First Year’s Guide

Welcome Onboard

If you’re reading this, you’re probably about to start your first year of university with UNSW’s School of Aviation! This is an exciting time as you begin your journey towards your future in aviation but we understand that stepping up into uni may be challenging and daunting. Our first-year guide is designed to be your go-to guide to help make things easier for you as you move into uni. We’ve got all the answers to your questions and concerns here! 

Please have a read through this guide to see what’s in store for you ahead not only at the university, but also with us at AvSoc. If you have any further questions, please feel free to reach out. Academic enquiries are best directed to the School of Aviation; however, our team will also be more than happy to assist with any questions you have. 

We also recommend you consider our Peer Mentoring Program. It is a program offered to first year students where you will be partnered up with a Peer Mentor in a higher year (in your course) who will be able to guide you through your first term. You may also like to consider joining our 2024 Subcommittee team to get involved with the society. It is a great opportunity to network and boost your portfolio. Further information about all the above can be found in this guide. 

We wish you all the best for the start of your university journey and we hope to see you at one of our many upcoming events or even as a future member of our team! 

The 2024 AvSoc Executive Team acknowledges the Bedegal, Darug and Eora People who are the traditional custodians of the unceded lands on which AvSoc operates. We pay our respects to elders past and present.

Head of School’s Welcome Address

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the UNSW School of Aviation. Aviation is an exciting and unique industry that is dynamic, evolving in response to global, social, economic, and environmental challenges. Key to aviation’s success is the professionals within the industry, who have the knowledge and skills to understand these challenges and develop solutions accordingly. UNSW Aviation prides itself on creating graduates who are equipped to contribute and develop in this exciting industry.

The School of Aviation is made up of a world-class teaching and research team who are dedicated to providing the aviation industry with graduates of the highest calibre, and with an understanding of relevant and current research. Our qualifications are recognised throughout the world as being of superior academic quality and with industry relevance. Our team is made up from an impressive range of backgrounds, encompassing academics that are leaders within their field, and industry experts. In addition to their teaching and research duties, our staff hold and have held senior industry positions including Senior Management positions with international airlines, major airports, government, and national/international regulatory authorities. The School of Aviation is committed to the high standards essential for the future of the aviation industry in Australia and throughout the world.

Here at the School of Aviation, we offer tailored degree programs to meet the needs of the aviation industry. Our research capabilities are also extensive, uniquely placing us as leaders in the industry. Our programs range across management, flying, Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) and technology specialities at both an undergraduate, and postgraduate level. We are excited to be introducing the RPAS program for the first time in 2024, a unique world leading degree which will equip graduates to lead this dynamically evolving space. 

UNSW Aviation also offers doctorate research programs supervised by our aviation experts, producing high quality research graduates. We deliver our own flying training under Civil Aviation Safety Regulation certification (CASR Parts 141/142) with single engine Diamond DA-40CS and twin-engine Piper PA44 airplanes. At our Flight Operations Unit, located at Bankstown Airport, our professional ground and flight instructors deliver flight training utilising our fleet of aircraft, as well as our three flight simulators. Co-located at this facility is our airborne research laboratory. The School also provides consultancy and short courses in aviation related topics delivered by our highly specialised staff.

Our professional and academic staff are here to help you throughout your academic career and along with the support of the Aviation Society (AvSoc), we aim to make your university experience a well-rounded and rewarding one. Keep an eye on our social media for updates, profiles of our staff and students, and some aviation trivia! 

I look forward to welcoming you in person soon.

Professor Brett Molesworth

Head of School, School of Aviation

UNSW, Sydney

President’s Welcome Address

Welcome aboard to university! As the president of the UNSW Aviation Society, I am thrilled to extend my greetings to the newest members of our community! Your journey into university marks the beginning of an exciting chapter filled with growth, exploration, challenges, and, of course, the pursuit of your aviation dreams.

University is a unique and transformative experience and being a part of AvSoc gives you the chance to make the most of it. My team and I are working hard behind the scenes to create a community that will support your academic, personal and professional development through our professional and social events.

