Why Graduate Diploma in Aviation?
Get ready to soar, making your dreams of becoming a pilot a reality.
Gain the knowledge and skills needed to test for a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) and Multi-engine Command Instrument Rating (MECIR). Delivered in partnership with Flight Training Adelaide, you’ll learn under the guidance of highly experienced instructors at Parafield Airport.
The sky’s the limit when you study our Graduate Diploma in Aviation at Adelaide University.
Overview
Our Graduate Diploma in Aviation is a technical flight training program delivered with Flight Training Adelaide at Parafield Airport. Applications for this program are invitation only, for students with a current enrolment in the Bachelor of Aviation majoring in Pilot.
Obtain the skills, knowledge and competencies to test for a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) and Multi-engine Command Instrument Rating (MECIR). These are professional qualifications recognised by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the International Civil Aviation Organisation.
Take introductory courses in advanced flying, aircraft navigation, night flying and instrument flying. You’ll complete ground simulator lessons and be mentored by experienced flight instructors.
While this program is an intensive study commitment, you’ll finish your studies on a rewarding career path. Graduate prepared to work as a first officer in multi-crew aircraft or as a pilot-in-command in single engine aircraft.
Key features
Prepare to sit for a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) and Multi-engine Command Instrument Rating (MECIR). - Learn to fly with our industry partner Flight Training Adelaide (FTA).
- Complete training at Parafield Airport, conveniently located adjacent to our Mawson Lakes Campus.
- Get the opportunity to join the Qantas Group – Aviation Career Enrichment Program.
- Have the option to obtain a Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL).
- Submit detailed flight plans and access the latest aerodrome alerts and weather forecasts.
What you'll learn
Your studies will teach you advanced aviation skills and prepare you to obtain necessary licences to practice as a pilot. You’ll complete a total of seven courses covering the following topics.
Introductory and advanced flying: Learn core principles of flying including pre-flight and post-flight procedures, basic in-flight manoeuvres and aircraft operating. You’ll then progress to studying key competencies required to be recommended for the Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL) flight test.
Aircraft navigation: Learn how to carry out cross country flying using visual flight rules with professionalism and accuracy. You’ll then carry out cross country flying and aircraft handling to pass the Commercial Pilot Licence Flight Test.
Night flying: Learn how to confidently operate an aircraft at night under visual flight rules.
Instrument flight: Hone your flying abilities under Instrument Flight Rules and gain a multi-engine endorsement. Complete IFR ground simulator lessons and successfully pass the CASA Instrument Rating Flight Test.
Your assessments will include the following:
- Flight and navigation practice
- Practical exams including the Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) and Command Instrument Rating (MECIR)
- Theoretical exams with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).
Note: This graduate diploma, studied alongside the Bachelor of Aviation majoring in Pilot, is a demanding study commitment. You’ll need to have a minimum of three weekdays and an occasional weekend day available for flying. Flights will also be scheduled outside normal business hours.
What courses you'll study
Complete 48 units comprising:
- 48 units for all Core courses
Complete 48 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Advanced Flying
|
Course code
AERO5000
|
Units
8
|
|
|
Course name
Aircraft Navigation 1
|
Course code
AERO5001
|
Units
8
|
|
|
Course name
Aircraft Navigation 2
|
Course code
AERO5002
|
Units
8
|
|
|
Course name
Instrument Flight 1
|
Course code
AERO5003
|
Units
8
|
|
|
Course name
Instrument Flight 2
|
Course code
AERO5004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Night Flying
|
Course code
AERO5005
|
Units
2
|
|
|
Course name
Introductory Flying
|
Course code
AERO5007
|
Units
8
|
Notes
1. To be eligible to graduate from the Graduate Diploma in Aviation students must satisfy all academic and non-academic requirements including professional conduct, as well as be eligible to graduate from the Bachelor of Aviation majoring in Pilot.
2. Continuing enrolment in the Graduate Diploma is dependent on enrolment in the Bachelor of Aviation. If a student ceases to be enrolled in the Bachelor's program they will be withdrawn from the Graduate Diploma.
3. In accordance with government regulations, the flight training provider requires that all flight related courses up to a Commercial Pilot Licence take no longer than two calendar years to complete. The duration of two calendar years is defined as the time from the commencement of Flight Training Theory 1 - AERO1006 concepts to the time in which Aircraft Navigation 2 - AERO5002 is completed in this program. Students who have not completed Aircraft Navigation 2 within this timeframe will be discontinued.
4. Any student who has been disqualified from flying by the Aviation Academy cannot enrol in courses in this program.
5. Students are required to complete the Graduate Diploma in Aviation courses in the sequence shown.
6. It is compulsory for students in this program to meet with their Program Director or their delegates for academic counselling if they fail a course.
7. Students must hold a current Aviation Security Identity Card (ASIC) for the duration of their study in the program from the commencement of the course Advanced Flying to the completion of Aircraft Navigation 2. Students who are unable to maintain medical and ASIC clearances may result in discontinuance from the program.
8. Students are required to own or purchase at their own cost a compatible iPad/tablet and aviation headset prior to flying. This is to enable students to perform numerous flight-related tasks in the cockpit.
9. To comply with CASA integrated timeline requirements, students must attend 80% of their scheduled workshops in Flight Training Theory 1 - AERO1006 and Commercial Pilot Theory - AERO2006 respectively to be eligible for entry and remain in the Graduate Diploma in Aviation. Students must provide evidence of medical or compassionate grounds for not meeting this limit.
10. Students who do not achieve the required course outcomes in the allocated hours in a course, will have the option to apply for the Aviation Consolidation Short Flying program to achieve the required competencies.
11. Students should note that a leave of absence may not be available and may require withdrawal from the program. Removal from the Graduate Diploma in Aviation or Bachelor of Aviation may disqualify students from readmission in future.
12. Completion of Commercial Pilot Theory AERO AERO2006 prior to admission into the Graduate Diploma in Aviation will result in disqualification from entry.
13. Students are required to progress through the Bachelor of Aviation majoring in Pilot program in accordance with their Program Director's advice. Enrolment in Bachelor of Aviation courses outside of the Program Director's advice may result in disqualification from the Graduate Diploma in Aviation.
14. Credit may be available for Introductory Flying - AERO5007. Credit will not be awarded for any other course in this program.
| Course name | Units |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | |
| Semester 1 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
8
|
|
Course name
|
Units
8
|
|
Course name
|
Units
8
|
|
Course name
|
Units
2
|
| Semester 2 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
8
|
|
Course name
|
Units
8
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
With our Graduate Diploma in Aviation, you’ll be equipped to transport people from A to B safely. You could work as a medical or ambulance pilot, moving patients who need critical medical attention. You might be a flight instructor, training new pilots to confidently operate aircrafts. Perhaps you’ll take on roles in airport management, operations or airline administration.
You can also consider the following careers:
- Commercial pilot
- Professional airline pilot
- Defence force pilot
- Charter pilot.
Industry trends
By 2038, forecasts suggest that the aviation industry could support 143 million jobs and contribute $6.3 trillion in economic revenue (ATAG, 2020). Additionally, it’s projected global passenger traffic will double by 2040 (IATA, 2023). With strong growth predicted in aviation, demand for your skillset as a licensed pilot will continue to soar.
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.
