Higher Diploma in Science in Aviation Finance | Full-time

  • Overview
  • Course Content
  • Structure
  • Career Opportunities
  • Eligibility
  • Next Steps
  • Apply
HCI Funder Logos (5) Aviation Finance  

Overview

 

Dublin Business School (DBS) in conjunction with Springboard+, have developed an intensive one-year Full-Time NFQ Level 8 award for a Higher Diploma in Science in Aviation Finance.

Demand for new aircraft continues to rise, with 17,000 aircraft estimated to be ordered globally over the next decade. This demand is being driven by passenger numbers that are predicted to double by 2030 to 73 million.  An increasing critical factor in growth of the aviation industry are the aircraft lessors who now owe over 40% of the world’s fleet (versus 25% in 2000).  Of the world’s top aircraft lessors, a remarkable 14 are based in Ireland.  It is estimated that an Irish leased aircraft takes off every two seconds somewhere in the world.

Whilst this dominant market share is underpinned by the business and tax environments, it is also highly dependent on talent.  As an industry focused educational institution, DBS sees itself as supporting the talent pillar of the Irish economy, and therefore Aviation Finance is a natural domain for the institution to explore the development of a new programme.

The Skills Strategy 2025 emphasises the ‘increasingly interdisciplinary nature of the world of work […] which overlaps in the skills required across different sectors and occupations’. Moreover, the Skills Strategy 2025 looks to transversal skills, basic, generic, core or practical skills as being the cornerstone for an individual’s personal development and the building blocks for the development of the hard, vocational or technical skills.

The Higher Diploma in Science in Aviation Finance, is underpinned by a strong foundation in leadership and emphasises the development of effective financial management skills to structure aviation leases, structured finance deals using Special Purpose Vehicles, managing aviation leases throughout the lease lifecycle, and being well positioned to contribute to the digital transformation of aviation leasing. The long-term career prospectus for those undertaking postgraduate studies in business, commerce or economics remain excellent with increasing numbers of undergraduates going onto further postgraduate studies. 

 

Programme Aims and Objectives

The Higher Diploma in Science in Aviation Finance aims to provide learners with the relevant knowledge, skills and competence to engage in professional work in the aircraft leasing and securitisation industry.  It will also provide learners with the knowledge, skills and competence to operate in many areas of the finance or aviation industries.

This programme covers a wide range of Aviation Finance topics, whilst providing a focus on application and the regulation required in this area.  The programme focuses on practical, applied skills in core areas such as data and financial analytics, aviation finance, regulations, operations, Aviation Leasing - Tax and Insurance. Its aim is to create a competence of core financial technologies and financial operations while also enhancing the practical technical skills of the learners.

Aviation Finance can incorporate many different areas and is an evolving area.  Through the work of the Programme Team and in conjunction with the industry experts, Aviation Finance has been defined as a combination of financial systems, data management and technology including areas such as Project Management, Risk Management, Cyber Security, Law and Regulation, Information Technology, Aircraft Economics and Life Cycle Management and Aviation finance. The programme aims and learning outcomes have been designed to reflect these specific areas.

The programme incorporates a strong focus on so-called practical skills within modules to enhance learners’ employability, and to equip them to integrate seamlessly into an organisation by developing skills such as leadership, self‐management and teamwork that are essential in the Aviation Finance sector, which is a rapidly changing industry which requires motivated and flexible employees.  The Applied Project module requires students to identify a problem or issue in the Aviation Finance domain and to apply problem-solving skills to research and analyse the issue and develop real-world solutions, and to critically reflect on this research process.

Guest Lectures from industry and the Aviation Finance sector will be invited to participate in each module.  Approximately 2 to 3 hours will be devoted to domain experts in each module, where appropriate industry visits will be organised.

Additionally, students will be invited to DBS Finance Society and its FinTech Society. Students will also be invited to attend the DBS ‘Fintech Breakfast Briefings’, which occur regularly on campus, and various other FinTech meetups hosted in DBS e.g. FinTech Ireland Bridge with FinTech Atlanta.

 

Aims & Objectives

  • Provide learners with a holistic overview of the frameworks governing aircraft leasing.

  • Provide learners with an understanding of the aviation leasing taxation legislation and networks.

  • Enable learners to source and analyse the financial and non-financial information relating to an airline performance.

  • Develop learners’ capacity to utilise the core valuation techniques used to evaluate and value aircraft leasing investments.

  • Enable learners to analyse the macro and more specific variables determining the supply/demand of the aviation industry.

