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.

Enhance your career prospects

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

This programme is partly taught and also includes a professional research project.

What will you learn?

A Master of Aviation will give you the skills to work to a high level of academic achievement, work to deadlines under pressure and communicate your work effectively. All of these are essential skills to work at a senior level in the aviation industry, or to progress to a higher level of study such as a PhD.

A masters is a rigorous and challenging academic programme, but you will be rewarded with an in-depth knowledge of aviation that will significantly enhance your career prospects in the internationally-competitive aviation sector. 

180 credits

Massey University’s Master of Aviation is a 180 credit master qualification. The 180 credit masters offers a rigorous programme of learning yet can be achieved in three semesters (one and a half years).

Two pathways to choose

You can choose from two pathways: research or professional practice.

1. 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.

2. Professional practice pathway

Those wanting a more practice-based qualification which reflects their 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. Students who are already aviation professionals may wish to draw on their current aviation role for the purpose of a case study.

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 tertiary qualification. We are an internationally-recognised pilot training facility, but we also give you a broad knowledge of the global aviation industry. You will learn communication, management and administrative skills that will broaden out the range of careers open to you in the aviation industry.

Accessible lecturers

We work to help you succeed. Massey University offers smaller classes and more personalised learning than many other tertiary institutions, giving you greater access to lecturers and the help you need to succeed and thrive during your master’s study.

Research-led learning

Massey teaching is research-led and our academics are internationally ranked and among the best in the world. Our teaching staff are widely published and are in demand as keynote speakers on topical global issues. International visitors regularly seek out visits to our facilities to learn more about what we do.

Relevant learning

Your lecturers and supervisors at Massey have strong connections with the industry. We work to ensure that our teaching fits with the changing environment, which means you will emerge with a relevant qualification valued by potential employers.

International recognition

Massey University’s business and management studies rank in the top 300 (by QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) rankings). We are ranked No.1 in New Zealand and in the top 150 universities worldwide for our business administration and finance programmes by ShanghaiRanking.

Applicants for the Master of Aviation (MAv) will meet the University admission requirements as specified, and will have been awarded or qualified for a Bachelor of Aviation, Bachelor of Aviation Management or equivalent qualification, having achieved a minimum B- grade average in the highest level courses. All students must gain admission as being eligible to proceed into this programme.

To support your application, you will need to provide the following document/s:

• Verified copies of all academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.