Understanding the Course:

Education for the dynamic world of aviation

This ground-breaking aviation degree programme offers a distinct choice for those wishing to train as commercial pilots or to pursue fast-paced management careers in the dynamic world of aviation.

The aviation industry spans the airlines, airports and ancillary activities directly connected to the airline business as well as other sectors such as tourism, logistics and areas dependent on international trade.

To date, few pilots have possessed a sound business understanding of the industry in which they work, nor have business professionals in the aviation industry had access to a course of study that directly targeted those areas of business which are of central importance to the success of the industry.

This exciting new course addresses gaps in the education of those entering the aviation industry: for those who wish to become commercial pilots, it offers a route to a professional qualification as a commercial pilot combined with a strong background in business education; for those who see themselves playing other roles in the industry, it provides the necessary expertise to maximise your potential in this ever-changing industry.

About You:

This course will suit you If you have a general interest in aviation and management. The course has been designed to cater for the needs of modern aviation employees both inside and outside the cockpit. Mangerial skills are required in all aspects of the business and these skills will be developed and honed over four years of study.

Course Structure:

Course Structure
For those who plan to enter the world of aviation - whether as a commercial pilot or as a manager - a sound foundation in business management principles as they affect the aviation industry are key to success in this rapidly changing and challenging industry.

The aviation management course is structured to give you an introduction to all aspects of the aviation business, both technical and managerial.

The first two years of the course provide a general introduction to business analysis, the aviation sector and technical aspects of piloting, and they offer an opportunity to acquire a Private Pilot's Licence (PPL).

Industry Work Placement

The third year of the course begins with a substantial period of industrial placement within the aviation industry. This enables you to put into practice the theoretical knowledge that you have gained over the previous two years. It introduces you to the commercial world - not as an observer but as an active participant, with all of the responsibilities and privileges which that entails.

The work placement will also help you to make an informed decision on your choice of specialism for final year and, of course, it is an enviable addition to your C.V.

The second half of third year comprises specialist business modules including supply chain management, business ethics, airport operations modelling and simulation, and aviation safety management.

Choice of Final Year Specialisms - Aviation Management or Pilot Studies
In the fourth year, the programme divides into two streams: some students will opt to pursue training at an approved Flight Training Organisation with a view to qualifying as a commercial pilot (Airline Transport Pilot Licence - ATPL)*; others will choose to follow more specialist studies in aviation management here in DCU.

View the subjects currently taught on this course (2012 - 2013)

What Aviation Industry Leaders Say

"Aviation in Ireland has grown at a fast pace in the past decade. The industry needs, and will create opportunities for, well-educated and skilled professionals. The integration of focused business education, pilot training and placement with the industry is the best formula for preparing the next generation of leaders."
Peadar Conroy
Administration Director, Aer Arann

"The DAA is delighted to support DCU's innovative approach to aviation education.We need more, better trained graduates, who are passionate about aviation and by offering students this opportunity, DAA will be able to attract more high quality people into careers in the aviation industry. DAA is dependent on recruiting bright talented people, ideally with some aviation experience. By adapting the business curriculum to focus on relevant aviation business issues and trends, the student is introduced to some real issues and can more quickly add value upon joining the DAA team."
Jack MacGowan
Commercial Director, Dublin Airport Authority (DAA)

Download the course factsheet (pdf - 225kb)

* Those who wish to qualify as a commercial pilot should be aware that there are considerable costs involved in pursuing this option. Current estimates are that the cost of such training is of the order of euro 100,000. DCU has arranged a number of partial scholarships to the Integrated ATPL course component. Even for the students on the programme who do not manage to secure a scholarship, the evaluation of their likelihood of success in the Integrated ATPL course during the first three years spent in DCU should provide a basis for suitable financial arrangements to be put in place to pay for the flight training.

Students wishing to become commercial pilots must have sufficient skill levels in specific areas related to managing and flying an aircraft. Two examples of these areas include: hand, eye and foot coordination; and accuracy of short term memory.

Flight training organisations and/or airlines typically apply industry standard psychometric testing to individual candidates to asses these general skills. Two of the most common tests used in the industry are PILAPT (www.pilapt.com) and COMPASS (www.epst.com/index.html). All students wishing to follow the pilot studies route should familiarise themselves with these skill requirements.

CAO Points Requirement

Please note, this is a new programme which will launch in September 2010. Therefore, DCU cannot provide CAO points requirements for previous years of entry.

The CAO points system operates on a supply and demand basis and, therefore, DCU is unable to give any indication as to the expected points requirement for this course.

For an explanation of the CAO points scoring system, visit the Central Applications Office (CAO) website.

Career Prospects:

A Future Career
Aviation is a high-tech, dynamic and competitive industry operating in a global arena. Targeted aviation management skills are needed by both aviation management professionals and airline pilots, and the career options within the industry are diverse.

The work of a pilot is demanding, both mentally and physically, but it also is an exciting and rewarding career. Airline pilots have responsibility for the safety of aircraft, passengers and crew. They must study flight plans, communicate with crew members, calculate fuel requirements, conduct checks on aircraft controls and instruments, and liaise with air traffic control. A degree in aviation management educates an airline pilot to view the airline in its entirety and to recognise business opportunities that might arise. It also offers flexibility in terms of alternative career paths within the industry.

Aviation also requires effective management in the areas of business operations, marketing, logistics, flight operations, finance, public relations, and employee relations. Managers in the aviation industry may also be responsible for planning and supervising maintenance and safety programmes, enforcing airline or airport rules and regulations, setting budgets, and promoting increased use of an airport's or airline's facilities. Thus a career in aviation management offers a diverse range of unique management opportunities.

Entry Requirements:

Leaving Certificate
In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply:

OC3 or HD3 in Mathematics

GCE A Level
In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply:

GCE A-Level D or GCE AS-Level C or GCSE C in Mathematics

FETAC Level 5
BBSXX Business Studies BBSAX Business Studies - Administration BBSIT International Trade BMXXX Marketing

Students of the above FETAC Level 5 courses must achieve distinctions in 5 modules. If you don't meet the minimum requirements in Mathematics above, one of the 5 distinctions must be in modules B20029 Statistics or C20139 Mathematics.

Transfer Applications
While transfer applications are welcomed from holders of HETAC qualifications in Business Studies or related subjects for admission to first year of this course, there is no advanced entry path into second year.

International Applications
International candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language. For further information on international applications click here.

How to Apply and Closing Dates

EU School Leavers/FETAC Level 5
Apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1st February or 1st May

EU Mature Applicants
Apply through the CAO by 1st February

EU Transfer Applicants
Apply directly to DCU by the 1st July

Make an Application
Candidates required to apply through the CAO can apply online at http://www.cao.ie/

All Non-EU Candidates
Candidates should apply directly to DCU. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis up to the 1st July. All non-EU candidates are advised to apply early as places are limited.

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