MSc in Aviation Safety

Objectives of the Program

The Master’s program in Aviation Safety at the Hellenic Air Force Academy is designed to prepare highly skilled professionals capable of addressing the complex and evolving challenges in aviation safety. This program serves as a bridge for individuals from diverse academic and professional backgrounds to transition into the aviation safety sector, equipping them with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The scope of the program encompasses a comprehensive study of aviation safety principles, advanced maintenance methods, human factors, regulatory frameworks, and emerging technologies, including UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) management and aviation cybersecurity. It also addresses contemporary issues such as climate change impacts on aviation safety and the use of data analytics for risk assessment.

The primary objectives of the program are to:

Develop a deep understanding of the technical, operational, and regulatory aspects of aviation safety.
Equip students with the ability to analyze and mitigate risks associated with aircraft maintenance, flight operations, and air traffic management.
Foster proficiency in the use of advanced tools and methodologies for accident investigation, safety management, and decision-making in high-pressure situations.
Promote awareness of emerging challenges and technologies in aviation safety, including cybersecurity and digital forensics.
Enhance students’ research capabilities through the completion of a master’s thesis focused on real-world aviation safety issues.
Prepare graduates for immediate and effective contribution to the aviation safety sector, ensuring high standards of safety and operational excellence.

By achieving these objectives, the program aims to produce versatile professionals who meet rigorous academic standards while responding dynamically to the needs of the aviation industry.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Master’s program in Aviation Safety, graduates will be able to:

Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles and advanced concepts of aviation safety, including aircraft maintenance, human factors, and regulatory frameworks.
Analyze and evaluate aviation safety risks using quantitative and qualitative methods, applying risk management and safety assessment tools effectively.
Conduct thorough investigations of air accidents and incidents, identifying root causes and recommending appropriate safety measures.
Apply knowledge of emerging technologies such as Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), aviation cybersecurity, and digital forensics to enhance safety and security in aviation operations.
Design and implement strategies for the management of safety and security within aviation organizations, considering operational, technical, and environmental factors such as climate change.
Make informed decisions under pressure and in complex scenarios, employing critical thinking and problem-solving skills in aviation safety contexts.
Communicate effectively with stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, industry professionals, and multidisciplinary teams, ensuring clear and precise dissemination of safety-related information.
Conduct independent research and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in aviation safety through the completion of a master’s thesis.
Demonstrate professionalism and ethical responsibility in all aspects of aviation safety practice.

Student Candidates

The number of admitted students per year is set at a minimum of twenty-five (25) and a maximum of thirty-five (35) postgraduate students. By decision of the Academic Assembly, following the recommendation of the Coordinating Committee (CC), a Call for Expression of Interest for admission to the PSP “Aviation Safety” is published. The announcement is posted on the website of the Hellenic Air Force Academy. The announcement specifies the admission requirements, the categories of eligible degree holders, the number of available places, the admission process, the application deadlines, and the required documentation. Applications and supporting documents are submitted to the Postgraduate and Doctoral Studies and Research Office of the Academy within the deadline stated in the announcement, which may be extended by decision of the Academic Assembly.

The required documents to be submitted by applicants are as follows:

Application form (electronic and/or printed).
Copy of degree or certificate of completion of undergraduate studies.
Official transcript of undergraduate courses.
Detailed curriculum vitae (including education, teaching and/or professional experience, and scientific activity).
Evidence of research or professional activity, if any.
At least two recommendation letters (signed by faculty members of the applicant’s institution or by faculty members from other institutions familiar with the applicant’s academic qualifications).
Copy of postgraduate diploma, if applicable.
Publications in peer-reviewed journals, if applicable.
Photocopy of both sides of the national ID card.
Certificate of English language proficiency at level B2 or higher.
(Graduates of English-speaking universities are exempt from submitting such a certificate.)
Certificate of recognition by the Hellenic NARIC (DOATAP) for foreign degrees, where applicable.

Duration of Studies

The duration of studies in the PSP leading to the award of the Master’s Degree (MSc) is set at three (3) academic semesters for full-time study. This duration includes the time required for the preparation and submission of the Master’s Thesis (MT) for evaluation.

Curriculum

To be awarded the MSc degree, the student must complete and pass successfully twelve (12) courses, totaling sixty (60) ECTS credits during the first (A) and second (B) semesters, and the Master’s Thesis, which carries thirty (30) ECTS credits, during the third (C) semester. Specifically, the program includes ten (10) compulsory courses (10 × 5 = 50 ECTS) and two (2) elective courses (2 × 5 = 10 ECTS).

Attendance at courses is mandatory. Teaching is primarily conducted in person at the Department of Aeronautical Sciences, Hellenic Air Force Academy. However, distance learning methods (synchronous and/or asynchronous) may also be used, in accordance with current legislation, through certified e-learning platforms. The language of instruction and of the Master’s Thesis is English.

Program Structure

1st Semester (A)

Code	Title	Type	ECTS
AS.C.01	Advanced Aircraft Maintenance Methods	Compulsory	5
AS.C.02	Aviation Safety and UAS Management in U-Space	Compulsory	5
AS.C.03	Human Performance and Physiology for Aviation Safety	Compulsory	5
AS.C.04	Introduction to Flight Safety	Compulsory	5
AS.C.05	Legislation and Regulatory Framework in Aviation Safety	Compulsory	5
AS.C.06	Risk and Safety Management in Aviation	Compulsory	5
Total			30

2nd Semester (B)

Code	Title	Type	ECTS
AS.C.07	Air Accident Investigation and Safety	Compulsory	5
AS.C.08	Climate Change and Aviation Safety	Compulsory	5
AS.C.09	Decision-Making in Extreme Conditions	Compulsory	5
AS.C.10	Modeling and Data Analytics	Compulsory	5
AS.E.0X	Elective Course	Elective	5
AS.E.0Y	Elective Course	Elective	5
Total			30

3rd Semester (C)

Code	Title	Type	ECTS
AS.T.00	Master’s Thesis	Compulsory	30
Total			30

Elective Courses (List)

Code	Title	ECTS
AS.E.01	Airworthiness as a Key Factor in Flight Safety	5
AS.E.02	Aviation Cybersecurity	5
AS.E.03	Digital Forensics in Aviation	5
AS.E.04	Fault Diagnosis and Isolation Methods for Enhanced Flight Safety	5
AS.E.05	Innovation Procurement and Aviation Security Technologies	5
AS.E.06	Optimization of ATM Operations	5
AS.E.07	Weather-Aware Flight Path Design and Aircraft Performance	5

Detailed descriptions of the courses can be found in the Study Guide

Learning outcomes

Student Candidates

Duration of Studies

Curriculum

Program Structure

Regulations