This year, AvSoc is excited to organise a range of activities for our peers, these include our careers expo, alumni events, workshops, and tours at Qantas and Sydney Airport. Additionally, stay tuned for our announcement about our Aviation International Study Abroad Program (AISAP), which is an extraordinary opportunity for students to experience aviation on a global scale. In the past we have travelled to Dubai, Singapore, and Netherlands! However, that’s not all! We are also thrilled to fill up your social calendars with exciting events such as plane spotting, pub crawls and our Harbour Cruise to meet and connect with students across our society.

I encourage each of you to get involved with AVSOC through our sub-committee and take advantage of our events and peer mentoring program. As you embark your new chapter, I wish you all the best, and feel free to get in touch with us on our social media platforms.

Wishing you a very fantastic first year at UNSW!

Aashaya Bharambe 

President

UNSW Aviation Society

Important dates

	Term 1	Term 2	Term 3
O-Week	5 Feb.- 9 Feb	20 May – 24 May	2 Sep – 6 Sep
Teaching Period	12 Feb – 19 Apr	27 May – 2 Aug	9 Sep – 15 Nov
Flexibility Week	18 Mar – 24 Mar	1 Jul – 7 Jul	14 Oct – 20 Oct
Study Period	20 Apr – 25 Apr	3 Aug – 8 Aug	16 Nov – 21 Nov
Exams	26 Apr – 9 May	9 Aug – 22 Aug	22 Nov – 5 Dec
Term Break	10 May – 27 May	23 Aug – 9 Sep	6 Dec – Feb 2025
Release of Results	16 May	29 Aug	12 Dec

UNSW Load Combinations

Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Aviation (Flying) or Graduate Diploma of Flying are advised to follow a separate academic calendar as per the Flying Operations Unit at Bankstown Aerodrome. Below is only applicable for full-time students enrolled in the Bachelor of Aviation (Management), combined Bachelor of Commerce/Aviation (Management) and Bachelor of Aviation (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems) programmes.  

How to enrol

• • Step 1 – Course Enrolment

Students enrol in the courses they intend to undertake for the upcoming year.

• • Step 2 – Class Registration

Students choose the classes for the enrolled course for the upcoming term. Class Registration opens at least 8 weeks before each term start date.

Enrolment deadlines

Each teaching period has specific deadlines for adding or dropping courses in your program. Deadlines for dropping courses are as follows: 

• • Census Date: the deadline to drop a course without financial liability and academic penalty.      

• • Deadline to drop a course with financial liability but without academic penalty.

• • Late Drop: deadline to drop a course with financial liability and academic penalty.

	Term 1	Term 2	Term 3
Census Date	10 Mar	23 Jun	6 Oct

International Students: International Student visa holders must complete the course they are enrolled in within the duration specified in their Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).  The Confirmation of Enrolment duration requires students to enrol in a full course load (48UoC) across the compulsory semesters or terms in a calendar year. For more information, please refer to UNSW’s Visa Information for International Students page.

Course structure

• • Aviation (Flying) – 3980 

• • Aviation (Management) – 3981 

• • Commerce/Aviation (Management) – 3835 

• • Aviation (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems) – 3928 

Note: This is intended as a guide only. Courses do not need to be studied in the exact structure that they appear here.

UNSW School of Aviation

The School of Aviation offers a selection of programs and services to serve the aviation industry. Degree programs range from the Bachelor of Aviation (Flying, Management and Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems streams) to our Masters and Doctorate programs and are available in a range of different delivery modes. Whether you want to be a pilot, airport or airline manager, or work in government (or perhaps you already are!) – we are sure that the School of Aviation has a program that suits you. If you are looking for a research or consulting partner, then we are sure that we are also able to provide a quality product that is world class. The Aviation Office is located on level 2 of the Old Main Building (K15). The Lost on Campus app allows you to download the UNSW Kensington Campus map and guide you across the campus. The app includes the location of buildings, lecture theatres, CATS rooms, coffee, labs, toilets, food, parking, uni services and more. Download on the App Store or Google Play.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the School of Aviation on +61 9385 5756. 

