Start date
February
July

Duration
1 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus/Online

Program Code
LHAS

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Fees
AUD$ 38,800 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2025

English Language Requirements
  • IELTS total [6.0]
  • IELTS reading [6.0]
  • IELTS writing [6.0]
Equivalent English qualifications (PDF)

International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements

CRICOS Code
107637G

Degree overview

  • Prepare for a career in research or industry with a one-year honours program.
  • Advance your research skills and specialist knowledge in operational aviation.
  • Gain industry-relevant experience through the completion of a major industrial, scientific or commercial project.
  • Benefit from a curriculum with close links to industry, including partnerships with Flight Training Australia, Qantas Group and other local aviation providers.
  • Contribute to the development of knowledge in the growing field of aviation.
  • Use this honours degree as a pathway to a Master of Research and/or doctoral studies.

Snapshot

Snapshot

This honours degree has been designed for students who have successfully completed a bachelor’s degree in aviation.

Through an intensive, one-year research program you will gain the knowledge and skills required to work in a wide range of areas including defence, aviation management or academia, giving you a competitive edge when you enter the job market.

You will gain highly specialised operational aviation expertise through the completion of a major industrial, scientific or commercial project, enhancing your project management, communication and problem-solving skills.

You’ll also have the opportunity to tailor your program to your interests, as guided by your academic supervisor, exploring topics such as human factors, safety management, and airline and airport operations.

On-campus teaching for this program is based at the Mawson Lakes campus. Only 20 minutes from the city centre with easy parking. The Mawson Lakes campus is also accessible by bus and train with the Mawson Lakes train station only a short walk.

What you'll learn

What you Learn

During your degree you will complete a year-long project in a major industrial, scientific or commercial project in aviation, guided by an academic supervisor.

You will develop skills in literature search and review, research methodologies, experimental design, data analysis and research ethics, and have the opportunity to tailor your learning to your interest areas with guidance from your academic supervisor.

Topics include:

  • Human Factors
  • Aviation Safety and Safety Management Systems
  • Airline and airport operations
  • Aviation Strategic Management
  • Aviation regulation and law

Degree structure

Course name Area and cat no. Units Reference  
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Research Methods INFT 4017 4.5
Honours Minor Thesis Preparation NASC 4019 4.5
Honours Minor Thesis 1 NASC 4017 4.5 Note(s): 3
Elective 4.5 Note(s): 1,2
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Elective 4.5 Note(s): 1,2
Elective 4.5 Note(s): 1,2
Honours Minor Thesis 2 NASC 4018 9 Note(s): 3

Study hours

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

Assessment

Your studies at UniSA will incorporate practical, professionally-focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

  • reports and project documentation
  • research projects, group projects
  • essays and assignments 
  • examinations 

Global opportunities

Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.

You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.

Take a look at the global opportunities available.

Global opportunities

Why Bachelor of Applied Science (Honours) (Aviation)

Why this Degree

The Bachelor of Applied Science (Honours) (Aviation) – the only degree of its type in South Australia – gives you the opportunity to advance the knowledge gained in your undergraduate degree and develop a highly specialised skill-set in aviation.

Based at Mawson Lakes campus, your home campus is close to Parafield Airport and Technology Park. You will have access to purpose-built aviation facilities including our state-of-the-art flight and airport simulators and learn on the latest industry software. 

You will benefit from a curriculum with close links to the local aviation industry and learn from academics with local, national and international experience.

As part of your honours program, you will complete an industry-inspired project under the supervision of a specialist academic. This will allow you to contribute to the growing body of aviation research, preparing you to take your research career further, should that be the direction you wish to pursue. Upon graduation, you may be eligible for:

Master of Research
Doctor of Philosophy

Real-world connections

Aviation students benefit from our close links to industry. UniSA works in partnership with local, national and global aviation organisations, including Flight Training Adelaide (FTA) and Qantas Group.

UniSA is also home to several research clusters that explore defence and aviation projects.

The Australian Research Centre for Interactive and Virtual Environments has worked on projects to develop and implement human centred design processes to improve human factors particularly within hard to design spaces, like submarines.

The Future Industries Institute has a close relationship with the Defence Science and Technology Group.

All have state-of-the-art facilities including the Future Industries Institute, with world renowned links and associations that provide a dynamic teaching and research base for our students.

We also host regular University-wide career expos and employment forums through our Career Service, as well as alumni events in Australia and overseas.

Career outcomes

Your career

This honours degree will qualify to proceed to postgraduate degrees by coursework or research. You may also be eligible to pursue a PhD.

Upon completion of this degree you may consider a career in;

  • Defence work
  • Human factors
  • Safety management
  • Airline and airport operations
  • Academia

Industry facts

data-presentation

Employment for professionals in aviation is expected to increase by 1, 100 by 2025

(Australian Industry and Skills Committee 2022)

column-chart-growth

Commercial air traffic is expected to recover to 2019 levels by 2024

(2022 Boeing Pilot and Technician Outlook)

global-travel-delivery

By 2038, global air travel transport is forecasted to support 143 million jobs and contribute $6.3 trillion to the global economy

(Aviation: Benefits Beyond Borders 2022)

How to apply

How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.

Scholarships

Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.

More scholarships

Your study experience and support

As a UniSA student, you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.

Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also gain access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, business, law and psychology. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and lots more.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Student services

Student services

Our international student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:

  • career advice and mentoring
  • help with student visas and health cover
  • personal counselling
  • academic counselling
  • fees and finance help
  • common rooms
  • prayer rooms
  • security officers
  • accommodation services 
  • as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.

We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies, and can offer help with the English language too. When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.

24/7 digital environment

Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.

Student services

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Location This degree is delivered at the following campus.

Your program director

I’m an academic leading the UniSA’s aviation program. I teach courses and conduct research into aviation, especially on airlines and airports. My colleagues and I work on projects across all aspects in aviation, thereby enabling relevance and connections with the industry. Our aviation team comprises of experts in specific aviation sub-sectors such as flight operations, human factors, airport management and accident investigation. Both our industry collaboration and technical knowledge enable our coursework and materials to be distinctive in satisfying the needs of the ever-changing industry and ensuring academic excellence.

AsPr Paul Lee

Program Director

Enquire
Portrait image for AsPr Paul Lee
Portrait image for AsPr Paul Lee

AsPr Paul Lee

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

  • How do I apply? minus-thick plus-thick

    There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.

    You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.

    Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the University's registered Education Agents.

    If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.

    If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.

    Postgraduate study by research
    For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.

  • Is there a closing date for applications? minus-thick plus-thick

    There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.

    If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.

  • What credit can I receive for previous studies? minus-thick plus-thick

    You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.

    The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.

    The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.

  • Can I speak to someone regarding my study options? minus-thick plus-thick

    UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.

    Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.

    We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.

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