Why Bachelor of Aviation?
Are you fascinated by aircraft and aviation technology? Do you have a strong sense of responsibility?
Embark on an exhilarating career in the skies where your leadership, interpersonal skills and physical capabilities will be tested to their limits every day. Whether you crave the adrenalin rush or simply thrive under pressure, becoming a pilot is more than just flying passengers from one destination to another. Through our longstanding partnership with Flight Training Adelaide, a world-class training facility that collaborates with Cathay Pacific and STARLUX, you’ll gain the confidence, situational awareness, and discipline required to excel as a pilot.
Overview
Embark on an exhilarating journey to become a pilot. This comprehensive pathway is designed for aspiring pilots who seek to thrive in various aviation settings. Your education will be a blend of theoretical studies, hands-on flight training, and rigorous exams to earn the necessary professional qualifications.
Our Bachelor of Aviation majoring in Pilot will give you the technical knowledge, practical experience and critical thinking required to become a diligent and successful pilot.
Key features
Challenge yourself as you dive into aviation theory. - Gain 5 hours of real-life flying experience and 5 hours of observational flying experience.
- Benefit from flight training in single and multi-engine aircraft.
- Practice your skills in popular A320 and 737 flight simulators.
What you'll learn
The Bachelor of Aviation majoring in Pilot is the perfect pathway for those looking to become a pilot. You’ll engage in intensive study, combining theoretical practice and flight training – both physical and simulated.
In your first year, which is shared with the Bachelor of Aviation majoring in Management, you’ll be introduced to flight operations, management and safety. You'll learn about aviation law and its applications in Australia and abroad. You'll explore the relationship between human physiology, psychology, and the aviation environment, recognising the limitations of the human body.
You’ll study tailored subjects in areas such as:
- Aviation management
- Aviation law
- Human performance in aviation
- Flight training theory
- Commercial pilot theory
- Navigation and aircraft systems theory
- Advanced pilot theory
- Aviation physics
- Airline operations management.
During your first year, you’ll also have the opportunity to apply for the Graduate Diploma in Aviation, which you can study in parallel with the Bachelor program. Student who choose this option will get three professional qualifications: the Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), Command Instrument Rating (CIR) and Multi-Engine (M/E) aeroplane class rating. In your second year, you’ll continue to expand your aviation knowledge while undertaking your flight training if you are concurrently enrolled in the Graduate Diploma in Aviation.
In your second and third years of study in the Bachelor of Aviation, you will collaborate with your peers, apply your theoretical and technical expertise, and learn how to develop logical solutions and produce a comprehensive report for the Aviation sector. We’ll also help you enhance your employability outcomes by developing essential interpersonal, cultural literacy and interprofessional collaboration skills in a global context.
We’ll also help you enhance your employability outcomes by developing essential interpersonal, cultural literacy and interprofessional collaboration skills in a global context.
*Please note International students will need to seek further advice on other flying pathways.
Majors
The Bachelor or Aviation is also available with majors in:
What courses you'll study
Complete 144 units comprising:
- 66 units for Core courses, and
- 48 units for one Major from Majors, and
- 12 units from Work integrated learning, and
- 18 units for Electives
Complete 66 units comprising:
- 48 units for all Program core, and
- 18 units from Common core
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Introduction to Aviation
|
Course code
AERO1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Aviation Management
|
Course code
AERO1004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Flight Training Theory 1
|
Course code
AERO1006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Human Performance and Limitations in Aviation
|
Course code
AERO1009
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Aviation Safety Fundamentals
|
Course code
AERO1010
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Humans in Aviation: People, Systems and Safety
|
Course code
AERO2002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Data Analytics
|
Course code
ECON1012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Aviation Law
|
Course code
LAWS1017
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
An Ethically Rich Life
|
Course code
COREX001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Fact or Fiction: Data for Everyone
|
Course code
COREX002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Igniting Change: Ideas to Action
|
Course code
COREX003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Proppa Ways, Future Practice
|
Course code
COREX004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Responsible AI: Bridging Ethics, Education and Industry
|
Course code
COREX005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Ways of Being, Ways of Seeing
|
Course code
COREX006
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Units |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | |
| Semester 1 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |
| Semester 1 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
18
|
| Semester 2 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |
| Semester 1 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
Complete 48 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Commercial Pilot Theory
|
Course code
AERO2006
|
Units
18
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Pilot Theory
|
Course code
AERO2010
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Aviation Physics 1
|
Course code
AERO2011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Large Aircraft Flight Operations
|
Course code
AERO3000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Safety and Risk Management for Aviation Professionals
|
Course code
AERO3001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Large Aircraft Flight Operations (Part 1)
|
Course code
AERO3009
|
Units
6
|
Notes
1. Students are required to progress through the Bachelor of Aviation (Pilot) program in accordance with their Program Director's advice. Students intending to apply for the Graduate Diploma in Aviation are advised that enrolment in Bachelor of Aviation (Pilot) courses outside of Program Director guidance may result in disqualification from the Graduate Diploma in Aviation.