Enquiries for Katie Wang (Undergraduate Programs Coordinator) can be submitted via a webform on the Student Portal. 

Alternatively, general questions can also be submitted here.

UNSW Aviation Society (AvSoc)

The UNSW Aviation Society (AvSoc) is an Arc UNSW affiliated club at the University of New South Wales. Being also a constituent club of the UNSW School of Aviation, aim to provide a socialising platform for students who are currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Aviation. Our student members are mostly majoring in Bachelor of Aviation under the School of Aviation, however, students from all across the university are welcome to join!   

Our events are based around 3 themes: Educational, Networking, and Social. These 3 themes alternate throughout the term. Our largest events/initiatives include our annual Aviation Ball, Aviation International Study Abroad Program (AISAP) and Careers Expo. Our Careers Expo is one of our biggest events where many known companies and airlines set up booths to share more insights about their company to open conversations about future career opportunities in their respective fields. We also offer plenty of social activities such as our AvSoc Harbour Cruise, plane spotting events and pub-crawl. 

Getting involved with AvSoc events provides many benefits, especially for first year students as it is a great opportunity to meet new people from across different cohorts. As aviation is known to have a small networking circle, the friends you make during your studying days may come to great advantage out in the workforce. 

As an aviation student, it is wise to network with people in the industry because they may become useful when finding career opportunities. AvSoc aims “bring the industry to the students” so be sure to make the most of what we have to offer!

We’ve got a big year planned so make sure you join AvSoc now!

Peer Mentoring Program

AvSoc wants to help you transition into uni life as smoothly as possible and our Peer Mentoring Program is designed to help you settle into your first term. We strongly encourage new first year students to sign up for the program.

The program is offered to first year aviation students for the duration of Term 1 2024, where you and a small group of other first years will be matched with a mentor from second year or above and arrange a time to meet and have a meeting together on a weekly basis. At these meetings you’ll discuss any issues you’re having, ask questions or just have a chat with your mentor. Our mentors have plenty of tips and suggestions to help your transition into uni. Best of all, you’ll be able to make new connections and have someone there to contact if you’re unsure of anything. Peer mentoring is a perfect way to make new friends and become associated with students from different cohorts. These meetings will continue throughout Term 1. 

It’s fantastic opportunity to kick-start your journey through uni so make sure you sign up! Keep your eyes out on our socials for details.

Join us

Join us on SpArc to be an official member: https://member.arc.unsw.edu.au/login?ec=302&startURL=%2Fs%2Fclubdetail%3Fclubid%3D0016F0000371VwCQAU

To do this, please ensure you are an Arc member: https://arclimited.formstack.com/forms/arc_membership_signup 

Connect with us

Our social links: https://linktr.ee/unswavsoc

Email: mail@unswavsoc.com 

Website: https://unswavsoc.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unswavsoc 

Instagram: @unswavsoc 

UNSW Aviation Society Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/unswavsoc/ 

UNSW Aviation Discussion Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/unswavsoc/

TikTok: @unswavsoc

Careers in Aviation

• • AvSoc Subcommittee

In Term 3, as part of its obligations to UNSW Arc – Student Life, AvSoc will run an Annual General Meeting (AGM) where Executives for the following year are elected. An Executive position holds a great deal of responsibility to ensure the smooth running of the club. Executive positions include President, Vice President (Management), Vice President (Flying), Secretary, Treasurer, Arc Delegate, Event Directors (Social and Professional), Media Director, and Peer Mentoring Director. Executives typically maintain a high-level contact with industry professionals providing networking opportunities and potential employment references. Contributions of Executives are eligible to be recognised on your Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement (AHEGS). Executive positions are open to all AvSoc members and all positions are open for election. More Info on AHEGS here. 

