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Aviation Finance

MSc (NFQ Level 9)
Sustainable Development Goals

This course is available through the following application route(s)

Duration:
1 Year
Attendance:
Full Time
Delivery:
On Campus
NFQ Level:
9 (90 credits)
Level:
Graduate Taught
Award:
Master of Science
Next Intake:
September
Country Specific Entry Requirements:
Visit the UCD Global Undergraduate Entry Requirements webpage.
Other School Leaving Requirements:
See www.ucd.ie/admissions
Curricular information is subject to change.

Duration:
2 Years
Attendance:
Part-Time
Delivery:
On Campus
NFQ Level:
9 (90 credits)
Level:
Graduate Taught
Award:
Master of Science
Next Intake:
September
Country Specific Entry Requirements:
Visit the UCD Global Undergraduate Entry Requirements webpage.
Other School Leaving Requirements:
See www.ucd.ie/admissions
Curricular information is subject to change.

Apply Now

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

  • 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).

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.

Module Type Module   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
 FIN42050 Quant. Methods for Finance Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 FIN42240 Applied Derivative Securities Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 FIN42350 Capital Markets 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
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.
FIN42360 Private Equity&Startup Finance 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 47th globally and 27th in Europe in the QS World University Rankings for Sustainability 2026. 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:

SDG5 SDG8 SDG9 SDG 12

MSc Aviation Finance (B531) Full Time
EU          fee per year - € 19990
nonEU    fee per year - € 28980

MSc Aviation Finance (B532) Part Time
EU          Year 1 - € 10230 ba
nonEU    Year 1 - € 14490 ba
EU          Year 2 - € 10230 aa
nonEU    Year 2 - € 14070 aa

aaSecond Year Fee applies to Students in 2nd Year in 2026 and who were a 1st Year Student on the programme in 2025/26
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


Non-EU students cannot typically study part-time in Ireland if they require a student visa, as student permission is granted for full-time courses on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP). Non-EU students who are not residents of Ireland can apply for part-time courses that are 100% online, and in this case, a visa is not required.



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.


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General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Aviation Finance:

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B531
Aviation Finance
Master of Science

Full-Time
Commencing September 2026
Graduate Taught
UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School
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showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt
B532
Aviation Finance
Master of Science

Part-Time
Commencing September 2026
Graduate Taught
UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School
Not available to International applicantsClosed
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