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CRICOS 112849H
This dynamic course equips you with the knowledge and skills required for a successful career in Drone Operations. Focused on emerging drone technologies, safety regulations, and practical applications, this course prepares you to operate remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) in industries like logistics, agriculture, surveillance, and environmental monitoring.
Full Time: 3 Years
No ATAR Required
Intakes:
March, July, November
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FEE-HELP Eligible Course
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Location:
Melbourne
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Get qualified for a CASA Remote Pilot Licence
Complete the skills and knowledge requirements to obtain your CASA Remote Pilot Licence, allowing you to be employable as a remote pilot. In our Major in Drone Operations students also study a Recreational Pilot Flight Crew Licence, giving a true insight to the aviation and aircraft ecosystem.
Entrepreneurship Opportunities
Learn how to start and manage a drone business. The program includes insights into market analysis, client acquisition, and building a sustainable enterprise, empowering graduates to launch their own successful drone ventures.
Be Drone Industry ready
Our course provides students with the ability to apply for their own Remote Operator Certificate (ReOC) and have the specific knowledge on Beyond Visual Line of Sight Operations and associated Specific Operations Risk Assessment procedures. Allowing students to start their very own business or become a Chief Remote Pilot at an established drone operator.
Industry-Focused Training
Gain in-depth knowledge of drone technology, operations, and applications. This program equips students to meet the demands of industries like agriculture, logistics, infrastructure inspection, and aerial surveying, preparing graduates for high-demand roles in the rapidly growing drone sector.
Step into one of the fastest-growing industries in the world with a degree in drone operations!
The global drone market is projected to reach $63.6 billion by 2025, and skilled remote pilots are in high demand across industries like defence, emergency services, agriculture, surveying, and entertainment.
The Major in Drone Operations includes foundational units like Introduction to Drones, which explores drone technology, regulations, and safety. In Drone Operations Management, students learn to oversee complex drone operations, including logistics, compliance, and team coordination. Drone Operational Applications focuses on real-world drone uses, preparing students for specialised roles in infrastructure inspection, environmental monitoring, and delivery systems.
Advanced units such as Drone Mission Planning develop critical skills in designing and executing missions, including risk management and regulatory compliance. Drone Information Systems delves into data collection, analysis, and integration, equipping students to utilise drones for data-driven decision-making.
Including the CASA Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL) in the Bachelor of Aviation (Flight) - Major in Drone Operations offers students a broader understanding of traditional aviation principles. This foundational knowledge enhances situational awareness, airspace management skills, and safety protocols. By learning to pilot manned aircraft, students gain critical insights into aviation operations, which complement their drone-specific training.
With a strong focus on hands-on training, the course ensures graduates are prepared for CASA certifications, including the Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) and Remote Operator Certificate (ReOC). Whether aiming for employment or starting their own business, students are positioned for success in this fast-growing, innovative industry.
Year One Units
*Flight practical units are allocated a specific number of flight hours. Students requiring further training beyond these hours will be charged at additional cost beyond the tuition fees. Further information can be found in "Information for Prospective Students" found here or in the fees section of this webpage.
Year Two Units
Year Three Units
Speak with our admissions team directly and ask your questions.
You can also request a tour of our state of the art flight simulator lab and even have a go yourself. Our friendly staff will show you around our specialist facilities, answer any questions you may have and give you a first-hand insight into student life in Melbourne.
Book your call today via the link below and choose a time that suits you.
We are proud to partner with Tristar Aviation in the delivery of our practical flight training. Tristar was founded by Geoff and Adrianne Fleming in 1993 and has since gone on to develop a range of flight training programs and charter services.
Our Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business degree leads to employment in any number of business, management or administration-related roles.
The programme is also designed to lead to further study in cognate areas. This programme has been specifically designed to ensure graduates will be equipped with the relevant skills and competencies sought by employers today.
The digital focus prepares students for the new digital workplace and introduces the key technical innovations in modern business. The emphasis on using software applications as business tools opens the door to further learning and research and also prepares students for specialised programmes at postgraduate level.
Our Flight Training Provider
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This course takes a hands on and industry-led approach to education, providing students with a range of learning modalities throughout the course.
Theoretical classes provide a blended learning opportunity where traditional lectures are complemented by dynamic workshops that push students to think reflexively.