• • Internships

Internships within the Aviation industry in Sydney are relatively available however can be highly competitive to attain. In the past, we have seen internships offered by CAPA – Centre of Aviation, Qantas (via Hatch & School of Aviation), and dnata (via the School of Aviation). Occasionally, aviation students would receive email about internship opportunities offered by companies who reached out to the School of Aviation. Another platform for you to find opportunities in UNSW Aviation Discussion Group which is place designed for students to ask questions in regard to their studies, and graduated students in the community to post aviation-related career opportunities for current students to get involved in. 

• • Part-time Employment

For students holding unlimited rights to work in Australia, Aviation Ground Handling companies are an excellent opportunity to get your foot in the door. Ground Handling companies in Sydney include Dnata, Menzies Aviation, Oceania Aviation, Qantas and Swissport. Ground Handling companies typically provide employment in ramp operations and passenger services. Both roles provide students with an overview of the ground handling and turnaround processes of aircraft while on the ground.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• • Can I do a level 2 or 3 course in my first year?

No. Unfortunately, as part of the “Level 2 Maturity Requirements” and “ Level 3 Maturity Requirements”, you will need to have completed 48 UoC (8 x 6 UoC courses) before enrolling into a Level 2 course and 96 UoC (16 x 6 UoC courses) before enrolling into a Level 3 course.

• • What is the best way to make new friends?

Group work is one of the best ways to make new friends. Group work allows you to meet new people and bond over mutual hardship whilst completing assignment. Alternatively joining and participating in AvSoc events is another good way of making new friends.

• • How can I be more involved in uni?

Join as many societies as you can which interest you, and attend their events when possible. AvSoc provides opportunities for students to volunteer throughout the year. Make sure to keep an eye out for our socials for updates.

• • Where is the best place to study?

The university’s two libraries are the go-to place for study. The Main Library is the most popular and has the most study spaces, however, the smaller Law Library also offers many comfortable places to study. The Main Library is on Upper Campus and the Law Library is on Lower Campus so there’s always a quiet place to study nearby. Make sure you book a study room to avoid being kicked out by other students who may have reserved the room first!

• • Where are the coolest places to chill at uni?

The UNSW Main Library is the tallest building on campus. On level 9 you can get a great view of Sydney Airport’s runways. You’re in for a treat If they’re using 07/25. There are also plenty of other places to socialise such as the Alumni Lawn, the Library Lawn and the new Village Green Precinct 

• • What is the best way to get to the Flying Operations Unit (FOU)?

Most students drive to FOU as there’s heaps of parking. There is a bus stop that’s a 5-minute walk from the hangar, however there are limited services, especially early in the morning. Some days you will be expected to be at FOU by 0600 for ‘open’. Other days you may be scheduled late in the day. We recommend having your Provisional driving licence and a vehicle available to you.

Advice for First-Year Students

Here are some words of wisdom from our 2024 Executive Team to help guide you into uni. After all, the team were once first year students themselves!

 

‘Study a little, socialise a little, make a lot of time for yourself ’

– Aashaya Bharambe, President

 

‘Meet and mingle with as many people as possible to help your journey through university more fun and helpful’

– Adi Raj, Vice President (Management)

 

‘Grab every chance to socialise that you can’

– Jay Shriyan, Secretary

 

‘Attend your lectures so you don’t fall behind – you paid for them as well!’

– Frank Padaduan, Treasurer

 

‘Do not be afraid to ask questions and look stupid. We are all students here to learn and all the greats in our world were students before.’

– Brian Ling, Arc Delegate

 

‘Join societies that align with your interest, and actively participate in their events!!’

– Edison Choy, Media Director

 

‘Always try to step outside your comfort zone, and always say yes to opportunities. You never know what it could lead to!’

– Krish Thakkar, Events Director (Professional)

 

‘It’s ok to ask for help. Have an organised plan to fulfil a balance of social life, academic, leisure times and responsibilities.’

– Cali Tsoi, Events Director (Social)

 

‘Be organise and develop a work-life balance (health is wealth)’

– Jessica Agda, Peer Mentoring Director