  • Allow learners to apply critical management strategies through the various phase of an aircraft’s life cycle.

  • Enable learners to evaluate the sources of capital and the financing structures employed in aircraft leasing.

  • Allow learners to identify, assess and manage credit, and other systematic, risk factors in aviation finance.

  • Provide learners with an understanding of the evolving digitisation, and analytic value, of an aircraft’s lifecycle data.

  • Enable the learners to identify, develop and apply detailed analytical, creative, problem solving and research skills.

  • Provide the learner with a comprehensive platform for career development, innovation and further study.

Upon completion of the programme, learners will be able to:
  • Demonstrate a practical understanding of the legal frameworks governing aviation leasing.

  • Appraise the key features of the taxation systems governing the operation of aviation leasing and aviation finance.

  • Analyse financial and non-financial information to assess the performance of commercial airlines.

  • Utilise various valuation techniques appraise value creating aircraft leasing investment decisions.

  • Evaluate the macroeconomic and other factors driving supply/demand in the aviation industry.

  • Apply aircraft lifecycle management strategies throughout the various phases of an aviation lease.

  • Assess the sources of capital, standard approaches to aviation leasing, and the term structure of aviation financing.

  • Analyse credit risk, and the management of and other systematic risk factors in the aviation industry.

  • Evaluate the evolving digitisation of aircraft record management the impact of predictive analytics and blockchain technologies on the contemporary and future aviation industry.

  • Display a range of personal and interpersonal skills, including the capacity for continuous learning, initiative taking, performing to deadlines, working in a team, communicating effectively .

Delivery

This programme is taught on a hybrid basis. This means learners are timetabled either in-class or online, in a mix of online and in-class days.


Entry Requirements

To be considered for admission to this programme, applicants must hold a minimum full level 7 Bachelor’s Degree in a cognate discipline such as business, finance, engineering, technology or Science, with a minimum pass classification., or a full level 8 Honours Bachelor’s Degree in a non-cognate discipline. 

Candidates will be required to have at minimum of Ordinary-Level Leaving Certificate mathematics, or be able to demonstrate competency at an equivalent level.

For applicants whose first language is not English and who have not previously undertaken a degree taught through English, evidence must be provided of proficiency in English language equivalent to B2+ or above on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL). This must be evidenced through a recognised English Language test such as IELTS, Cambridge Certificate, PTE or DBS English Assessment. Test certificates should be dated within the last two years to be considered valid.


Recognition of Prior Learning

Applicants who do not have a Level 8 qualification at a pass award level and who have at least 3 years’ relevant work experience may also be considered through the College’s normal RPL procedures.  Relevant professional experience may be taken into account and individuals will be assessed on a case-by-case basis through DBS RPL procedures.

 

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 *Eligibility and entry requirements apply.

  

 


Course Content

The modules on The Higher Diploma in Science in Aviation Finance include:

  • Aircraft Leasing Legal Frameworks

  • Aircraft Leasing Taxation

  • Aviation Finance and Financial Statement Analysis

  • Aircraft Economics and Life Cycle Management

  • Aviation Financial Management

  • Digitisation and Innovation in the Aviation Industry



Assessment Methods

DBS’s Strategy for Learning, Teaching and Assessment Enhancement (DBS 2019) is a planned, actionable commitment to achieve a learning-centred, integrated, flexible learning environment. This commitment is reflected in this programme in the engagement with learner, industry and educator expertise in the construction of the programme and in its thoughtful balance of the different modes of delivery to offer a variety of teaching strategies delivered consistently across the programme. 

The experiential and practical nature of the programme is reflected in the most common learning approach in the programme being lab-based lecturers and tutorials, together with classroom-based lecturers and tutorials.  Workshops feature throughout the programme to tackle technical and practical topics, which emphasises the experiential and practical nature of the programme.   As do the use of case studies and model examples from industry.  Peer review is also visible throughout the programme, for example, the use of the pairing approach for code review and the peer review of academic articles.  Directed e-learning, where the lecturer has scaffolded learner interaction with online reusable learning objects, features in each of the modules.  Progressive practical skills-based exercises are also utilised consistently as formative assessment in a number of modules, together with online quizzes.  Many of these formative exercises are small, with ongoing submission, thereby progressively building the learner skills base.

Learning, teaching and assessment for the programme is utilises a problem-based learning approach to encourage learners to develop problem-solving skills relating to real-world scenarios.  Modules will be delivered through a mix of lectures, workshops, tutorials, and teaching will focus on the learner undertaking critical reflection and critique of industry case studies.








