Master of Science (Aviation)

Master of Science (Aviation)

POSTGRADUATE

Develop your career in the aviation industry by advancing your skills to take on management roles.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Part-time 4 years
Fees:

Commonwealth supported places

Next intake:
Not applicable
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Fees:

AU$46,080 (2025 annual)

Next intake:
Not applicable
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

The Master of Science (Aviation) opens up many and varied career opportunities for suitably educated and motivated professionals. This degree is focused on developing your skills to succeed in this exciting and dynamic industry.

The course combines core studies spanning the aviation industry with the opportunity to dig deeper in such areas as:

  • aviation airworthiness
  • management and digital disruption
  • aviation operations
  • aerospace
  • data science in aviation
  • transport safety.

Why study aviation at RMIT?

Hands-on learning

Gain confidence and practical skills when you learn on simulated or real-world activities including an in-depth research project.

Industry-aligned education

Learn from a team of local and international experts with deep industry connections and knowledge.

Decades of experience

RMIT has been educating aviation professionals for more than 75 years, and our degrees are respected by industry.

During your study, you’ll increase your understanding of the industry and gain exposure to the contemporary issues it faces. You’ll also develop the skills to analyse and implement creative solutions to industry problems, identify opportunities, and enhance your leadership and communication skills.

A key aspect of the program is the Aviation Research Project, where you will expand on the knowledge gained throughout the course and can work on an in-depth qualitative and/or quantitative study with a technical and/or managerial application within the industry.

Details

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RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional practice.

A range of learning and teaching approaches are used to develop your capabilities and skills as an independent and lifelong learner. Traditional face-to-face classes will be used but may be supported by approaches such as self-paced learning tools, lecture capture videos and web-based exercises.

You will undertake structured activities that allow you to learn, apply and demonstrate your professional practice. These activities will be in real-work contexts or simulated work situations. Other learning activities will involve case studies of real-world problems and, where appropriate, the use of guest lectures from industry experts.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

The School of Engineering has expanding Australian and international links with the aviation industry.

Key industry stakeholders participated in the original development of this program, and industry is playing a continuing role in ensuring that it remains relevant and that graduates have strong career potential.

  • 1 to 1.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent (with exemptions)
  • 2 years full-time or part-time equivalent (without exemptions)
  • 1 to 1.5 years full-time (with exemptions)
  • 2 years full-time (without exemptions)

Some projects in the Aviation Research Project subject may require travel to the Bundoora campus.

Alternative projects based entirely at the Melbourne City campus are available.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

The Master of Science (Aviation) consists of 192 credit points (or 16 subjects).

After completing 96 credit points (8 subjects) of study approved by the program manager, you may exit with a graduate diploma.

In addition to core subjects in aviation, you will also be able to specialise in areas including:

  • Aviation Airworthiness
  • Management and Digital Disruption
  • Aviation Operations
  • Aerospace
  • Data Science in Aviation
  • Transport Safety.

Year 1

You will complete six compulsory subjects in the aviation field, providing a broad base understanding of the industry. You will also complete two elective subjects.

Year 2

You will undertake four compulsory subjects to deepen your knowledge of the aviation industry, while also undertaking a double credit Aviation Research Project. You will also continue to specialise in your chosen field, completing two additional electives.

Please note: All subjects listed may not be available each semester. For elective subjects available both on-campus and online, both modes may not be available each semester.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Master of Science (Aviation)
Program code: MC264
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Master of Science (Aviation)
City Campus
2 years full time
MC264
092028D
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full time
Plan code
MC264
CRICOS
092028D
View plan
Master of Science (Aviation)
City Campus
2 years full time
MC264
092028D
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full time
Plan code
MC264
CRICOS
092028D
View plan

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

There is a current and projected strong demand for aviation professionals both in Australia and globally.

With a rapidly growing global population that seeks to travel both domestically and internationally, the need for well-planned and managed airlines, airports and related aviation organisations has become even more important.

