Master of Aviation – MAv

Enhance your career prospects in the internationally competitive aviation sector with the Master of Aviation. Massey is the only place in New Zealand where you can turn your passion for aviation into a tertiary qualification.

Type of qualification

Master's degree

Level of study

Postgraduate study

Once you’ve graduated with a bachelor’s degree – or have equal experience – you can study at the postgraduate level. Doctoral qualifications require additional entry requirements.

More about study levels

NZQF level 9

Our courses follow the New Zealand Qualification Framework (NZQF) levels.

Find out more about NZQF levels

Time to complete

18 months full-time
Up to 5 years part-time
Part-time available

Where you can study

Distance and online
Manawatū campus (Palmerston North)

International students

International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.

Definition of New Zealand citizens and residents

Open to international students on campus in New Zealand, or studying online outside New Zealand

Study a Master of Aviation – MAv

Massey University’s Master of Aviation will give you the knowledge and skills you need to gain a more in-depth understanding of aviation and advance your career.

This qualification offers taught courses and independent research. You get to choose from two pathways: research or professional practice- the latter includes a professional practice case study. Both options are available part-time by distance learning – or full time on campus,  affording aviation professionals maximum flexibility.

Turn your passion into a career

Aviation industry personnel like those in many other industries, face increasing ‘academic inflation’. Senior aviation managers need to demonstrate not only technical knowledge and expertise, but also advanced aviation qualifications and skills.

Massey University is the only place in New Zealand where you can turn your passion for aviation into a tertiary qualification. We are an internationally recognised pilot training facility.

Relevant learning

Your study will give you a broad knowledge of the global aviation industry. The Master of Aviation will also give you the skills to work to a high level of academic achievement, work to deadlines under pressure and communicate your work well. All these are essential skills for senior positions in the aviation industry, or to progress to further study such as a PhD.

Accessible lecturers

We offer small classes and more personalised learning than many other tertiary institutions. You'll have greater access to lecturers and the help you need to succeed.

Research-led and relevant

Massey teaching is research-led and our academics are internationally ranked and among the best in the world. International visitors often visit our facilities to learn more about what we do.

Your lecturers and supervisors at Massey also have strong connections with industry and our teaching reflects that. That means you will emerge with an industry-relevant qualification.

Further study

If you successfully complete the research pathway you may be able to proceed to a PhD.

A MAv is a good fit if you:

  • have a bachelor’s degree in aviation, or a relevant qualification
  • are interested in a postgraduate qualification that combines both structured learning and research
  • want to progress your career to the next level of seniority and stand out in the job market.

Entry requirements

Admission to Massey

All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.

Specific requirements

To enter the Master of Aviation, you will have been awarded or qualified for a Bachelor of Aviation, Bachelor of Aviation Management or equivalent qualification, and have achieved a minimum B- grade average in the highest level courses.

If you have been awarded the Degree of Bachelor of Aviation Management with Honours from Massey University, or the equivalent degree of another recognised university, you may apply for credit towards Part One of the qualification.

You will provide copies of all official academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.

English language requirements

To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.

Time limits for Honours, Distinction and Merit

Where your qualification is completed within the stated time limit and to a high standard, you may be able to graduate with Distinction or Merit. 

Prior learning, credit and exemptions

For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:

English language skills

If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.

Maximum time limits for completion

There are maximum time limits to complete postgraduate qualifications.  If you do not complete within the maximum time, you may be required to re-apply for the qualification if you wish to continue your studies.

Official regulations

To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.

You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Postgraduate Certificates.

Returning students

For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.

In some cases the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.

Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.

Structure of the Master of Aviation

If you study full-time, you’ll take 120 credits per year or 60 credits per semester.

The Master of Aviation is a parts-based qualification. That means you must complete Part One before moving to Part Two. For progression to Part Two, you must achieve:

  • a B grade average over the first 60 credits of courses, including the compulsory course, for the research pathway
  • a B- grade average over the courses in Part One, including the compulsory course, for the professional pathway.