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Structure

This is a one year full-time programme with six taught modules each of 10 ECTS which combined, leading to a Higher Diploma in Science in Aviation Finance (Level 8, 60 ECTS).

This programme is taught on a hybrid basis. This means learners are timetabled either in-class or online, in a mix of online and in-class days.


Six Key Components

  • Classroom lectures

  • Case Based learning

  • Practical Skills Sessions

  • Workshops

  • Tutorials

  • Individual and Group work


The Full-time Higher Diploma in Science in Aviation Finance will run over one academic year from Monday to Friday. Calendars for this programme will be available in due course. Please note daytime attendance is required on this programme.







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Career Opportunities

The Higher Diploma in Science in Aviation Finance programme differentiates from existing offerings in its focus upon the digitisation of the industry and the evolution of technological innovation, and in delivery upon the programmes learning outcomes - developing the skills/attributes required to meet industry demand - the programme intends to provide a clear pathway for its graduates’ employment/career opportunities.  Aviation Finance can incorporate many different areas and is an evolving area.  Aviation Finance has been defined as a combination of financial systems, data management and technology including areas such as Project Management, Risk Management, Cyber Security, Law and Regulation, Information Technology, Data Analytics for Aviation Finance and Financial Services.

The programme will produce graduates who can implement aircraft finance strategies, understand the financing required for these strategies, manage associate risk, work with various legal environments, appreciate the implications of differing taxation systems, as well as producing graduates who understand and can lead the upcoming digital transformation of the industry.









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HCI Eligibility

People in the following categories are eligible to apply for courses in the HCI Pillar 1 (subject to the applicant meeting all residency and nationality/visa requirements and any academic requirements):

Note: For Stamp 4 holders or Stamp 4 EU FAM, residency will be calculated from the date of receipt of the Stamp 4.  Any period of residency in the state before this date will not be taken into consideration.

For the Higher Diploma in Science in Aviation Finance, 1-year full-time programme, the following categories are eligible to apply:

(1) People in Employment

Please note that those in employment, under the HCI Pillar 2022/23 initiative, 90% of the fees are covered by HEA and 10% of the fees are payable to the college for this category of applicants.  The applicant must also meet the nationality/visa requirements and residency criteria, i.e. they must be able to demonstrate that they have been ordinarily resident in an EU/EEA/UK/Swiss state for at least three of the five years preceding their entry to the programme.  Either the applicant or their employer can pay these fees.  Should your employer be paying your fees, please contact us and we can forward you a company sponsorship form in order to invoice to your employer.

PROOF OF EMPLOYMENT DOCUMENTATION:

A copy of a most recent payslip

OR

This category of applicant will also be required to provide a copy of their most recent ‘Employment Detail Summary’ or other relevant revenue documentation.

Fees: The fee for the Higher Diploma in Science in Aviation Finance is €7,250 of which you pay 10% = €725

 

(2) Self-Employed

Self-employed applicants are eligible to apply.

PROOF OF SELF-EMPLOYED DOCUMENTATION:

A letter from their accountant or relevant documentation from Revenue showing that they are self-employed in Ireland would suffice

Fees: The fee for the Higher Diploma in Science in Aviation Finance is €7,250 of which you pay 10% = €725

 

(3) Returners

Returners are those who are not in receipt of a payment from the Department of Social Protection, have previous history of employment but may require upskilling or reskilling to transition back to the workforce.  Applicants must have been a homemaker or on other caring duties or economically dependent on a partner or spouse for a minimum period of 9 of the previous 12 months.

PROOF OF RETURNER DOCUMENTATION:

Applicants must swear a declaration before a Commissioner for Oaths attesting to their status. A form to complete this process is available here.

Fees: The fees for this programme under this category are fully funded at 100%.

 

(4) Recent Graduates

Under the HCI 2022 Initiative, recent graduates are eligible to apply for this programme, i.e. Level 8 2020 Graduates.

PROOF OF RECENT GRADUATES:

A copy of your transcript of results of the level 8 degree or a copy of the parchment confirming the award.

Fees: The fee for the Higher Diploma in Science in Aviation Finance is €7,250 of which you pay 10% = €725

 

 

(5) The Unemployed

To be eligible for a HCI Pillar 1 course, a person must be in receipt of an eligible DEASP payment or be signing for social insurance contribution credits, have a previous history of employment or self-employment and be actively seeking work.

Note: Applicants must be in receipt of any of the following social welfare payment for 9 of the previous 12 months and hold at least a Level 8 qualification.

