Program Overview

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Bachelor of Aviation (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems)

The Bachelor of Aviation (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems) is a three-year full-time degree that prepares students for a leadership role in the fast-evolving drone sector. The program combines science, technology, and real-world application to equip students with the skills and experience needed to succeed in remote pilot jobs, startup ventures, or integrated aviation roles.

Program Structure

The program includes 126 units of core courses covering topics essential to modern drone operations, such as:

• Aviation science
• Drone information systems
• Drone entrepreneurship
• Aviation transport policy
• UAV systems
• Drone technology
• Legal and ethical considerations of operating in shared airspace

Hands-on Pilot Training

Students complete up to 40 hours of uncrewed flight training, including 20 hours of certified drone pilot training, covering day and night operations and beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) missions. The training includes industry-relevant equipment and scenarios, conducted in safe, controlled environments.

Full Program Structure

Students must complete 144 units of credit (UOC) to graduate, including:

• Core courses (126 UOC)
• Prescribed electives (6 UOC)
• General education courses (12 UOC)

First Year

• Aeronautical Knowledge (12 UOC)
• Simulation in Aviation and Airworthiness Management (6 UOC)
• Introduction to Human Factors: The Safety Science of Human Performance (6 UOC)
• Aviation Transport Economics (6 UOC)
• Improving Communication Skills for STEMM (6 UOC)
• Mathematics for Life Sciences (6 UOC)
• Statistics for Life and Social Sciences (6 UOC)

Second Year

• Commercial Navigation (6 UOC)
• Commercial Meteorology (6 UOC)
• Commercial Human Factors, Flight Rules and Air Law (6 UOC)
• Advanced Human Factors (6 UOC)
• Instrument Rating (6 UOC)
• Drone Imagery and Sensing (6 UOC)
• Drone Information Systems (6 UOC)
• Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods in Aviation (6 UOC)

Third Year

• Drone Entrepreneurship (6 UOC)
• Airline Management (6 UOC)
• Aviation Safety and Resource Management (6 UOC)
• Flight Data Analytics (6 UOC)
• Aviation Research Methods (6 UOC)
• Students must choose one of the following:
  • Human Factors Tools and Methods (6 UOC)
  • Aviation Work Placement 1 (6 UOC)
  • Environmental Performance Evaluation of Aviation: Theories and Techniques (6 UOC)

Entry Requirements

• 2025 Lowest Selection Rank: 80.0
• 2025 A levels: 10.0
• 2025 IB Diploma: 30.0
• 2025 Lowest ATAR: 78.9
• Assumed knowledge: Mathematics Advanced
• Adjustment Factors: HSC Plus, Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL), Educational Access Scheme (EAS)

Admission Pathways

• Gateway Admission Pathway
• Entry programs for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

English Language Requirements

Students may be asked to provide evidence of English proficiency, which can be demonstrated through:

• English language tests and university English courses
• Prior study in the medium of English
• Other qualifications

International Direct Entry

Qualifications and direct entry requirements for international students, including:

• International ATAR: 75.0
• UNSW Foundation Studies GPA: 6.9
• Great Britain General Certificate of Education (GCE A levels): 10.0
• International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB): 28.0
• Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT): 1130.0

Careers

Graduates can pursue careers as:

• Chief remote pilot
• Drone operations manager
• UAS flight coordinator
• Drone services business owner
• Drone startup founder
• Aerial, ground, or underwater robotics operator
• Drone logistics manager
• First responder drone coordinator
• Remote pilot in charge
• Uncrewed aircraft flight test specialist
• Drone mapping and LIDAR analyst
• Program manager drone and 3D data
• UAS flight operations lead
• Counter drone specialist
• Multi-vehicle supervisor (MVS)
• Uncrewed eVTOL or helicopter pilot/operator
• Drone mission commander

Industries and Applications

• Emergency services
• Defence
• Government/regulatory
• Humanitarian aid
• Photogrammetry and surveying
• Media and cinematography
• Medical and disaster relief
• Logistics
• Conservation and environmental monitoring
• Health and safety management

Licences and Certifications

Students acquire professional credentials, including:

• Remote Pilot Licence (RePL)
• Remotely Piloted Aircraft Operators Certificate (ReOC)
• Aeronautical Radio Operators Certificate (AROC)

Fees

• 2026 Indicative First Year Full Fee: $9,500
• 2026 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree: $52,000
• 2026 Indicative First Year Fee (International): $62,500
• 2026 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree (International): $220,500

Scholarships

• SYD100 Scholarship: Covers full tuition fees for four years and $25,000 towards residential fees
• Women in Aviation International Award: Up to $15,000 to cover hands-on training