Graduate Diploma in Aviation – GDipAv

Build on your previous degree or aviation industry experience with Massey's Graduate Diploma in Aviation. Gain a university qualification while following your passion for aviation.

Type of qualification

Graduate diploma

Level of study

Graduate study

Graduate qualifications normally involve study in a different area to your first undergraduate qualification. Some are stepping stones to postgraduate-level 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

1 year full-time (120 credits)
Up to 8 years part-time
Part-time available

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

Study a Graduate Diploma in Aviation – GDipAv

This eight-course qualification acknowledges and recognises that having significant aviation experience has real value.

You may have an interest in the aviation industry. Or you are already working in this area. If so, and you do not already have an aviation-related qualification, the Graduate Diploma in Aviation is the stepping stone to take you to the next level.

The qualification offers two options:

  • Aviation Studies, or
  • Flight Instruction (full time, by selection only)  

The Aviation Studies option is available part time and/or by distance. It is therefore particularly useful for those who may be working while studying.

If you already hold an undergraduate degree this qualification enables you to study another discipline without completing a full second bachelor’s degree.

The Graduate Diploma in Aviation draws on existing courses from the Bachelor of Aviation Management, giving an insight into the full undergraduate degree.

Topics covered  include:

  • aviation human factors
  • aviation security issues
  • airline strategic management
  • legal issues in aviation.

A background in these topics will expand the range of careers open to you in the aviation industry.

A GDipAv is a good fit if you:

  • are already working in aviation and would like a relevant tertiary qualification
  • have a relevant degree or professional work experience and now wish to add an aviation qualification to your portfolio.

Entry requirements

Admission to Massey

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

Specific requirements

To enter the Graduate Diploma in Aviation you will:

  • have been awarded or qualified for a bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, or
  • have demonstrated equivalent practical, professional and/or scholarly experience
  • meet the prerequisite requirements for the 200-level courses. 

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

If you do not have a bachelor’s degree, you will need  to supply a copy of your CV including academic and work history.

Graduate Diploma in Aviation (Flight Instruction)

For this endorsement you need to:

  • hold a Class One medical certificate recognised by the CAA NZ and meet appropriate pilot aptitude selection criteria
  • hold a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) - Aeroplane (A).

You will also provide a copy of:

  • your CV including academic and work history
  • a copy of your Commercial Pilot's Licence. You can upload an electronic copy of this document, but please also supply a verified hard copy to the University.
  • a copy of your NZCAA Class One Medical Certificate. You can upload an electronic copy with your enrolment.

English language requirements

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

This qualification is classified as NZQF Level 7 and requires the same English language standard as most undergraduate bachelor degrees, diplomas and certificates.

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 Graduate Diploma in Aviation

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

You will not be required to pass any 100-level prerequisite courses for the 200-level courses in the schedule. When you have been admitted into the qualification, you can enrol straight into the 200-level courses. 

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

120 credits

  • Courses from one of the endorsements – 120 credits

Not more than 45 credits at 200 level

At least 75 credits at 300 level

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.

Endorsements

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.

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.

Scholarship and award opportunities

Search our scholarships and awards

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

The graduate diploma is a bridging tool to gain the equivalent of an undergraduate major in a specific area so you can go on to postgraduate study.

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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