  • Jobseekers Benefit 

  • Jobseekers Allowance 

  • One Parent Family 

  • Disability Allowance 

  • Qualified Adults of Working Age 

  • Carers Allowance 

  • Farm Assist/Fish Assist 

  • Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's Contributory or Non-contributory Pension 

  • Blind Pension  

  • Deserted Wives Allowance 

PROOF OF UNEMPLOYED DOCUMENTATION:

Most recent copy receipt of payment of any of the above categories.

OR

A copy of a bank statement showing receipt of payments will suffice.  If this is provided, please ensure you redact your account number, BIC and IBAN but your name should remain visible, AND

A Letter from the DEASP confirming you are in receipt of any of the above social welfare payment for 9 of the previous 12 months

Fees:    The fees for this programme under this category are fully funded at 100%.

  

PROOF OF PREVIOUSLY SELF-EMPLOYED DOCUMENTATION:

Proof of most recent payment;

OR

A copy of a bank statement showing receipt of payments will suffice.  If this is provided, please ensure you redact your account number, BIC and IBAN but your name should remain visible; AND

A copy of the BTEA approval letter

Fees:    The fees for this programme under this category are fully funded at 100%.



NOTE: If your eligibility status changes prior to commencing the course, you will need to contact the admissions office to assess are you still eligible to enrol on the programme. Failure to do this may result in you losing your place on the programme.


Application Procedures

All applications must be submitted online via the Springboard+ website.  Please note that documentation supporting the applicants status will be required as part of the application process.  Please visit the Springboard+ website for further information on participant eligibility and funding eligibility requirements.

The following documents are required by DBS as part of the application process.  When you apply through the Springboard website, a member of the admissions team will be in touch in relation to requesting the following documents:

  • Academic Transcripts of Results (this is a breakdown of each year, all the modules studied and all results achieved).If these transcripts are in a language other than English, we will require the originals together with official translated copies;

  • Proof of ID (Driver’s Licence or Passport);

  • Proof of Residency for all applicants for 3 of the last 5 years.This can be revenue documents, letter from DEASP office or letter from previous or current employer;

  • For Non-EU applicants currently residing in Ireland, a copy of your Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) Card or proof of residency is required to demonstrate that you have been residing in the EU for 3 of the last 5 years;

  • For applicants who do not hold the required qualification and are applying through APEL (Approved Prior Experiential Learning), a recently updated and detailed CV is required with education and work experience to date.In addition, a personal statement is required outlining your reasons for applying for the course and why you would be a suitable candidate.This should be in the format of a word document and have between 500 and 700 words.

  • For applicants whose first language is not English and who have not previously undertaken a degree taught through English, evidence must be provided of proficiency in English language equivalent to B2+ or above on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL).This must be evidenced through a recognised English Language Test such as IETLS, Cambridge, PTE, Duolingo, or DBS English Placement Test.Test certificates must be dated within the last 2 years.

 

All QQI accredited programmes of education and training of 3 months or longer duration offered by Dublin Business School (DBS) are covered by arrangements under section 65 (4) (b) of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 whereby in the event th at DBS ceases to provide the programme, for any reason, after learners have started on that programme, Kaplan Inc., as guarantor, will refund the moneys most recently paid by or for the learner.   More details are included in the terms and conditions of learner admission to DBS (https://www.dbs.ie/terms-and-conditions) and on programme handbooks provided at induction.

 





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Next Steps


Application Procedure

Please apply online via the Springboard portal HERE.



Corporate Services

Did you know?  DBS now can meet with you and your company to discuss the Springboard+ Government funded programmes, to see if it could work as a learning & development solution for your organisation.  This is ideal for any size organisation in any industry based in Dublin and the surrounding counties that may want to invest in employees' professional development.

For more information on this new service or to arrange a meeting, please contact our Corporate Services Team on [email protected] or by telephone 01 417 7500.








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Categories:
  • FREE* HCI Pillar 1 Programmes
  • Full-Time
  • Accounting & Finance
  • 8

Course overview

Awarding Body:
Quality & Qualifications Ireland (QQI)
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Duration: 1 Academic Year
Study Mode: Full-Time
Award Level: Level 8
Award Title: Higher Diploma in Aviation Finance
ECTS Credits: 60
10% Contribution Fee (if applicable): €725
Next Intake: March 2024

Contact

We are now accepting applications for programmes taking place in 2024. Contact our admissions team for more information

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 01 417 7500
Opening times:
Monday to Friday: 8:45am to 5:15pm

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