Course Summary
The MSc in Aviation Finance aims to advance students’ understanding of all aspects of aviation finance, with a 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.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
Please review the entry requirements below. The UCD Smurfit Admissions Office staff have expertise in reviewing international qualifications from around the world and will be able to assess your application's comparability to the Irish entry requirement.
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 appropriate work experience in the aviation industry.
If English is not your first language, an English language qualification is required for admission to all of our programmes. The exception to this rule is if you have completed your primary degree or an entire third level qualification through English, in an English speaking country. https://www.smurfitschool.ie/admissions/internationalapplicants/englishlanguagerequirements/
Some students might have to get a student visa in order to come and study in Ireland. Please check the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Services website to see if you require a visa. https://www.irishimmigration.ie/
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.
https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/rpl/
Application Details
Apply online
Who Should Apply?
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
B531 Aviation Finance Master of Science Full-Time
Commencing September 2026
Graduate Taught
(UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School)
B532 Aviation Finance Master of Science Part-Time
Commencing September 2026
Graduate Taught
(UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School)
Fees
Fees Full-Time EU:
€19,500 (academic year 2024/2025)
Full-Time Non-EU:
€27,450 (academic year 2024/2025)
Fees Part-Time EU:
€9,980 per year* (academic year 2024/2025)
Part-Time Non-EU:
€13,720 per year* (academic year 2024/2025)
Important Note: Tuition fees and other charges are subject to change each year. *Part-Time students may be subject to fee increases in Year 2.
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Enterprising
Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.
Career Progression
The MSc in Aviation Finance from the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School gives you the specialised skills and knowledge you need for a career in the aviation finance and leasing sector. 89% of our graduates from this programme were employed after 6 months across a range of industry sectors. Source: Latest Graduate Outcomes Survey, published in September 2025.
Potential careers for our graduates include:
Credit Risk Analysis
Pricing Analyst
Financial Modeling
Treasury Analyst
Risk Management
Aviation Leasing Marketing and Negotiations
Duration
B532 - 2 years part-time.
Delivery: On Campus