Graduates with a relevant postgraduate qualification will be well prepared for a range of operational, management and planning roles in the aviation industry. These could include roles in areas such as:

  • airline operations planning and management
  • airline maintenance management and supervision
  • airport landside and airside operations
  • airport planning and management
  • aviation safety management
  • air cargo operations and planning.
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The Master of Science (Aviation) is not accredited, although it has been developed to align with the Engineers Australia accreditation framework.

Engineers Australia is the professional body responsible for the accreditation of higher education programs that prepare students to practise as professional engineers.

Graduates of the Master of Science (Aviation) may be eligible to apply for membership of Engineers Australia. 

Entry requirements and admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following entry requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

Successful completion of an Australian bachelor degree (or international equivalent) with a GPA of at least 2.0 out of 4.0.

Applicants who have a successfully completed a relevant degree (as above) with a GPA of at least 1.5 out of 4, will be considered if they have at least 3 years of relevant industry experience.

OR

Successful completion of an Australian postgraduate qualification (or international equivalent) in a related discipline (as above).

OR

Applicants without any relevant prior qualification will be considered if they have at least 10 years of relevant industry experience.

If you wish to have industry or employment experience assessed as part of meeting the entry requirements you will need to provide a detailed CV/resume listing previous positions, dates of employment and position responsibilities; a statement from your employer confirming these details (or contact details of employer so RMIT can seek confirmation); and evidence of any relevant professional development undertaken.

International qualifications are assessed for comparability to Australian qualifications according to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

Exemptions

Some applicants may be eligible for exemptions. Approved exemptions may change the duration of their study in the program.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this program.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

Successful completion of an Australian bachelor degree (or international equivalent) with a GPA of at least 2.0 out of 4.0.

Applicants who have a successfully completed a relevant degree (as above) with a GPA of at least 1.5 out of 4, will be considered if they have at least 3 years of relevant industry experience.

OR

Successful completion of an Australian postgraduate qualification (or international equivalent) in a related discipline (as above).

OR

Applicants without any relevant prior qualification will be considered if they have at least 10 years of relevant industry experience.

International qualifications are assessed for comparability to Australian qualifications according to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

Exemptions

Some applicants may be eligible for exemptions. Approved exemptions may change the duration of their study in the program

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).

Additional information

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Non-academic abilities you’ll need to complete this program

The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.

The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.

If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities. Please contact the Equitable Learning Service to discuss any adjustments you may require.

By understanding the types of activities you’ll participate in, you can:

  • understand more about the program
  • determine if you may need support during your studies
  • make an informed decision about whether the program is suitable for you

If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we can support you by making adjustments to activities in your program so that you can participate fully in your studies.

To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with Equitable Learning Service

The University considers the wellbeing and safety of all students, staff and the community to be a priority in academic and professional experience placement settings.

Pathways

You can gain entry to this masters degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs, if you meet the entry requirements.

Masters advanced standing

If you have successfully completed one of the following qualifications you will be eligible for exemptions as per the table below. In this table, qualifications in aviation and aerospace engineering are specified, and qualifications in equivalent areas will also be considered in a similar manner.

Each qualification is specified with a minimum amount of relevant work experience and corresponding amount of exemptions.

Relevant work experience is considered to be in aviation or a related industry and in some cases of credit it is required that experience is at manager level.

Applicants claiming credit for work experience must provide a letter from their employer(s) (or equivalent) verifying their roles and the duration of these.

Qualification

Minimum relevant work experience (years) [years at manager level]

Exemptions
(credit points)

Remaining Program Duration
(credit points)

Bachelor in
non-cognate area

5 [1]
3
1

96
48
24

96
144
168

Bachelor in
aerospace engineering

3 [1]
1
none

96
48
24

96
144
168

Bachelor in
aviation

3
1
none

96
72
48

96
120
144

Bachelor Honours in
non-cognate area

3 [1]
1
none

96
48
24

96
144
168

Bachelor Honours in
aerospace engineering

3 [1]
none

96
48

96
144

Bachelor Honours in
aviation

none

96

96

Upon successful completion of this masters degree, you may be eligible to undertake further studies in related programs at RMIT University, including postgraduate research programs, subject to the program's entrance requirements.

