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CL09 - Bachelor of Aviation

Overview

Compulsory Residential School

Some units in this course require you to attend a compulsory Residential School or Work Integrated Learning. Please see Course Features in the Getting Started tab for further information.

Course Overview

The Bachelor of Aviation gives you the opportunity to become a professional pilot or pursue a role in airline or airport management with two majors: Flight Operations, and Airline and Airport Operations.

The Airline and Airport Operations major will prepare you for a career as an airline and airport professional by providing the core theoretical foundations of aviation operational management and giving you the opportunity to apply your knowledge in a relevant work environment. In this major, you will study a wide range of topics specifically tailored to the airline and airport operations environment, and develop skills in critical thinking, decision making, problem solving and teamwork. You will also develop an understanding of the relationship between human physiology/psychology and the aviation environment by focusing on the function and limitations of the human body. You will be introduced to the application of safety processes and how they are applied within the aviation industry and to the laws that are relevant to airline and airport operations.

The Flight Operations major will prepare you for a career as a professional airline pilot capable of managing a multi-crew environment. In this major, you will study the academic and aeronautical knowledge requirements of the Air Transport Pilot License and Command Instrument Rating. You will build knowledge and skills relating to aerodynamics, navigation, meteorology and flight planning, as well as being introduced to the laws that are relevant to aviation, multi-crew environments and the development and maintenance of a safety management system.

If you wish to obtain your Commercial Pilot License and Command Instrument Rating you will need to complete the Graduate Diploma of Aviation (Flight Operations) in addition to the Bachelor of Aviation. All practical flight training components beyond the first solo in the circuit area of your training aerodrome are delivered in the Graduate Diploma. For those of you who wish to obtain your Commercial Pilot Licence, please ensure to submit your application for entry into the Graduate Diploma of Aviation (Flight Operations) no later than mid-term break. This is to allow yourself enough time to complete the necessary tasks or arrange RPL required for entry into the course. It can take up to six weeks to complete these tasks.

Career Information

The Bachelor of Aviation (Flight Operations) prepares you for aviation careers in the air transportation industry as a professional airline pilot. When you graduate with the Bachelor of Aviation (Flight Operations) you will meet the aeronautical knowledge requirements for a career as a professional airline pilot in the air transportation industry. When studied in conjunction with CQUniversity’s CM54 Graduate Diploma of Aviation you would be qualified to work as a professional pilot and have access to aviation careers in the air transportation industry, or a cadetship/ traineeship offered by some airlines. You may also be eligible to apply for the Australian Defence Force which recruits potential pilots for all services. With additional flight training you can explore opportunities in general aviation such as; flight instructing, tourism operations and agricultural operations such as mustering and crop spraying.

Aviation management is a broad and dynamic field and there is unlimited amounts of aviation business administration jobs that are necessary 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. Aviation professional jobs require critical thinking and clear communication skills. You are going to be working with people not only your company but again cross company lines or across industry lines or with regulatory people to maintain the safest travel industry in the world. Graduates complete a degree in aviation management receive a diverse training in skills that are necessary for an airline or airport management career and are hired by airlines and related organizations such as airports, government agencies, tourism authorities, freight forwarders, airport ground handling companies, consulting firms, IT firms and air safety authorities. 


Course Details
Duration 3 years full-time
Credit Points that Must be Earned 144
Number of Units Required CQUniversity uses the concept of credits to express the amount of study required for a particular course and individual units. The number of units varies between courses. Units in undergraduate courses normally consist of 6 points of credit or multiples thereof (e.g. 12, 18, 24).
Expected Hours of Study One point of credit is equivalent to an expectation of approximately two hours of student work per week in a term.
Course Type Undergraduate Award
Qualification (post nominal) BAv
AQF Level Level 7: Bachelor Degree
Course Fees
Indicative Year - 2025
  • Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee - $10,272
  • Domestic Full Fee Paying – Indicative First Year Fee - $27,097.5
  • International Indicative First Term Fee - $20,280
  • International Indicative First Year Fee - $41,760
Indicative Year - 2024
  • Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee - $9,866
  • Domestic Full Fee Paying – Indicative First Year Fee - $26,029.5
  • International Indicative First Term Fee - $19,560
  • International Indicative First Year Fee - $40,080
Indicative Year - 2023
  • Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee - $9,151
  • International Indicative First Term Fee - $19,560
  • International Indicative First Year Fee - $39,120
Indicative Year - 2022
  • Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee - $8,018
  • International Indicative First Term Fee - $19,560
  • International Indicative First Year Fee - $39,120