2. Students must attend 80%* of their scheduled workshops in Flight Training Theory 1 - AERO1006 to be considered for entry into the Graduate Diploma in Aviation. *Students must provide evidence of medical or compassionate grounds for not meeting this limit. This course should be completed in the study period preceding the commencement of the Graduate Diploma in Aviation. Students who complete this course prior to admission may be disqualified from entry into the Graduate Diploma. Students who are yet to be accepted into the Graduate Diploma should seek enrolment advice from the Program Director.
3. Enrolment in this course is limited to one attempt only. Students who do not pass this course will undertake an aviation elective course instead by requesting an updated study plan.
4. Credit will not be granted for the course Commercial Pilot Theory - AERO2006 for students concurrently enrolled in the Graduate Diploma in Aviation or for those who intend to apply to study for the Graduate Diploma in Aviation. Students not intending on enrolling in Graduate Diploma in Aviation may be eligible for a maximum of 6 units of unspecified credit and undertake 12 units of study as a course substitution in lieu of the course, and in consultation with the Program Director.
5. Students must attend 80% of their scheduled workshops to be eligible to remain in the Graduate Diploma in Aviation by meeting CASA integrated timeline requirements for their flight training. *Students must provide evidence of medical or compassionate grounds for not meeting this limit. In addition, students enrolled in the Graduate Diploma in Aviation are advised not to undertake any other courses while completing AERO2006 and request a new study plan.
6. Flight Training Theory 1 - AERO1006 and Commercial Pilot Theory - AERO2006 are delivered in intensive mode.
7. Students commencing with mid-year enrolment who intend to undertake Flight Training through the Graduate Diploma in Aviation will need to undertake an elective instead of Flight Training Theory - AERO1006 in first year, and enrol in Flight Training Theory 1 - AERO1006 in second year. Please contact the Program Director for further details.
| Course name | Units |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | |
| Semester 1 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |
| Semester 1 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
18
|
| Semester 2 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |
| Semester 1 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
Complete exactly 12 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Aviation Project 1
|
Course code
AERO3002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Aviation Project 2
|
Course code
AERO3004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Aviation Internship
|
Course code
AERO3901
|
Units
12
|
| Course name | Units |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | |
| Semester 1 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |
| Semester 1 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
18
|
| Semester 2 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |
| Semester 1 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
Complete 18 units comprising:
- 18 units from Program electives
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Introductory Instructional Flights
|
Course code
AERO1003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Management, Organisations and Leadership
|
Course code
BUSI1002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Entrepreneurial Concepts and Mindsets
|
Course code
BUSI1017
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Earth, Climate and Life Systems
|
Course code
EART1012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Foundations of Human Resource Management
|
Course code
HRES1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Science of People, Society and the Future Planet
|
Course code
SCIE1001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Foundations of Airline Finance
|
Course code
AERO2001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Aviation Economics
|
Course code
AERO2003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Airline Operations Management
|
Course code
AERO2004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Aviation Physics 1
|
Course code
AERO2011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
International Business Environment
|
Course code
IBUS2000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Airport Management
|
Course code
AERO3003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Air Space Management
|
Course code
AERO3005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Aviation Strategic Management
|
Course code
AERO3006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Aviation Internship
|
Course code
AERO3901
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Managing the Employment Relationship
|
Course code
HRES3000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Science Professional Placement
|
Course code
SCIE3900
|
Units
6
|
Notes
Program electives - 1. Enrolment in AERO1003 - Introductory Instructional Flights is limited to one attempt only. Students who do not pass this course will undertake an aviation elective course instead.
2. Other elective options not listed here may only be taken with Program Director approval.
| Course name | Units |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | |
| Semester 1 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |
| Semester 1 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
18
|
| Semester 2 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |
| Semester 1 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
You’ll graduate with the discipline, critical thinking and situational awareness required for the global workforce, well prepared to practise as a:
- Professional airline pilot
- Charter pilot
- Skydiving pilot
- Scenic bush pilot
- Military pilot
- Medical pilot
- Aircraft maintenance officer
- Air traffic manager.
You could fly across vast terrain, giving adrenaline seekers a once-in-a-lifetime thrill. You might connect doctors and health professionals to those impacted by natural disasters, delivering vital aid and resources. As intergalactic tourism gains momentum, you could even transport eager space enthusiasts to the moon.
Industry trends
Efficiency, security and sustainability are among the key factors shaping industry trends in the aviation world. More people are taking flights, engaging in professional and personal endeavours at home, interstate and overseas, resulting in increased air traffic. Security is more crucial than ever as individuals devise new ways to bypass safety systems. Like in many other professions, eco-friendly initiatives are essential for the longevity of the airline industry. A career in aviation equips you with the knowledge, humility, and determination needed to navigate these global challenges and contribute to innovative, insightful solutions.
Ready to apply?
Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