Research pathway

If you choose this pathway your study will include 60 credits of taught courses including a compulsory Research Methods course. Part Two will incorporate a minimum of 60 credits of research.

Professional practice pathway

Those wanting a more practice-based qualification which reflects your industry experience should enrol in the Professional Practice option.

This option includes two compulsory aviation management courses, elective aviation courses and culminates in a 60 credit ‘Professional Practice in Aviation’ course. If you are already an aviation professional you may wish to draw on your current aviation role for the purpose of a case study.

 

Courses and specialisations

Key terms

Courses
Each qualification has its own specific set of courses. Some universities call these papers. You enrol in courses after you get accepted into Massey.
Course code
Each course is numbered using 6 digits. The fourth number shows the level of the course. For example, in course 219206, the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).
Credits
Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.
Specialisations
Some qualifications let you choose what subject you'd like to specialise in. Your major or endorsement is what you will take the majority of your courses in.

Credit summary

180 credits

Research Pathway

  • Part One courses – 60-120 credits
  • Part Two research – 60-120 credits

Coursework Pathway

  • Part One courses – 120 credits
  • Part Two professional practice – 60 credits

This is a parts-based qualification. This means there are regulations around completion of Part One before progressing to Part Two.

Advanced entry: Those who have already completed specified qualifications in advance of the minimum entry requirements and have been granted credit for it, may be able to complete this degree in 60 - 120 credits.

Course planning key

Prerequisites
Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level. For example, a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level prerequisite courses.
Corequisites
Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses.
Restrictions
Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar. This means you can only choose one of the offered courses to study and credit to your qualification.

Master of Aviation (Research Pathway)

Part One (Choose at least 60 credits from)

Compulsory course
Course code: 190704 Research Methods in Aviation 30 credits

To introduce students to the research design principles of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, data collection procedures, analysis of data and interpretation of results, and writing the research report.

View full course details
Subject courses
Course code: 190701 Human Factors for Professional Aviation 30 credits

An in-depth study of the latest developments in human factors policies and regulations made by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), with the aim of enhancing the safety, security and reliability of all areas of air transport. Contemporary research and research applications associated with the human factor aspects of aviation complements above study.

View full course details
Course code: 190703 Management in Aviation Systems 30 credits

A study of the roles, relationships and functions of senior management systems within the aviation industry. The course will examine the obligations and responsibilities of aviation corporations and their executives (moral, ethical and legal) to staff, clients, shareholders, the aviation community and the wider community.

View full course details
Course code: 190720 Aviation Strategic Management 30 credits

The application of economic, political regulatory and management knowledge to the planning and development of airline and aviation organisation product outcomes.

View full course details
Course code: 190721 Design and Management of Airports 30 credits

The course will examine the strategic, economic and administrative contexts within which modern airports operate. It will also seek to explore the primary issues that are shaping the development of airports in the current, medium and long terms.

View full course details
Course code: 190790 Special Topic 30 credits

Prerequisites: Appraisal Required

View full course details

Part Two (Choose at least 60 credits from)

Choose at least 60 credits from
Course code: 115894 Research Report 60-Credit Part 1 30 credits

Candidates are required to conduct a piece of independent research under supervision and to produce a report of the research for examination.

View full course details
Course code: 115895 Research Report 60-Credit Part 2 30 credits

Candidates are required to conduct a piece of independent research under supervision and to produce a report of the research for examination.

View full course details
Course code: 190890 Thesis 90 Credit Part 1 45 credits

A supervised and guided independent study resulting in a published work.

View full course details
Course code: 190891 Thesis 90 Credit Part 2 45 credits

A supervised and guided independent study resulting in a published work.

Corequisites: 190890

View full course details
Course code: 190892 Thesis 120 Credit Part 1 60 credits

A supervised and guided independent study resulting in a published work.