Admission Codes

Where and when can I start?
Units offered internally at the below campuses may be delivered using a combination of face-to-face and video conferencing style teaching.
Units offered via MIX mode are delivered online and require compulsory attendance of site-specific learning activities such as on-campus residential schools, placements and/or work integrated learning. See Course Features tab for further information. Online units are delivered using online resources only.
Please Click Here for more information.
The following tables list the courses availabilities by location and term. Directing your pointer over your preferred location will provide further information if this course is not available for the full duration. Please be sure to also check individual unit availability by location and term prior to enrolling.

Domestic Availability

Term 2 - 2026

Cairns
Online

Term 1 - 2026

Cairns
Online

Term 2 - 2025

Cairns
Online

Term 1 - 2025

Cairns
Online

Term 2 - 2024

Airline and Airport Operations major is NOT available for Term 2 start.
Cairns
Online

Term 1 - 2024

Airline and Airport Operations major is only available for Term 1 start.
Cairns
Online

Term 2 - 2023

Only the Airline and Airport Operations major is available to international students. Please see the 'More Details' page for further information.
Bundaberg
Cairns
Online

Term 1 - 2023

Only the Airline and Airport Operations major is available to international students. Please see the 'More Details' page for further information.
Bundaberg
Cairns
Online

Term 2 - 2022

Only the Airline and Airport Operations major is available to international students. Please see the 'More Details' page for further information.
Bundaberg
Cairns
Online

Term 1 - 2022

Only the Airline and Airport Operations major is available to international students. Please see the 'More Details' page for further information.
Bundaberg
Cairns
Online

Term 2 - 2021

Cairns
Online
Perth

Term 1 - 2021

Bundaberg
Cairns
Online
Perth

Term 2 - 2020

Bundaberg
Cairns
Online

Term 1 - 2020

Bundaberg
Cairns
Online

Term 2 - 2019

Bundaberg
Cairns
Online

Term 1 - 2019

Bundaberg
Cairns
Online

Term 1 - 2018

Bundaberg
Cairns
Distance
Show All

International Availability

Term 2 - 2026

Cairns
Online

Term 1 - 2026

Cairns
Online

Term 2 - 2025

Cairns

Term 1 - 2025

Cairns
Online

Term 2 - 2024

Airline and Airport Operations major is NOT available for Term 2 start.
Cairns

Term 1 - 2024

Airline and Airport Operations major is only available for Term 1 start.
Cairns

Term 2 - 2023

Only the Airline and Airport Operations major is available to international students. Please see the 'More Details' page for further information.
Cairns

Term 1 - 2023

Only the Airline and Airport Operations major is available to international students. Please see the 'More Details' page for further information.
Cairns

Term 2 - 2022

Only the Airline and Airport Operations major is available to international students. Please see the 'More Details' page for further information.
Cairns

Term 1 - 2022

Only the Airline and Airport Operations major is available to international students. Please see the 'More Details' page for further information.
Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 2 - 2021

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2021

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 2 - 2020

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2020

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 2 - 2019

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2019

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2018

Sorry, no international availabilities found.
Show All
For any problems regarding admissions availability for the selected course please contact 13 CQUni (13 27 86) or send us an email at http://contactus.cqu.edu.au/
What do I need to start?
Entry Scores
Rank Threshold SR 68 | ATAR 68
Entry Requirements

English Language Proficiency Requirements

If you were not born in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa or United States of America, you are required to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements set by the University.

Applicants are required to provide evidence of completion of:

  • A secondary qualification (Year 11 and 12, or equivalent) or
  • An Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) diploma level qualification, or
  • Bachelor level qualification study for a period of at least 2 years fulltime with a minimum overall GPA 4.0

completed within Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, South Africa, Ireland, or United States of America, which will meet the English proficiency.

If you do not satisfy any of the above you will need to undertake an English language proficiency test and achieve the following scores as below:

  • An International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic) overall band score of at least 6.0 with a minimum 5.5 in each subset; or
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - Requires 550 or better overall & minimum TWE score of 4.5 (Paper Based Test), or 75 or better overall and no score less than 17 (Internet Based Test); or
  • Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) - Requires an overall score of 54 with no sub-score less than 46; or
  • An Occupational English Test with Grades A or B only in each of the four components.