Practical flight training for the Recreation Pilot Licence occurs in the second trimester and continues through the remainder of the course. This practical component is offered through our flight training partner Tristar Aviation located in Moorabbin.
This course is an intensive program and students are expected at least two days on campus and two-three days in Moorabbin for practical training, weather dependent.
*Flight practical units are allocated a specific number of flight hours. Students requiring further training beyond these hours will be charged at additional cost beyond the tuition fees. Further information can be found in "Information for Prospective Students" found here or in the fees section of this webpage.
To be eligible for admission applicants must have:
To be eligible for admission applicants must have:
Year 12 - Mathematical Methods or equivalent
This includes 31.5 Hours of Flight Training plus 1.0 Hour of Simulator Training.
You may be eligible to apply for a FEE-HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of your tuition fees up to the HELP loan limit of $182,172 (2025 indexed rate). This course is eligible for the higher loan limit. Please contact a course advisor here to determine your eligibility.
The table below outlines the allocation of flight hours per unit of study:
Students who undertake flight training will incur additional costs, which are detailed in the sections below. Prices are indicative only and are paid to bodies outside of Holmes Institute.
All CASA licence fees and first attempt at all CASA Theory Examinations are included in the course cost.
In some situations, students who require training above the maximum allotted flight hours for their course will be charged for any additional flight hours to achieve the required competencies. Each fee is for one additional hour of flying time. It will only be charged if additional hours above the allocated number of flying hours are required. The number of flight hours allocated to each unit is listed below:
All prices are quoted in Australian Dollars ($AUD) and are inclusive of GST where applicable. Course availability is subject to minimum numbers. Holmes Institute reserves the right to change course structure, content or fee scales any time without notice.
It is expected that there will be a 4% to 5% increase per year.
This includes 31.5 Hours of Flight Training plus 1.0 Hour of Simulator Training.
The table below outlines the allocation of flight hours per unit of study:
Students who undertake flight training will incur additional costs, which are detailed in the sections below. Prices are indicative only and are paid to bodies outside of Holmes Institute.
In some situations, students who require training above the maximum allotted flight hours for their course will be charged for any additional flight hours to achieve the required competencies. Each fee is for one additional hour of flying time. It will only be charged if additional hours above the allocated number of flying hours are required. The number of flight hours allocated to each unit is listed below:
Launceston is not available to international students.
All prices are quoted in Australian Dollars ($AUD) and are inclusive of GST where applicable. Course availability is subject to minimum numbers. Holmes Institute reserves the right to change course structure, content or fee scales any time without notice.
It is expected that there will be a 4% to 5% increase per year.
Discover essential learning resources, alumni success stories and business industry insights through our dedicated industry incubator blog.
Have a question? See our common queries below or feel free to contact us for help with any other question you may have.
What English Language qualifications can I use?
CEFR B2+ as evidenced through a recognised English language test such as IELTS, PTE, TOEFL or Duolingo and taken within two years of application.
Is the course globally recognised?
Our course is fully accredited by QQI (Quality and Qualifications Ireland) and included on the ILEP.
What is the living cost for students in Dublin?
If you’re planning to study in Dublin, you should be able to prepare ahead and gauge how much it will cost. With proper budgeting and careful planning, Dublin is affordable. We have provided an overview of the cost of living for students in the city.
What happens if I don't meet the English language requirements?
Students who do not meet the English Language requirement may enrol in a preparatory English Language programme from OHC English Dublin to prepare for a recognised English Language test.
How many intakes do you have?
We have 3 intakes per calendar year. February, June and October.
Can I work with an Ireland Student Visa?
If you are an international full-time student in Ireland, and you receive a Stamp 2 or 2A, you are free to work in Ireland (up to 40 hours a week) without having to obtain a separate work permit. However, there are restrictions. Please find out more information on Ireland Student Visa.
What is a QQI Award?
A Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) award lets any prospective employer, professional body, regulator or educational institution know that the award holder has successfully completed a programme offered by a QQI provider. All QQI awards are part of the new inclusive National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)
Holmes Institute is a pioneer in dynamic education programs that help graduates land their dream job. Over 60 years of experience delivering education excellence have taught us what students need to succeed. Interactive classes, expert educators and a strong community culminate in a learning experience that is second to none.
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