Aviation Leasing and Finance - Professional Diploma

1 Year On Campus Diploma Program

University of Limerick

Program Overview

The Professional Diploma in Aviation Leasing & Finance is Ireland’s first Level 9 university-accredited postgraduate programme tailored specifically to the aviation leasing sector, blending academic rigour with industry insights. Delivered part-time over one year with online and short on-campus components, this diploma equips professionals with deep knowledge of the air transport system, aircraft finance, leasing strategies, risk management, fleet planning and the legal frameworks that underpin aviation finance.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 — Autumn Semester

In your first semester, you’ll build a strong foundation in the core areas that shape aviation finance and leasing. Modules such as Air Transportation Characteristics introduce the dynamics of the air transport system, Corporate Airline Finance develops your understanding of financial issues unique to airline businesses, and Aircraft Leasing explores why and how leasing has become a central practice in aviation asset management.

Year 1 — Spring Semester

The spring semester deepens your analytical, strategic and legal competencies relevant to aviation leasing. Integrated Risk Management equips you to evaluate market, credit and governance risks, Fleet Planning gives insight into the strategic deployment of aircraft assets, and Legal Aspects of Aviation Leasing and Finance develops your grasp of the regulatory and contractual frameworks governing aircraft financing and leasing.

Focus Areas (in a string)

“Air transport system characteristics, corporate airline finance, aircraft leasing, integrated risk management, fleet planning, legal aspects of aviation leasing and finance.”

Learning Outcomes (in a string)

“Understand the structure and dynamics of the air transport system, analyse aviation-specific financial and leasing issues, evaluate risks in aviation finance, plan fleet strategy, and apply legal and regulatory knowledge in aircraft leasing and finance contexts.”

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The diploma is a 30-credit Minor Award at NFQ Level 9, offering the same Irish National Framework of Qualifications Level as a master’s module and allowing credits to stack towards higher qualifications such as the Master of Professional Practice or MSc Engineering Practice. It is delivered by the Kemmy Business School with input from aviation and finance practitioners, emphasising relevance to the sector.

Reputation (Employability & Recognition)

This programme is recognised as the first of its kind in Ireland specifically addressing aviation leasing and finance — sectors that are central to global airline operations, leasing companies, banks and asset managers. Students benefit from the industry-led content and academic expertise at UL, with modules developed in partnership with the Aviation Skillnet Network, offering professional credibility and practical working knowledge sought by employers in aviation, corporate finance and asset leasing.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Professional Diploma in Aviation Leasing & Finance at University of Limerick goes well beyond lectures — it’s designed so you can learn by doing and thinking like an aviation finance professional. The course blends academic expertise from the Kemmy Business School with practical insights from industry, supported by flexible online delivery plus brief on-campus engagement, helping you build real sector knowledge while you work or continue in your career. You’ll tackle real issues in aircraft finance, risk and fleet planning and learn how legal frameworks impact global leasing decisions:

Here’s how experiential learning is built into the programme:

Industry-led module content: All six modules — Air Transportation Characteristics, Corporate Airline Finance and Aircraft Leasing in Autumn, plus Integrated Risk Management, Fleet Planning and Legal Aspects of Aviation Leasing and Finance in Spring — use case-oriented teaching that mirrors the work of lessors, airlines and finance specialists.
Lectures + workshops: You’ll engage in interactive online lectures and workshops that blend theory with practical problem analysis, helping you think strategically about aviation assets and finance challenges.
Guided research & reflective practice: Across the diploma you’ll be encouraged to reflect on industry trends, policy impacts and real leasing structures, developing research skills used by practitioners.
Group work & peer interaction: The programme involves collaboration with classmates on assignments and discussions that simulate teamwork in aviation finance environments.
Online learning tools: As a predominantly online programme, you’ll use UL’s digital platforms to access lecture recordings, readings and discussion forums that support flexible, learner-centered study.
Library & digital resources: Students have access to the UL Glucksman Library’s online journals, industry reports and aviation finance databases, supporting your self-directed study and assignments.
Short on-campus engagement: Although mainly online, the diploma includes short on-campus sessions each semester that strengthen networking with faculty and peers and reinforce practical insights.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Professional Diploma in Aviation Leasing & Finance at University of Limerick gain a highly specialised qualification aligned with one of Ireland’s strongest global industries. The programme prepares professionals for roles across aviation leasing, airline finance, asset management and aviation risk, supporting career progression into positions such as Aviation Leasing Analyst, Aircraft Finance Manager, Fleet Planning Analyst, or Risk & Portfolio Specialist within airlines, leasing companies, banks and advisory firms:

Career relevance to a global hub: Ireland is the world’s leading centre for aircraft leasing, and this diploma is designed specifically to meet the skills needs of leasing companies, airlines, financial institutions and professional services firms operating in the sector.
Industry-aligned skill development: Graduates develop expertise in aircraft leasing structures, airline finance, risk management, fleet planning and aviation law — skills directly applicable to real aviation finance roles.
Professional credibility: Delivered by UL’s Kemmy Business School in collaboration with industry stakeholders (including the Aviation Skillnet Network), the programme carries strong recognition among aviation and finance employers.
Career advancement for working professionals: As a part-time, blended programme, it is particularly suited to professionals already working in aviation, finance or engineering who want to move into more senior, strategic or specialised roles.
Academic recognition: The diploma is a QQI-validated NFQ Level 9 Minor Award (30 credits), ensuring national and international recognition for employment and progression.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates may use the Level 9 credits from the Professional Diploma in Aviation Leasing & Finance to stack toward higher awards, such as the Master of Professional Practice or MSc Engineering Practice at the University of Limerick, subject to entry requirements. The diploma also provides a strong academic foundation for further postgraduate study or specialised research in aviation finance, transport economics or risk management.