English test results remain valid for no more than two years between final examination date and the date of commencement of study, and must appear on a single result certificate.

International Students should visit http://www.cqu.edu.au/international for further information.

Each student will be assessed individually.

Assumed Knowledge

Senior English, Physics and Mathematical Methods.

Course Features

Awards and Accreditation

Interim Awards Not applicable
Exit Awards CL06 - Associate Degree of Aviation CL11 - Diploma of Aviation
Accreditation
  • Core

    N/A

Residential School Requirements

Compulsory Residential School Compulsory Residential Schools are required for the laboratory and presentation components in certain units.
Click here to view all Residential Schools

Practicum/Work Placement

AVAT13025 - Aviation Placement is a 12 credit unit for third-year students who will gain important work experience directly from industry partners.

Previous and Current Enrolments

Year Number of Students
2024 155
2023 178
2022 192
2021 171
2020 146
Inherent Requirements
There are Inherent Requirements (IRs) that you need to be aware of, and fulfil, to achieve the core learning outcomes of the units and course. IRs are the essential capabilities, knowledge, behaviours and skills that are needed to complete a unit or course.

Please note that in some instances there may be similarities between course, entry and inherent requirements.

If you experience difficulties meeting these requirements, reasonable adjustments may be made upon contacting accessibility@cqu.edu.au. Adjustment must not compromise the academic integrity of the degree or course chosen at CQUniversity or the legal requirements of field education.

Ethical Behaviour

Examples are:

  • Complying with academic and non-academic misconduct policies and procedures such as CQUniversity’s Student Charter, Student Misconduct Policy and Student Behavioural Misconduct Procedures and Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
  • Demonstrating respect for cultural and professional diversity as well as individual differences and capacities in the aviation industry.
  • Complying with the requirement under the Aviation Act to be a fit and proper person.
Behavioural Stability

Examples are:

  • Successfully processing your own emotions and behaviour when dealing with stressful situations that can arise in the aviation environment.
  • Maintaining behavioural stability through successfully distinguishing your own personal behaviours, experiences and emotions from others and situations in a professional setting.
  • Being reflective with personal behaviours appropriate to professional performance and being positive and receptive to processing constructive supervisor/lecturer/peer feedback or criticism.
  • Complying with the behavioural requirements to be a fit and proper person under the Aviation Act.
Legal Compliance

Examples are:

  • Complying with the relevant workplace policies and practices in the aviation industry.
  • Complying with university and workplace policy with the use of social media, online discussion forums, email and other electronic forms of communication.
  • Complying with the policies and practices of organisations in which you may be placed or find employment.
  • Complying with the Aviation Act and Regulations.
Communication Skills (Verbal, Non-verbal, Written and Technology)

Examples are:

  • Verbally communicating in English your aviation knowledge with accuracy, appropriateness and effectiveness in a wide variety of contexts.
  • Actively participating in discussion and course activities with appropriate use and command of language to the context.
  • Using language that is appropriate to the context of the individual, group or workplace.
  • Establishing rapport with all stakeholders in the delivery of aviation practice and responding appropriately to stakeholders and other professionals.
  • Using appropriate facial expressions, body movements and gestures, being mindful of space boundaries.
  • Recognising and interpreting non-verbal cues of others and responding appropriately during activities related to the course and in aviation practice.
  • Adopting non-threatening body language during challenging and/or stressful situations with others.
  • Competently and appropriately producing written assessment work in a logical, coherent manner, and with correct grammar and punctuation to the required academic standards.
  • Expressing complex and detailed information and knowledge in logical and legible formats, in a timely manner that meets professional standards and clearly communicates the intended message.
  • Accurately conveying and documenting information in a written form to develop and execute a case or cohesive argument that meets academic, professional and aviation practice requirements.
  • Competently using a desktop operating system such as Microsoft Windows or Mac OS X.
  • Using a computer with sufficient computer skills to engage in on -line learning, reading, initiating and responding to emails and other forms of electronic communication, and completing relevant assessments for the course. This includes being able to regularly access the Internet for coursework and research.
  • Competently using productivity software such as Microsoft Office, and operate associated electronic technologies in the contemporary academic and aviation environment.
  • Analysing, manipulating and displaying scientific information using a variety of specific programs relevant to aviation practice.
Cognitive Abilities (Knowledge and Cognitive Skills, Literacy and Numeracy)

