Bachelor of Aviation Management – BAvMan

If you are passionate about aviation and are interested in the broader picture of the aviation industry, this is the degree for you.

Type of qualification

Bachelor's degree

Level of study

Undergraduate study

An undergraduate qualification is usually the first one you study.

More about study levels

NZQF level 7

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

Find out more about NZQF levels

Time to complete

3 years full-time (360 credits)
Up to 8 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
Note: Available via the Singapore Aviation Academy.

Study a Bachelor of Aviation Management – BAvMan

The Bachelor of Aviation Management (BAvMan) is a dedicated aviation qualification that will introduce you to various aspects of the aviation industry. If you have a passion for aviation, enjoy working with other people and are interested in working towards a management role in a global business, then this degree is for you.

You will gain an understanding of the human factors in aviation, airline strategic management and airport operational management.

This degree is suitable if you are wanting to enter the aviation industry. If you already work in the industry, the qualification also provides a route to enhance your skills and knowledge to add further value to your career portfolio.

Turn your passion into a career

Massey University is the only place in New Zealand where you can turn your passion for aviation into a university qualification, while gaining a broad knowledge of the global aviation industry. Classes are based at both the Turitea site and at Massey’s internationally-recognised flight training facility where Bachelor of Aviation Management students mingle with Bachelor of Aviation students.

Massey’s BAvMan graduates can be found in all of New Zealand’s major airports, as well as in the aviation support sector, in aviation regulatory bodies and working in airlines around the world.

Students in Singapore

Courses for this qualification are offered by distance learning in Singapore through the Singapore Aviation Academy in conjunction with Massey University.

Further study

If you successfully complete this qualification, you could progress to a Master of Aviation.

A BAvMan is a good fit if you:

  • are fascinated by airports, airlines and ‘all things aviation’
  • are attracted to working in a global industry with international opportunities
  • want an exciting and challenging role where every day is different.

Entry requirements

Admission to Massey

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

Specific requirements

There are no specific entry requirements for this qualification, outside of university admission regulations.

English language requirements

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

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.

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 Undergraduate Degrees, Undergraduate Diplomas, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas and Graduate 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 Bachelor of Aviation Management

If you study full-time, in your first year, you’ll take eight 15-credit courses, making a total of 120 credits.

If you wish to study over two semesters, you should aim for 60 credits per semester. You may be able to take some courses at summer school. Make sure you include courses that are prerequisites for the next level of courses you wish to 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

360 credits

  • Compulsory courses – 150 credits
  • Courses from Schedule B – 120 credits
  • Electives – 90 credits

Ensure that overall, you have:

  • No more than 135 credits at 100 level (including no more then 75 credits of 100‑level electives)
  • At least 75 credits at 300 level overall (including at least 15 credits of 300‑level electives, if required)

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.

Schedule A: Compulsory courses (Choose 150 credits from)

Choose 150 credits from
Course code: 190109 Aviation Studies 15 credits

An introduction to the interaction of components in the aviation system, including human resources, aircraft, airports and airways systems.

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Course code: 190115 Introduction to Aeronautics 15 credits

An introduction to the non-practical components of airline and commercial pilots’ aeronautical knowledge. Emphasis is placed on general aircraft technical knowledge, principles of flight, aeronautical meteorology, flight procedures and aviation law.

Restrictions: 190110 or 190112 or CPL (A or H)

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Course code: 190116 Introduction to Management in Aviation 15 credits

An overview of management concepts in the aviation industry.

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Course code: 190117 Introduction to Human Factors 15 credits

The application of information processing strategies for improving performance in learning, problem-solving, decision-making, interpersonal interrelations, coping in situational anxiety and mental rehearsal.

Restrictions: 190107

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Course code: 190216 Aviation Human Factors 15 credits

The course provides an overview of the basic concepts of human factors in aviation, human performance, and issues relating to judgement and decision-making in this high risk environment. Communication and other aspects of social psychology in various aviation environment are also explored.

Prerequisites: 190107 or 190117 Restrictions: 190205

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Course code: 190220 Managing Airline Systems 15 credits

An examination of the management of airline organisations.

Prerequisites: 190116

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Course code: 190224 Environmental Impacts of Aviation 15 credits

Advanced study of the environment of aviation, the impacts of aviation on the environment and the methods for reducing the impacts.

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Course code: 190225 Introduction to Research Methods in Aviation 15 credits

An introduction to the theories and methods of research in the aviation industry. A range of both quantitative and qualitative methodologies is explored, and various techniques for aviation research are examined.

Prerequisites: Any 1901xx course

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Course code: 190327 Managing Cultures in Aviation 15 credits

A critical evaluation of theory and practice of management of cultures in aviation, incorporating: (a) an exploration of theoretical and practical aspects of cultural diversity and its effect on aviation industry in the global business environment; and (b) an assessment and management of international, national, and organisational cultural dimensions and their shaping influence in various aspects of aviation operation.

Prerequisites: 190205 or 190216

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Course code: 190340 Contemporary Issues in Aviation Security 15 credits

This course explores aviation security with a particular emphasis on terrorism. Students explore key incidents, areas at risk, and the legislation and practical means by which risks are managed. The trade off between an erosion of civil liberties and increased security will be explored, as will the reasons why risks will always remain.

