Bachelor of Aviation
Overview
The Bachelor of Aviation course will prepare you for a range of careers in the aviation industry including as a professional pilot or an aviation management professional.
Throughout the course, you will develop skills in critical thinking, decision making, problem solving and teamwork in the context of airline and airport operation.
In your first year, you will learn the fundamentals of the aviation industry including safety, human factors, relevant national and international laws, airline and airport operations and the basics of piloting an aircraft in a simulated environment. You will also lay the foundation to gain crucial lifelong learning and transferable skills.
Airline and Airport Operations Major
Learn to apply your knowledge of aviation management combined with advanced critical thinking skills to solve a range of authentic aviation problems. In this major, you will study the core theoretical foundations of aviation operational management and best practices in the areas of marketing, finance analysis, air freight transportation, resource management, as well as planning and operation. You will develop an understanding of human factors, explore the application of safety processes in the aviation industry, and gain an understanding of the laws/ regulations relevant to airline and airport operations. You will also have the opportunity to undertake a placement with an aviation service provider to develop to a practical understanding of the challenges faced by the industry and expand your professional network.
Flight Operations Major
The Flight Operations Major will provide you with relevant theory and professional skills development that support a range of pilot career pathways. You will study academic subjects and professional pilot aeronautical knowledge to the Bachelor degree standard, including knowledge and skills relating to aerodynamics, navigation, meteorology and flight planning. You will also be introduced to the laws and regulations relevant to flight operations and develop an understanding aviation safety management and practices. Throughout the course, you will learn to apply your aviation knowledge and advanced critical thinking skills to address complex airline transport challenges. In your third year, you'll have the opportunity to undertake an advanced aviation experience, which includes your choice of aviation activities that will help you develop knowledge and experience in a specific area of flight operations.
Undertaking the Graduate Diploma of Aviation alongside the Bachelor of Aviation (Flight Operations Major) will allow you to gain the aeronautical experience required for a career as a commercial pilot, including a Private Pilot Licence, Command Instrument Rating, and Commercial Pilot Licence.
Study Experience
Discover more about your aviation degree, offering practical experiences and seamless pathways to a career as a commercial pilot. Click 'Explore Study Experience' for more information.
- Industry Relevant
- Global Experiences
- Online or On Campus
- Residential Schools
- Seamless Pathways
- Study load
“The best thing about CQU is the staff. They have been really helpful.
Daniel Hicks
Bachelor of Aviation, Bachelor of Information Technology, Master of Research
Career Opportunities
Airline and Airport Operations Major
Aviation management is a broad and dynamic field and there are wide variety of non-flying aviation management and support roles to keep air travel moving safely. This major provides a broad range of skills, both technical and managerial, that will prepare you to become an aviation professional who understands the theory behind airline and airport operations and can apply these principles to a practical work environment for long-term careers in airline and airport management. Graduates may find employment with airlines and related organisations such as airports, government agencies, tourism providers, freight forwarders, airport ground handling companies, consulting firms and more.
Flight Operations Major
This major, in conjunction with the Graduate Diploma of Aviation, prepares graduates for aviation careers in the air transportation industry as a professional airline pilot. Graduates may be eligible to apply for cadetships or traineeships offered by some airlines and may also be eligible to apply for Australian Defence Force positions.
Structure & Availability
The course structure and available locations can change depending on when you want to study. You can choose the intake that best suits you in the drop-down menu below.
Available Locations
Your Course
Depending on your chosen major, you must complete either 21 or 23 units (144 credits):
- 1The core structure (8 units)
- 2One major (13 or 15 units, depending on chosen major)
Unit Details
The units you'll study are listed below. Click on a unit to learn more.
Core Units
You will study the eight units listed below.
Airline and Airport Operations Major
The Airline and Airport Operations Major consists of the 15 units listed below.
