Honours in aviation
The Aviation Honours Program introduces students to academic research and provides the opportunity to be eligible for a post-graduate research degree.
Course aims
The 3-term (equivalent) Aviation Honours Program aims to help students achieve, through research, a deep understanding of a specific aspect of aviation, while developing a range of skills that are highly valued in industry, including:
- Time management.
- Project management.
- Problem solving.
- Working in a team.
- Collecting and analysing information.
- Critical thinking.
- Designing research to advance knowledge or address an issue.
- Data analysis techniques.
- Report writing.
- Presentation of information to an audience.
Course summary
Within the Aviation Honours Program students:
- conduct research in the broad field of aviation and transport, and meet regularly with their academic supervisor.
- attend research skills workshops and school research presentations throughout the year.
Course learning outcomes
At the successful completion of Aviation Honours Program you should be able to:
- demonstrate an advanced understanding of a specific aviation topic
- demonstrate an ability to undertake scientific research
- demonstrate an understanding of the research process as applied to aviation
- develop a research proposal on a specific aviation topic
- write a research report evidencing good practice in report writing
- present your research to peers, staff and other interested persons in a seminar format.
Assessment
For information about assessments, please refer to the following handbook links:
- AVIA4003 Aviation Honours - Full-time, opens in a new window
- AVIA4004 Aviation Honours - Part-time, opens in a new window
Assessment tasks are each marked by at least two academics. The possible grades for the Honours program are:
- Fail (<49%)
- Hons. Class III (50% to 64%)
- Hons. Class II, Division 2 (65% to 74%)
- Hons. Class II, Division I (75% to 84%)
- Hons. Class I (>85%)
Applying for the Aviation Honours Program
Entry requirements
To apply for the Aviation Honours Program you must have achieved a Credit (WAM 65) plus average in a 3-year full-time bachelor degree specialising in Aviation. This typically includes the UNSW 3980 Aviation (Flying) and 3981 Aviation (Management) programs but may include other Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Engineering programs where students have majored in Aviation or Aerospace Engineering.
Application process
Application for entry into the Aviation Honours Program is made via the Science Faculty. The application procedures and deadlines are available at Honours, how to apply, opens in a new window. Note that you may apply to enter the program in Term 1, Term 2, or Term 3.
To apply you first need to identify an academic in the School of Aviation who is willing to supervise your Honours research. Please consider the potential supervisors and their areas of research below under Honours Research Supervisors. Organise to meet with potential supervisors whose research interests you to discuss your plans.
When you have a willing supervisor fill out the Science Honours application form, attaching written evidence of the supervisor's acceptance to supervise (such as a copy of an email correspondence).
If you have other questions or need assistance with your decisions about Honours or the application process, please contact the Aviation Honours Program Convenor:
Dr Mirjam Wiedemann
E: m.wiedemann@unsw.edu.au
Honours research supervisors and research areas
Specialisation is encouraged in all areas of aviation. The specific research areas of potential supervisors are indicated below, and their profiles (accessed by clicking their name) provide further detail. Supervisors develop Honours topics of mutual interest with students. Additionally, industry partners regularly offer real-world project-type Honours projects. The Honours Coordinator is the first point of contact for any industry-led projects.