining a degree in Aviation Management studies.

There were many highlights for me throughout my years at Swinburne. Obviously the practical flying aspect was a welcomed change from the classroom environment and proved to be quite challenging though enjoyable. At the end of first year, students have a 'flyaway around Australia'. This was such a great experience because we applied the practical aspect of our studies whilst gaining a fantastic experience travelling around remote parts of the country!

Anna-Sophia Lazarou

Student testimonial - Sophia Lazarou

Bachelor of Bachelor of Aviation

After deciding to undertake an aviation degree, I applied to almost every aviation course in Australia. I received offers from most, yet to me Swinburne was the obvious choice.

I had been advised by a number of past students and industry professionals that this course was one of the most respected in the aviation community. In my opinion, Swinburne provides its graduates with practical experience and that is what makes the difference when applying for jobs.

My favourite aspect of the course has been the flying component, especially flying around Australia to make up hours for our commercial licences.

Swinburne Abroad

Other opportunities for student exchange and study abroad with other institutions will be considered on a case by case basis.
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On this page: entry requirements, pathways, credit transfer and recognition of prior learning

Entry requirements

ATAR
RC
This course has a range of selection criteria.
You can also look at entering this course via pathways from one of our UniLink or TAFE courses.

Entry requirements

To be eligible for consideration for standard entry students must have satisfactorily completed the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or its equivalent, such as an interstate or international Year 12 qualification, with the below subjects forming the prerequisites for the programs:
  • Units 3 and 4–a study score of at least 30 in English (ESL) or at least 25 in any other English and at least 20 in mathematical methods.
  • Middle-band: re-ranking based on study scores in specialist mathematics, physics and
    psychology.
For the Bachelor of Aviation and the Bachelor of Aviation / Bachelor of Commerce double degree, the student’s ATAR score along with the outcome of an interview process and a Skill Assessment will determine whether or not an applicant is offered a position. The interview will typically address a candidate’s understanding of a career as a professional pilot and the obligations a student will have who undertakes the program. The interview may also consider a candidate’s aptitude through appropriate questioning. The Skill Assessment will provide an indication as to the likelihood of the candidate having sufficient skill set to complete the practical flying training and pursue a career as a professional pilot. Although not an entry requirement students undertaking the Aviation programs must be able to satisfy the statutory Class 1 medical requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority if undertaking practical flying training to commercial level.

Non-Year 12
As per Year 12 above or TAFE below however, for applicants with partially completed tertiary qualifications, preference given to applicants with credit grade average of at least 65% (VTAC calculated GPA of 5) or above with no fails. An applicant without units 3 and 4 of VCE Mathematical Methods, or failed to achieve a study score of 20 in VCE Mathematical Methods maybe considered if they have successfully completed a mathematics unit(s) at a tertiary or TAFE institution that is deemed to meet or exceed that of units 3 and 4 VCE Mathematical Methods.
 
More information is available via Student Operations VTAC Entry pages:
www.swinburne.edu.au/studentoperations/vtac/minimum-requirements.html

As well as on Swinburne’s Mature Age Students and Non-School Leavers web page:
www.future.swinburne.edu.au/information/mature-age/index.html
 
TAFE
For Advanced Diploma holders, preference is given to applicants who have achieved a credit grade average of at least 65% with no fails in the final year.

Subject to available places, diploma holders may be considered for selection, with preference given to students who have achieved an average distinction level of 75% or above in the last two semesters of the diploma with no fails in the final year.
 
Private Providers
As for TAFE above.
 
Special Entry
Entry Access Schemes (SEAS)
Special Entry Access Schemes (SEAS) is the umbrella program covering the special entry and access schemes conducted by tertiary institutions participating in the VTAC system.

There are two distinct schemes within SEAS:
  • Access and Equity; and 
  • Year 11/12 Special Consideration
Both schemes are designed for applicants who have experienced educational disadvantage, however, each scheme has a specific focus.