You can gain entry into this degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs.

Master Advanced Standing

If you have successfully completed one of the following qualifications you will be eligible for exemptions as per the table below. In this table, qualifications in aviation and aerospace engineering are specified, and qualifications in equivalent areas will also be considered in a similar manner.

Each qualification is specified with a minimum amount of relevant work experience and corresponding amount of exemptions.

Relevant work experience is considered to be in aviation or a related industry and in some cases of credit it is required that experience is at manager level.

Applicants claiming credit for work experience must provide a letter from their employer(s) (or equivalent) verifying their roles and the duration of these.

Qualification

Minimum relevant work experience (years) [years at manager level]

Exemptions
(credit points)

Remaining Program Duration
(credit points)

Bachelor in
non-cognate area

5 [1]
3
1

96
48
24

96
144
168

Bachelor in
aerospace engineering

3 [1]
1
none

96
48
24

96
144
168

Bachelor in
aviation

3
1
none

96
72
48

96
120
144

Bachelor Honours in
non-cognate area

3 [1]
1
none

96
48
24

96
144
168

Bachelor Honours in
aerospace engineering

3 [1]
none

96
48

96
144

Bachelor Honours in
aviation

none

96

96

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national policy for Australian qualifications in vocational and higher education.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit.

Credits

Applicants with a bachelor honours degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or masters degree qualification majoring in a different discipline may also be eligible for credit transfer of up to 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study).

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and weightings, and reference to the learning resources.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Upon successful completion of this degree, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT Masters by Research or Doctoral (PhD) program.

Fees

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Entry for this program is primarily through Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs).

Government financial assistance is available to eligible students regardless of the type of place you enrol in.

2025 indicative fees

Commonwealth supported places

  • 2025 Commonwealth supported places (CSP) range from AU$4,627 to AU$16,992*. 

Full-fee places

  • AU$37,440 (2025 annual fee)*.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$365 maximum fee for 2025*.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment*

Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.

*Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Defer your payment

  • You may be eligible to apply for a HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of up to the full amount of your student contribution fees. You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme.
  • For more information and to learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees see postgraduate study fees.

Paying your fees and applying for refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

If you are offered a Commonwealth supported place, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government.

Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set on an annual basis by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual enrolled courses, not the overall program.

How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?

The Australian Government has introduced changes to university funding and student contribution fees under its Job-ready Graduates Package. 

The fees in the table below apply to students who commence their program in 2025. Fees for continuing students are available at fees for Commonwealth supported students.

Each course (subject) falls into a band. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.

Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.

You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at Fees for Commonwealth supported students.

Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2025 for commencing students

Student contribution band by course (subject)

Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2025
Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture $4,627 per standard year
$578 per standard (12 credit point) course
Allied Health, Other Health, Built Environment, Computing, Visual and Performing Arts, Professional Pathway Psychology, Professional Pathway Social Work, Engineering, Surveying, Environmental Studies, Science, Pathology $9,314 per standard year
$1,164 per standard (12 credit point) course
Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science $13,241 per standard year
$1,655 per standard (12 credit point) course
Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture $16,992 per standard year
$2,124 per standard (12 credit point) course

Student Learning Entitlement

On 1 January 2022, the Government implemented the Student Learning Entitlement (SLE).

  • The SLE allows students 7 years of full-time subsidised study in Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP).
  • Your total SLE amount will be reduced in accordance with your overall study load in a CSP. 
  • Once you have utilised all your SLE, you can not longer study in a CSP.

For more information about SLE, visit Study Assist.

If you are offered a full-fee place, you will need to pay the full tuition costs of your program. However, eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from course to course.

HECS-HELP Loans

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the HECS-HELP loan scheme, which allows eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) to defer payment of up to the full amount of their student contribution.

FEE-HELP loans

Eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

SA-HELP Loans

You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.

How does a HELP loan work?

If your HECS-HELP, FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.

You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.

You may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to your employment.

See the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for more information.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

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In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365. 

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information