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Schedule B: Aviation Management courses (Choose 120 credits from)

Choose 120 credits from
Course code: 190210 Aviation Safety Management 15 credits

To provide a comprehensive understanding of safety management in civil flight operations environments, particularly relating to international standards and recommended practices prescribed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for the design and implementation of safety management systems in aviation.

Prerequisites: Any 1901xx course

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Course code: 190211 Aviation Strategic Management 15 credits

An examination of the strategic management processes employed in the aviation industry, and how the business environment shapes strategy formulation and implementation in the aviation industry.

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Course code: 190222 Basic Air Safety Investigation 15 credits

The aim of this course is to give students an insight to aircraft accident investigation. The course will also benefit those who need to understand the investigation process, such as managers of airlines and regulatory authorities. The course covers the basic requirements and procedures involved in air safety investigation.

Prerequisites: 190115 or 190110 or 190112 or CPL (A or H)

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Course code: 190240 Air Power 15 credits

This course examines military air power, its characteristics, history and development, including selected air campaigns and use of Remote Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS).

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Course code: 190249 Aircraft Maintenance Management 30 credits

An examination of knowledge appropriate to the management of an aircraft maintenance organisation.

Prerequisites: 190220 or 190244 or AMEL

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Course code: 190299 Aviation Special Topic 15 credits

Prerequisites: Appraisal Required Restrictions: 190291 and 190292

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Course code: 190306 Airline Strategic Management 15 credits

A review of the current state of strategic management in the airline industry. The approach is both multidisciplinary in focus and international in scope. Attention will be focused on the Asia-Pacific region, as the potential location of the world's largest aviation market.

Prerequisites: 190211

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Course code: 190307 Airport Planning 15 credits

A study of demographic, environmental and economic considerations which apply to the design and evaluation of airport facilities.

Prerequisites: At least 45 credits at 200-level from 190-prefix series

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Course code: 190308 Airport Operational Management 15 credits

An examination of the management of airport systems, such as air-side and land-side facilities, technical and support services which contribute to the operational effectiveness of modern airports. The course will further examine the relationship between airport authorities and the local community.

Prerequisites: Any 1902xx course

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Course code: 190309 Design of Airways and Air Traffic Systems 15 credits

An examination of air traffic and air navigational systems and the principles which apply to their operational infrastructure, including the development of visual and instrument flight procedures.

Prerequisites: Any 1902xx course

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Course code: 190313 Advanced Aviation Human Factors 15 credits

This course explores the role of human behaviour and physiological limitations in aviation, how they fit with complex systems, and how behaviour and systems may be modified to improve safety.

Prerequisites: 190205 or 190216

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Course code: 190314 Legal Issues in Aviation 15 credits

General principles of law as applied in the context of the airline transport industry. The course will focus on the application of law to flight crew, airline operations and civil aviation authorities in terms of both international conventions and treaties and of national legislation and law. Issues such as contractual and tortious liability will be considered.

Prerequisites: Any 1902xx course

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Course code: 190318 Air Transport Economics 15 credits

This course covers economic aspects of air transport and airline operations and provides insights into the methods employed to manage and evaluate the economic viability of these operations.

Prerequisites: 190220

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Course code: 190328 Aviation Management Practicum 15 credits

Provides a practical experience in an aviation organisation, linking theory to practice.

Prerequisites: At least 75 credits at 200-level from 190 prefix courses and Appraisal Required Corequisites: 190398

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Course code: 190398 Aviation Internship Project 15 credits

Prerequisites: Appraisal Required Corequisites: 190328 Restrictions: 190399

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Course code: 190399 Aviation Special Topic 15 credits

Prerequisites: Appraisal Required Restrictions: 190398

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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

Careers in the aviation industry are highly-competitive. The unique composition of our aviation management degree will give you a point of difference – an in-depth understanding of the aviation industry. You will emerge with an internationally recognised qualification that gives you the skills that employers seek.

A Bachelor of Aviation Management will give you career opportunities in aviation-related industries. Potential employers include:

  • SITA – the world’s leading specialist in air transport communications and information technology
  • AirBiz – an international aviation consultancy
  • Swissport- a Fixed Base Operator specialising in ground services and cargo handling
  • Tasman Cargo – provider of air freight, cargo, and charter services between NZ, Australia and the Southwest Pacific.
  • Menzies Aviation – a logistics specialist serving the airline industry
  • Airways New Zealand
  • MPI- Biosecurity
  • Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand
  • Airlines and airports

Careers include:

  • airfield officer
  • terminal duty manager
  • retail and terminal operations management
  • compliance
  • air accident investigation
  • customer service
  • sales and marketing.

What our students say

“My passion for the industry is centred around utilising aviation to provide a service, such as medical, police or fire aircraft operations.”
Matthew Browne

Bachelor of Aviation Management

“Choosing to study for a BAvMan at Massey enabled me to turn a life-long interest in aviation into a fantastic career.”
Tobias Flatley

Bachelor of Aviation Management

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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Singapore Aviation Academy

Massey's School of Aviation offers the Bachelor of Aviation Management and Master of Aviation via distance learning to international students through a partnership with Singapore Aviation Academy. The academy is an ICAO TRAINAIR PLUS Full Member, ICAO endorsed Government Safety Inspector Training Centre and ICAO Aviation Security Training Centre.

ShanghaiRanking – Business Administration

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

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