Aviation Leadership @ Dublin City University

Why did you choose this study?

I chose this master as it gave me the opportunity to broaden my knowledge of the aviation industry whilst growing on an individual level by studying abroad. I really wanted to study abroad as my minor abroad was cancelled by the pandemic. Therefore, when looking for a masters I was particularly interested in finding one which allowed me to be abroad.

Could you progress directly from the Aviation Academy or did you need a pre-master's degree, for example

What is nice about this master is that you do not require a premaster. However, you do require an honours degree or a minimum of three years working experience within the aviation industry. Luckily for me I followed the honours aviation management graduation track, and this allowed me to move straight from my bachelors to my masters.

Are there any points you can focus on during your studies at the Aviation Academy that will benefit you in your subsequent studies

If you want to follow this master, you will have to join the honours aviation management or honours engineering graduation track. Otherwise, you will not be able to start without at least three years prior work experience.

Why would you recommend this study?

Waarom zou jij deze studie aanraden? I would recommend this master to anyone who feels that they would like to broaden their understanding of the aviation industry. This master provides a module on sustainable aviation and green innovation which is a real eye opener for anyone in the industry. Besides the sustainability module there are 7 other modules, such as digitalization and business analytics in aviation, aviation policy and regulation, airport operations management, airline management (though pretty much the same as the HVA taught), leadership for aviation managers, strategy, organisation and innovation, and leadership and change. What I find nice about this master is that you have the option to do a dissertation or a practicum at the end of the year. I chose to do a dissertation as I had a clear idea of what I wanted to do research on. However, if you do not have a clear idea or would like to work in a group, you have the option to do a practicum where you are set up with an aviation company (this year it is the IAA, the Irish Aviation Authority) and you do company specific research for them, much like your bachelors’ thesis. Lastly, this master provides many opportunities to broaden your network, guest lectures are a big part of the course so you will get a fair share of lectures from CEOs, as well as other relevant industry experts. Besides the guest lectures your classmates generally work in the industry and can provide you the opportunity for a new job should you be interested is staying in Dublin.

What would you possibly do differently?

Though I am having a good time during the masters I do not know whether I am completely satisfied with it, this is mainly as it does not provide the same student experience the bachelor did. This is mainly due to the fact that most of my classmates are 30 to 40 years old. If I were to do it all again, I might work a few years before starting the master, so you bring relevant work experience into the program.

Are there any critical points on your subsequent studies?

There is one major criticism to this master, which is that it is both for part-time and full-time students. Therefore, you will have one full day on and the rest of the week off. This is perfect for if you want to work on the side or you want to go and explore Ireland, but it is good to know in advance as this is not communicated with you. Typically, I would have class on Thursday and Friday from 9 to 5, then a full week off, and the week after either both Thursdays and Fridays or only the Friday. As you can see this gives you a lot of spare time to do whatever you want. I am using my spare time to work as a ground handling agent at a new regional airline in Ireland, allowing me to have hands on experience within the industry.