Bachelor of Aviation (Pilot)

Make your dreams of being a pilot a reality with South Australia’s first and only aviation degree designed specifically to train pilots.

You’ll start flight training as part of your studies with our partner FTA and learn aerodynamics, meteorology, navigation and flight planning in ultra-modern facilities.

Flight training is taught separately to this degree via the Graduate Diploma in Aviation.

There are a number of entry requirements that must be fulfilled before you can begin.

Please read the Graduate Diploma in Aviation page carefully.

UniSA works in close partnership with industry, you will graduate ready to meet the growing global demand for pilots1.

1 Boeing’s Current Market Outlook 2014-2033

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.

Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.

Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:

Recent secondary education Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent AND

• Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
• Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
• Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points

Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.

Recent secondary education ATAR profile

OR Higher education study

• Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
• Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above

OR Vocational Education and Training (VET)

• Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate IV or above

OR Work and life experience

• Qualify for Special Entry, or
• Complete a UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
• Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past

Essential requirements for admission

Prerequisites

Assumed Knowledge

Deferment

This degree is available for deferment. This option is made available by responding to your offer during the application process via the SATAC website. Applicants who receive an offer into a midyear degree are eligible to defer for six months.

You will undertake general studies in aviation including an introduction to human factors and safety management systems. You will do Flight Training Theory 1 and 2, taught by instructors from the flight training provider. These courses prepare you for CASA Commercial Pilot Licence theory examinations.

As your studies progress you will explore more advanced and theoretical areas including meteorology, law, human factors and aspects of the flight and performance of large aircraft systems. You will also study communication and aviation management. Your technical studies will include aerodynamics, heavy aircraft systems, navigation and risk and safety management.

Over the course of the degree, you can select up to four electives from the Bachelor of Aviation (Management) degree and other aviation-related electives.

Flight training is done via the Graduate Diploma in Aviation and there are a number of entry requirements that must be fulfilled before you can begin. Please read the Graduate Diploma in Aviation page carefully.

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects and contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12 – 26 hours of study when at university and 14 – 28 hours of independent study per week.

Your studies at UniSA will incorporate both practical, professionally-focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

UniSA has a track record for building partnerships and developing new technologies for industry. We are one of Australia's leading universities for Engineering Research (UniSA's Engineering research rated well above world-class - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)). We collaborate with over 2,500 companies worldwide. These extensive industry connections give us a truly competitive edge – our students get real-world skills and contacts.

This program offers aviation theory based on the CASA Commercial Pilot and Airline Transport Pilot syllabus. Our partnership with Flight Training Adelaide (FTA) draws on mutual experience and expertise to deliver Commercial Pilot Theory content within this program.

UniSA has partnered with QantasLink to offer an exciting professional engagement program and employment pathways to one of the world’s leading air groups (see below for more details)

Your career

Over the next 20 years the world's airline fleet will grow at an average rate of 3.6 per cent annually, driving the need for more than 36,700 new airplanes valued at 5.2 trillion dollars. Growth is being driven by emerging markets such as Latin America, Asia-Pacific, low cost carrier and sixth freedom business models.1 The 2016 Boeing Pilot and Technician Outlook projects that 617,000 new commercial airline pilots and 679,000 new maintenance technicians will be needed to fly and maintain the world fleet between now and 2035.2

With this growth, it is an exciting time to be planning a career in the aviation industry. Here are some careers to consider:

• commercial pilot working for international, national or regional airlines
• corporate and business aviation
• flight instructor
• defence pilot
• firefighting pilot
• medical and air ambulance pilot

1 Boeing’s Market Outlook 2013-2032 2 2016 Boeing Pilot and Technician Outlook

Applying to study with us:

• go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply
• you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application

Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and loads more.

Adelaide has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation or private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages for plenty of options. If you need somewhere to live, our new student accommodation by urbanest is on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal perfect location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Our student support services will make your life at university easier. We want you to be successful, and if you need help, we're here to assist. We provide a full range of support services, including:

• academic counselling
• personal counselling
• social support services, including family support and nearby childcare

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with advanced facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments.

The UniSA hangar at Parafield Airport is fully equipped for flight training with networked classrooms, simulators housed in climate and sound-controlled rooms, and aircraft maintenance hangars. There is also a student lounge, briefing rooms for one-on-one time with instructors, and a flight planning area.

An operations room is staffed by qualified personnel who maintain a ‘flight watch’ service for all FTA aircraft in the air. Students have immediate access to weather, NOTAMS and other flight planning data as required.

FLIGHT TRAINING Practical flight training is taught through the Graduate Diploma in Aviation (LGAN), which is studied concurrently with the Bachelor of Aviation (Pilot) (LBAN). The flight training courses are delivered by FTA at the UniSA Aviation Academy based at Parafield Airport.