View full course details
Course code: 190893 Thesis 120 Credit Part 2 60 credits

A supervised and guided independent study resulting in a published work.

Corequisites: 190892

View full course details
Course code: 190895 Research Report 60 credits

Candidates are required to conduct a piece of independent research under supervision and to produce a report of the research for examination.

View full course details
Course code: 190898 Thesis 90 credits

A supervised and guided independent study resulting in a published work.

View full course details
Course code: 190899 Thesis 120 credits

A supervised and guided independent study resulting in a published work.

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Master of Aviation (Professional Pathway)

Part One (Choose 120 credits from)

Compulsory courses (Choose 60 credits from)
Choose 60 credits from
Course code: 190703 Management in Aviation Systems 30 credits

A study of the roles, relationships and functions of senior management systems within the aviation industry. The course will examine the obligations and responsibilities of aviation corporations and their executives (moral, ethical and legal) to staff, clients, shareholders, the aviation community and the wider community.

View full course details
Course code: 190720 Aviation Strategic Management 30 credits

The application of economic, political regulatory and management knowledge to the planning and development of airline and aviation organisation product outcomes.

View full course details
Subject courses (Choose 60 credits from)
Choose 60 credits from
Course code: 190701 Human Factors for Professional Aviation 30 credits

An in-depth study of the latest developments in human factors policies and regulations made by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), with the aim of enhancing the safety, security and reliability of all areas of air transport. Contemporary research and research applications associated with the human factor aspects of aviation complements above study.

View full course details
Course code: 190721 Design and Management of Airports 30 credits

The course will examine the strategic, economic and administrative contexts within which modern airports operate. It will also seek to explore the primary issues that are shaping the development of airports in the current, medium and long terms.

View full course details
Course code: 190790 Special Topic 30 credits

Prerequisites: Appraisal Required

View full course details
Course code: 190791 Special Topic 30 credits

Prerequisites: Appraisal Required

View full course details

Part Two (Choose 60 credits from)

Choose 60 credits from
Course code: 190894 Professional Practice in Aviation 60 credits

Candidates will undertake professional practice within the Aviation subject area . Professional Practice may be conducted either individually or in groups and assessment of the outcome of the investigation may be in a variety of ways including written and oral presentations and case studies.

View full course details

Fees and scholarships

Fees, student loans and free fees scheme

Your tuition fees may be different depending on the courses you choose. Your exact fees will show once you have chosen your courses.

There will also be some compulsory non-tuition fees and for some courses, there may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.

Already know which courses you're going to choose?

You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.

Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme

You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.

The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme and your eligibility on the Fees Free website. To use the site's eligibility checking tool, you will need your National Student Number.

Current and returning Massey students can find their National Student Number in the student portal.

Fees disclaimer

This information is for estimation purposes only. Actual fees payable will be finalised on confirmation of enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, all fees shown are quoted in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax, if any. Before relying on any information on these pages you should also read the University's Disclaimer Notice.

Careers and job opportunities

Earn more

A 2017 Ministry of Education publication The post-study earnings and destinations of young domestic graduates, found that in New Zealand:

  • young master’s graduates earn more than one and a half times more than the national median (five years after study)
  • earnings and employment rates increase with the level of qualification completed
  • five years after completion, the median earnings of young master’s graduates are 15% higher than for those with a bachelor’s degree.

What our students say

“Massey staff and lecturers were always extremely helpful and keen for me to do well and to achieve my goal to increase my personal knowledge.”
Captain Andrew Sturrock

Master of Aviation

Accreditations and rankings

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

Massey Business School is rated in the top 5% of global business colleges by AACSB International.

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QS Ranking - Business Management Studies

Massey University is ranked by QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) as one of the top 350 universities for business and management.

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ShanghaiRanking – Business Administration

Massey University is ranked #2 in New Zealand for business administration by ShanghaiRanking.

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