Examples are:

  • Conceptualising and using appropriate knowledge and evidence in response to academic assessment items and in the aviation organisation in which you may be placed or find employment.
  • Completing academic learning activities and assessment tasks, and perform aviation skills within reasonable set time-frames.
  • Constructing written text proficiently, in English, using appropriate vocabulary, correct grammar and conventions of speech, including being able to paraphrase, summarise and reference in accordance with appropriate academic and professional conventions.
  • competently reading, writing and accurately interpreting information to convey language effectively in aviation practice.
  • Completing documentation that is accurate, clear and concise.
  • Demonstrating competency in applying mathematics knowledge and numeracy skills to accurately read and interpret various measurements.
  • Demonstrating effective use of mathematics knowledge and numeracy skills in the application of aviation practice.
  • Demonstrating competency in manipulating and analysing numerical data.
Sensory Abilities (Visual, Auditory, Tactile)

Examples are:

  • Having sufficient visual acuity to accurately measure and assess.
  • Having sufficient visual acuity to work in a team-based aviation environment.
  • Having sufficient visual acuity to identify hazards to self and others.
  • Perceiving fine detail on a computer screen and/or mobile/portable device.
  • Discerning an object from its background.
  • Having sufficient auditory capacity to hear verbal communication from other professionals in the delivery of aviation practice.
  • Having sufficient auditory capacity to work in a team-based aviation environment where verbal and non-verbal communication is essential to practice.
  • Having sufficient auditory capacity to capture auditory warning circumstances, movements or signals where other senses may not detect such stimuli.
  • Interacting with a computer through input devices such as a mouse or keyboard.
  • Correctly and successfully interacting with electronic and fixed position devices to perform aviation requirements.
Relational Skills

Examples are:

  • Having sufficient relationship skills to undertake flight training on aircraft and in the simulator.


Reflective Skills

Examples are:

  • Having sufficient reflective skills to be able to analyse and reflect upon flight and theory lessons.


Sustainable Performance

Examples are:

  • Actively participating safely and effectively in intensive aviation tasks that require sustained level of physical energy and concentration over a long duration.
  • Actively participating in a variety of aviation tasks in both indoor and outdoor environments.
Strength and Mobility (Gross Motor Skills and Fine Motor Skills)

Examples are:

  • Incorporating a range of gross motor skills while participating effectively in aviation activities.
  • Moving with ease while undertaking aviation activities.
  • Working safely and effectively in a variety of physical environments applicable to aviation practice.
  • Using a variety of fine motor skills in various aviation activities.
  • Interacting with a computer through input devices such as a mouse or keyboard.
  • Correctly and successfully interacting with electronic and fixed position devices to perform aviation requirements.
Interpersonal Engagement

Examples are:

  • Respectfully and successfully interacting with flight providers, airport staff and other aviation professionals.


Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Abilities

Examples are:

  • Correctly and successfully interacting with computers and associated devices to perform aviation requirements.


Compulsory Requirements
Health Requirements

Students who are wishing to complete the Flight Operations major are required to hold a Class 1 Aviation Medical throughout the course.   

Security Requirements

Students who are wishing to complete the Flight Operations major are required to obtain an Australian Security Identification Card (ASIC) before commencing flying in the second year and maintain that current throughout the course. 

Students who are wishing to complete the Airline and Airport Operations major may be required to obtain an Australian Security Identification Card (ASIC) to complete AVAT13025 Aviation Placement and AVAT13026 Aviation Capstone Project units. 

