University of Otago

What you'll study

The Master of Aviation Medicine combines taught coursework with a substantial research project. Core topics cover aerospace physiology (cardiovascular, respiratory and neurovestibular responses to flight), clinical assessment and management of aircrew and passengers, human factors and crew resource management, aeromedical certification and regulatory frameworks, and occupational and environmental health risks in aviation.

• Core modules: aerospace physiology; aeromedical clinical practice; human factors in aviation; aviation safety and regulation.
• Research and methods: epidemiology and biostatistics for aviation health, study design, and a supervised research project leading to a thesis.
• Practical components: clinical assessment clinics, case-based learning, and exposure to operational aviation medicine workflows. Where available, students may receive practical experience with specialist equipment and simulation facilities through clinical or industry placements.
• Flexible delivery: the programme is offered with options for full-time or part-time study to accommodate practising clinicians, and typically culminates in a thesis or major research paper.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised medical degree (MBChB or equivalent) and, where relevant, current registration to practise medicine. Applicants with other health professional qualifications (for example, dentistry, nursing, physiotherapy) plus relevant clinical experience may be considered, particularly if they can demonstrate a substantive interest or background in occupational or aerospace health.

• Academic transcripts demonstrating a first degree in medicine or a related health science.
• Evidence of clinical experience; applicants who are practising clinicians are preferred.
• Two referees who can comment on academic ability and clinical competence.
• A statement of purpose or research proposal for applicants applying to the research stream.
• International applicants must meet the University’s English language requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Master of Aviation Medicine progress into a range of roles in civil, military and commercial aviation. Typical career paths include appointment as an aviation medical examiner (AME), aviation/flight surgeon roles within defence forces, medical officer roles with civil aviation authorities, and positions in occupational health departments serving the aviation industry.

• Clinical practice assessing fitness-to-fly for pilots, aircrew and passengers.
• Regulatory and certification roles with national aviation authorities or airlines.
• Occupational health advisory roles for airports, airlines and aerospace manufacturers.
• Research and academic careers in aerospace medicine, human factors, and public health aspects of aviation.

Why study at University of Otago

The University of Otago has a long-established medical school and a strong track record in clinical and public health research. The aviation medicine programme draws on multidisciplinary expertise within the health sciences and benefits from close links with clinical services and regulatory stakeholders, providing students with applied learning opportunities and access to experienced clinicians and researchers.

Postgraduate students at Otago also benefit from supportive supervision, structured research training, and a campus environment that fosters collaboration between medicine, physiology, psychology and occupational health — disciplines that are central to aviation medicine practice and scholarship.