Bachelor of Aviation (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems)

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Aviation (RPAS) at UNSW prepares students for careers in the rapidly growing Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) industry. The program combines classroom learning with experiential training, including flight training, to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills to manage and operate RPAS in various sectors, including emergency services, defense, surveying, and entertainment. Graduates are well-positioned for leadership roles in the dynamic RPAS sector.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Launch your remote pilot career at UNSW, ranked among the top 20 universities globally.
• The Bachelor of Aviation (RPAS) prepares graduates to work across a diverse range of industries, with new applications emerging constantly.
• The program is designed in collaboration with industry experts and provides foundational knowledge and problem-solving skills to lead the sector into the future.
• A Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) is any unmanned aircraft controlled from a remote pilot station, such as a commercial drone, and the flight systems that support it.
• The dynamic nature of the RPAS sector equips graduates with the freedom and confidence to pursue paths aligned with their interests.
• Current applications include remote piloting for emergency services, defense, surveying, entertainment, and more.
• Opportunities will only multiply as the sector matures, and UNSW Aviation graduates will be well-positioned to lead the charge.

Outline:

Year 1

• Basic Aeronautical Knowledge
• Simulation in Aviation and Airworthiness Management
• Introduction to Human Factors: The Safety Science of Human Performance
• Aviation Transport Economics
• Introduction to Science Communication
• Mathematics for Life Sciences
• Statistics for Life and Social Sciences

Year 2

• Commercial Navigation
• Commercial Meteorology
• Commercial Human Factors, Flight Rules, and Air Law
• Instrument Rating
• Drone Operations Management
• Drone Information Systems
• Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods in Aviation

Year 3

• Drone Programming and Applications
• Airline Management
• Aviation Safety and Resource Management
• Flight Data Analytics
• Aviation Research Methods
Students select one of the following:
• Human Factors Tools and Methods
• Aviation Work Placement 1
• Environmental Performance Evaluation of Aviation: Theories and Techniques
In addition to academic coursework, students complete flight training, including:
• Recreational Pilot Licence Aeronautical Knowledge (BAK)

Teaching:

• Industry-leading teaching staff deliver the program.
• The program combines classroom and experiential learning to provide a comprehensive educational experience.
• Guest lectures and industry-based projects connect students with real-world applications.
• Hands-on flight training provides practical experience and develops essential piloting skills.

Careers:

• Graduates are equipped for a range of career opportunities in the aviation sector, with a focus on managing and operating RPAS.
• Graduates can establish their own enterprises for commercial operations or join organizations utilizing RPAS technology.
• Potential career paths include:
• Chief Remote Pilot
• Drone Missions Commander
• UAV Supervisor
• Drone Operations Manager
• Potential industries and applications for RPAS include:
• Emergency services
• Defense
• Humanitarian aid
• Photogrammetry and surveying
• Medical and disaster relief
• Retail and supply chain management
• Entertainment and content production
• Conservation biology
• Health and safety management