Core Learning Outcomes
  • 1. Use new and existing technology and concepts encountered in the aviation industry in the role of an air transport pilot
  • 2. Demonstrate effective leadership and authority in a multi-crew situation
  • 3. Reflect on the professional and ethical responsibilities of an air transport pilot from a national and international perspective
  • 4. Analyse critically and solve problems encountered in the role of an air transport pilot
  • 5. Operate an aeroplane independently in the circuit area of the training aerodrome
  • 6. Develop and maintain a safety management system.
  Course Learning Outcomes
Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors 1 2 3 4 5 6
1. KNOWLEDGE Have a broad and coherent body of knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines as a basis for independent lifelong learning
2. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to review critically, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge
3. SKILLS Have cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of knowledge with depth in some areas
4. SKILLS Have cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving problems with intellectual independence
5. SKILLS Have communication skills to present a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas
6. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Demonstrate initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in professional practice and/or scholarship
7. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts
8. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILL Be responsible and accountable for own learning and professional practice and in collaboration with others within broad parameters
KNOWLEDGE Develop an understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culture in contemporary and historical context using the respectful and appropriate protocols and terminology
APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Engage in reflective self-evaluation of own cultural values and perspectives to proactively create an inclusive workplace that affirms and celebrates cultural diversity
APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Display leadership by creating inclusive work environments and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a culturally respectful manner
Airline and Airport Operations Learning Outcomes
  • 1. Apply skills, knowledge, and technology to support a wide range of aerodrome and air transport operations
  • 2. Apply the body of knowledge of airline and airport operations and appropriate international and domestic regulatory frameworks
  • 3. Critically analyse problems and recommend solutions for international airlines and airports
  • 4. Apply an aviation professional approach in contributing to the innovation, development and management of airline and airport operational practice
  • 5. Practice the importance of effective teamwork and communication skills appropriate to a professional aviation context.
  Course Learning Outcomes
Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors 1 2 3 4 5
1. KNOWLEDGE Have a broad and coherent body of knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines as a basis for independent lifelong learning
2. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to review critically, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge
3. SKILLS Have cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of knowledge with depth in some areas
4. SKILLS Have cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving problems with intellectual independence
5. SKILLS Have communication skills to present a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas
6. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Demonstrate initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in professional practice and/or scholarship
7. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts
8. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILL Be responsible and accountable for own learning and professional practice and in collaboration with others within broad parameters
KNOWLEDGE Develop an understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culture in contemporary and historical context using the respectful and appropriate protocols and terminology
APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Engage in reflective self-evaluation of own cultural values and perspectives to proactively create an inclusive workplace that affirms and celebrates cultural diversity
APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Display leadership by creating inclusive work environments and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a culturally respectful manner
Flight Operations Learning Outcomes
  • 1. Use new and existing technology and concepts encountered in the aviation industry in the role of an air transport pilot
  • 2. Illustrate effective leadership and authority in a multi-crew situation
  • 3. Reflect on the professional and ethical responsibilities of an air transport pilot from a national and international perspective
  • 4. Analyse critically and solve problems encountered in the role of an air transport pilot
  • 5. Operate an aeroplane independently in the circuit area of the training aerodrome
  • 6. Develop and maintain a safety management system.
  Course Learning Outcomes
Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors 1 2 3 4 5 6
1. KNOWLEDGE Have a broad and coherent body of knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines as a basis for independent lifelong learning
2. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to review critically, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge
3. SKILLS Have cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of knowledge with depth in some areas
4. SKILLS Have cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving problems with intellectual independence
5. SKILLS Have communication skills to present a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas
6. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Demonstrate initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in professional practice and/or scholarship
7. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts
8. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILL Be responsible and accountable for own learning and professional practice and in collaboration with others within broad parameters
KNOWLEDGE Develop an understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culture in contemporary and historical context using the respectful and appropriate protocols and terminology
APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Engage in reflective self-evaluation of own cultural values and perspectives to proactively create an inclusive workplace that affirms and celebrates cultural diversity
APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Display leadership by creating inclusive work environments and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a culturally respectful manner
Course Structure

In order to complete this course, you must:

  1. Complete the core structure
  2. Complete 1 major
Number of units: 1 Total credit points: 12

You will begin your study in the Bachelor of Aviation by learning about the basics of aeronautics.

Available units
Students must complete the following compulsory units:
AVAT11002 Basic Aeronautical Knowledge

Airline and Airport Operations Major

Flight Operations Major

More Details

International Availability

Only the Airline and Airport Operations major of this course is available to international students. If you are an international student aspiring to a career as a pilot, please apply for the CQUniversity CL29 Bachelor of Aviation (Commercial Pilot) course. CL29 is designed specifically to prepare international students for a Commercial Pilot Licence outcome and include all the Commercial Pilot Licence flight training.