Learn to apply your knowledge of aviation management combined with advanced critical thinking skills to solve a range of authentic aviation problems. In this major, you will study the core theoretical foundations of aviation operational management and best practices in the areas of marketing, finance analysis, air freight transportation, resource management, as well as planning and operation. You will develop an understanding of human factors, explore the application of safety processes in the aviation industry, and gain an understanding of the laws/ regulations relevant to airline and airport operations. You will also have the opportunity to undertake a placement with an aviation service provider to develop to a practical understanding of the challenges faced by the industry and expand your professional network.
Course Planner
To help you plan your studies and see which unit comes first, if one unit should be completed before another and the term you will study each unit, check out our course planners.
Additional Information
Aviation Placement - AVAT13025
Aviation Placement is a 12 credit unit for third-year students in the Airline and Airport Operations major who will gain important work experience (up to 240 hrs) directly from industry partners.
If you have completed prior study relevant to units within this course, you may be eligible for credit for your past studies.
Learn more about credit and recognition of prior learning.
Prior flight training experience
Our suite of aviation course options have been developed in close consultation with industry, delivering a comprehensive training package starting from zero experience. Whilst some prior flight experience may be accommodated, it is recommended that you do not undertake flight training prior to commencing your studies.
Applicants with prior flight training experience
Whilst the Bachelor of Aviation (Flight Operations Major) does not include flight training, you may be eligible to receive credit for some introductory units and simulator coursework. Upon accepting your offer for this course, you can submit a credit application for assessment.
Students who undertake the Graduate Diploma of Aviation can apply separately for credit in that course once enrolled.
Requirements
To Be Eligible
For your application to be considered, you must meet the following entry requirements.
Student and Course Profiles
View the student and course profiles for this course and learn about CQU's Undergraduate Profile for Term 1, 2025 via our Institute Profile.
Alternative Entry Pathways
CQU offers a range of alternative entry pathways to help you get started. If you don’t meet the entry requirements, there are options available, depending on your background and previous experience.
During Your Study
While not needed to apply, you'll need to meet the following requirements throughout your studies.
Fees & Scholarships
Indicative First-Year Fee
The Indicative First-Year Fee is the approximate cost of enrolling in this course for one full-time academic year (eight units over two terms) for a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) and should be used as a guide only. Your actual fees may vary depending on the units you select to study and your study load. Check the Cost per Unit spreadsheet available on our Understanding Course Fees webpage.
Fees are reviewed each year and are subject to change. Fee estimates for the following year are expected to be available in September each year.
Commonwealth Supported Places
This course has Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) available, and as a domestic student, you'll be offered a CSP, provided you meet CSP eligibility requirements. CSPs are subsidised by the Australian Government, meaning you are only required to pay the student contribution rather than full tuition fees.
HECS-HELP Loan
You may be eligible for a HECS-HELP government loan if you are offered a CSP. HECS-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme that assists you in paying your student contributions. Provided you meet the HECS-HELP eligibility criteria, you may use HECS-HELP to defer part or all of your student contribution fees.
Part of your course costs will include Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF). SSAF is charged in addition to your student contribution or tuition fees and is used to help enhance your study experience. There may also be other costs as part of your studies, such as textbooks, technology expenses, travel expenses, professional certifications, uniforms, or vaccinations.
We believe a quality education can be for everyone – regardless of background, location, or life circumstances. That's why we offer a variety of scholarships and bursaries that can give you a helping hand with a range of expenses and enhance your employability.
How to Apply
How to Apply
Check what you need to do to apply to study this course.
Your Application Options
Follow These Steps
Extra Admission Information
Prior to applying, take a look at important application dates and learn about our admission considerations, such as information for domestic students with overseas qualifications, indigenous support, and elite athlete, coach and performer support. You should also check out the adjustment schemes that might be available to you and how to access them. You can also explore our offer information to learn more about what happens after you've submitted an application and how to respond to an offer to study with CQU.
Start Your Application
When applying through a tertiary admissions centre (TAC) you can use the relevant TAC code below to search for a course or add it to your application preferences.