SEAS application is available through the VTAC website after applicants have lodged a VTAC course application for either the Aviation or Aviation (Management) bachelor programs.

Access and Equity
SEAS Access and Equity is for all applicants whose education has been affected by long-term disadvantage.

Year 11/12 Special Consideration
Year 11/12 Special Consideration is for current Year 12 students who have experienced adverse circumstances specifically in Years 11 and/or 12 which have impacted on their Year 12 results (ATAR).

Pathways

For information on pathways, please visit: www.future.swinburne.edu.au/pathways
 
 

Credit transfer

The following domestic credit transfer agreements are in place;

Swinburne University of Technology
TAFE Division, School of Engineering
Advanced Diploma of Technology (Aviation)

112.5 credit points (9 units) credit consisting of the following:
 
An international Credit Transfer Agreement is currently being approved with EAI-SKEMA in France. It is a 2+2 model and covers EAI-SKEMA students who have completed two years of either the Bachelor of Aeronautical Science, Bachelor of Aviation Management, or Bachelor of Aeronautical Science with Flight Option and wish to transfer into either the Bachelor of Aviation/Bachelor of Commerce, or Bachelor of Aviation (Management)/Bachelor of Commerce.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Applicants for advanced standing will be considered in accordance with Swinburne policies on Recognition of Prior Learning outlined at:
http://policies.swinburne.edu.au/ppdonline/showdoc.aspx?recnum=POL/2007/42

In some instances, appropriate exemptions may be granted in the light of prior experience, certain units passed at another institution or Civil Aviation Safety Authority qualifications.

For students seeking exemptions based on Civil Aviation Safety Authority qualifications the following applies: 
  • In the case of Aviation degree units, where the unit is intended to be a preparation for undertaking relevant Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) exams, generally, an exemption will be granted from the unit where the student holds a CASA recognised flight crew licence, for which the relevant CASA exam is an issuing prerequisite.
  • Air Transport Pilot Licence (Aeroplane) (ATPL(A)) level and Instrument Rating Exam (IREX) theory units are exceptions to the above policy, in that exemptions will be granted if the student has the appropriate theory credit and CASA recognised Commercial Pilot Licence (Aeroplane) (CPL(A)) at entry to the program.
  • Students who at entry to the program have not obtained a CASA recognised flight crew licence, but have made substantial progress towards this qualification (approximately 75%) will be requested to submit a notification of intent to apply for exemption upon completion of the flight crew licence in progress. The notification must be approved by the Program Co-ordinator and will advise an expiry date by which the student must complete the qualification in progress and submit the exemption application form.
  • For articulating students that have undertaken a TAFE qualification incorporating a Certificate IV in Aviation (Commercial Pilots Aeroplane Licence) exemption will be given for equivalent units completed at the entry to the program.
  • Other than CASA issued licences, the following will also be considered as grounds for exemption; a CASA recognised flight crew licence or qualification including CASA recognised licences/qualifications issued by International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) member states, and CASA recognised Australian Defence Force licences/qualifications.
  • Exceptions to the above may be considered for Aviation CASA theory units of study not undertaken as scheduled due to the student undertaking an approved international exchange or study abroad program.
Students granted exemptions however must satisfy the University’s residency requirement of studying units totaling a minimum of one year full time (100 credit points).
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Apply

On this page: how to apply, course fees, scholarships and find out more.

How to apply

Applications must be made through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC).

VTAC code: 34511 (CSP), 34513 (Int. Fee)

For further information, visit the VTAC website at: www.vtac.edu.au
 
Applicants who have not already applied through VTAC can apply direct to the university by following the step-by-step process on our How to Apply page.

Course fees

For information about Swinburne's fees visit the Fees website.

Scholarships

A Sir Reginald Ansett Scholarship for Aviation is on offer.
 
For information about the Sir Reginald Ansett Scholarship for Aviation at Swinburne, please visit: www.swinburne.edu.au/scholarships

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