- Analyse and model aspects of the aviation industry by drawing on a variety of frameworks, concepts and tools (PG1).
- Articulate and explain current theory and practice underpinning aviation finance (PG1).
- Critically assess the functional aspects of aviation finance and leasing (PG1).
- Decompose a problem to first principles in order to develop a general solution (PG2).
- Effectively negotiate contracts (PG3).
- Identify ways to add value in industry, drawing on the broad skills developed while undertaking the programme (PG4).
- Qualitatively assess the legal, economic and accounting frameworks underlying aviation finance (PG2).
- Quantitatively assess the risk-return relationship underlying aviation finance (PG2).
- Select and use appropriate communication strategies (oral, written & visual) to effectively communicate to peers and effectively engage and contribute in multicultural teams (PG3).
- Synthesise and summarise data, information and results from financial models and professionally communicate outcomes of the analysis & their recommendations to key stakeholders (PG3).
Sustainable Development Goals
This course is available through the following application route(s)
The MSc in Aviation Finance aims to advance students understanding of all aspects of aviation finance, with specific focus on the practical features of global aviation markets. It encourages students to develop creative and analytical approaches to problem solving in the aviation finance and leasing sphere and to enhance interpersonal and leadership skills. It is suitable for graduates from a wide variety of disciplines including business, economics, finance, engineering and science who want to pursue a career in the highly dynamic sector of Aviation Finance & Leasing.
This Master's course is delivered at our dedicated Graduate Business School campus, UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School, located in Blackrock, 4km from the main UCD Belfield Campus.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS PROGRAMME
About This Course
Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.
Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.
| Trimester | Credits | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Stage 1 Core Modules |
ACC40930 | Aviation Tax | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
BMGT45570 | Doing Business Globally | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
FIN41970 | Corporate Finance for Aviation | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
FIN42040 | Capital Markets & Instruments | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
FIN42050 | Quant. Methods for Finance | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
FIN42240 | Applied Derivative Securities | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
ECON42180 | Aviation Economics | Spring | 7.5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
FIN41590 | Aviation Asset Management | Spring | 7.5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
FIN41610 | Aviation Financing | Spring | 7.5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
FIN42280 | Law of Aviation Finance | Spring | 7.5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
FIN41930 | Ethics in Financial Services | Summer | 7.5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
FIN42250 | Aviation Credit Risk Analysis | Summer | 7.5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of: Students will complete 15 ECTS in the summer trimester by choosing either the Internship, the Aviation Finance Project or two 7.5 ECTS modules. Students will be able to register for summer term options in March. |
FIN40490 | Advanced Treasury Management/Financial Engineering | Summer | 7.5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of: Students will complete 15 ECTS in the summer trimester by choosing either the Internship, the Aviation Finance Project or two 7.5 ECTS modules. Students will be able to register for summer term options in March. |
FIN41480 | Mergers & Acquisitions | Summer | 7.5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of: Students will complete 15 ECTS in the summer trimester by choosing either the Internship, the Aviation Finance Project or two 7.5 ECTS modules. Students will be able to register for summer term options in March. |
FIN41560 | Aviation Finance Project | Summer | 15 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of: Students will complete 15 ECTS in the summer trimester by choosing either the Internship, the Aviation Finance Project or two 7.5 ECTS modules. Students will be able to register for summer term options in March. |
FIN41580 | Aviation Industry Internship | Summer | 15 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of: Students will complete 15 ECTS in the summer trimester by choosing either the Internship, the Aviation Finance Project or two 7.5 ECTS modules. Students will be able to register for summer term options in March. |
FIN41950 | Financial Technology | Summer | 7.5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of: Students will complete 15 ECTS in the summer trimester by choosing either the Internship, the Aviation Finance Project or two 7.5 ECTS modules. Students will be able to register for summer term options in March. |
FIN42210 | Structured Finance | Summer | 7.5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 1 of: Students will complete 15 ECTS in the summer trimester by choosing either the Internship, the Aviation Finance Project or two 7.5 ECTS modules. Students will be able to register for summer term options in March. |
FIN42340 | Business Communications | Summer | 7.5 |
UCD is strongly committed to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), embedding sustainability in teaching, research, operations, and community engagement. Sustainability principles are integrated into this programme, ensuring students graduate equipped to address global challenges. UCD’s leadership in this area is internationally recognised, ranking 49th globally and 1st in Ireland in the QS World University Rankings for Sustainability 2024. UCD also leads impactful research in areas such as climate action, clean energy, and social equity, supported by a comprehensive Sustainability Strategy focused on reducing emissions, enhancing biodiversity, and fostering a sustainable campus culture.
Here are the SDGs which align more visibly with this programme:
MSc Aviation Finance (B531) Full Time
EU fee per year - € 19990
nonEU fee per year - € 28140
MSc Aviation Finance (B532) Part Time
EU Year 1 - € 10230 ba
nonEU Year 1 - € 14070 ba
EU Year 2 - € 10230 aa
nonEU Year 2 - € 13720 aa
aaSecond Year Fee applies to Students in 2nd Year in 2025 and who were a 1st Year Student on the programme in 2024/25
ba"Continuation fees apply Where a student fails to complete their programme in the prescribed time a continuation fee will apply to modules carried in subsequent years."
***Fees are subject to change
EU fee per year - € 19990
nonEU fee per year - € 28140
MSc Aviation Finance (B532) Part Time
EU Year 1 - € 10230 ba
nonEU Year 1 - € 14070 ba
EU Year 2 - € 10230 aa
nonEU Year 2 - € 13720 aa
aaSecond Year Fee applies to Students in 2nd Year in 2025 and who were a 1st Year Student on the programme in 2024/25
ba"Continuation fees apply Where a student fails to complete their programme in the prescribed time a continuation fee will apply to modules carried in subsequent years."
***Fees are subject to change
You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.
Full Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: Yes
Part Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: No
Entry Requirements:
An honours bachelors degree in:
a. Business/Commerce to include a number of quantitative subjects such as Economics or Finance
or
b. a Finance-related-area, Mathematical Finance, Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Engineering or Physics
with a minimum 2.1 award at NFQ Level 8 (or international equivalent) in a. or b. above.
Applicants should have demonstrated strong academic ability (a 1.1 or 2.1) in a number of quantitative modules in their degree, such as mathematics, statistics, or econometrics.
Candidates may be asked to sit the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) subject to individual application.
We can also consider candidates with an Honours 2.1 primary degree with a minimum of three years’ work experience in the aviation industry.
How to Apply
General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Aviation Finance:
| ROWCLASS | Apply to |
|---|---|
| showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt | B531 Aviation Finance Master of Science Full-Time Commencing September 2025 Graduate Taught UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School |
| showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt | B532 Aviation Finance Master of Science Part-Time Commencing September 2025 Graduate Taught UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School Not available to International applicantsApply |
* you can change options at the top of the page