UK University Aviation Degree Courses
If you are seeking to pursue a career as a Commercial Airline Pilot, one of the first things to consider is “ Should I go to University or Not?” If you’ve come to the conclusion that yes, that is the route for you, then read on. Over the last 15 years, Aviation Technology, Management and Pilot Studies degrees have become more and more popular. There is now a wide range such degree courses offered Universities across Europe. We have compiled a list of these degree programs for you to look at. Want to list a course? Email us the details.
Brunel University London
Aviation Engineering with Pilot Studies MEng
General information: “Becoming a pilot is one of the most exciting and rewarding of career choices. This specialist degree provides an ideal starting point for you to train to become a professional pilot after graduation. It incorporates fundamental practice and theory, but also presents the opportunity to obtain a Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL) and to undertake training in a flight simulator.”
Fees – EU/UK Students: £9,250 a year
Fees – International Students: £17,500 a year
Entry Requirements: A-Level grades AAA including Maths & Physics
Flying: Initial 15 hours towards NPPL, additional cost £3,075
Duration: 4 Years (5 year sandwich)
Buckinghamshire New University
BSc (Hons) Air Transport with Commercial Pilot Training
General information: “If you want to qualify as a commercial pilot, this dynamic course covers the many areas of air transport management and prepares you for a successful career as a commercial pilot. It is one of only a few UK universities to have an FNPT II Flight Simulator, which you will use during the final year of your studies, helping you to prepare for the final phase of your flight training.
Unique to the UK Higher Education sector, Buckinghamshire New University’s programme will allow you to obtain a university degree and a frozen ATPL in just three years of full-time study – at a lower cost than doing them separately”.
Fees – EU/UK Students: £9,250 a year + ATPL costs
Fees – International Students: £14,250 a year + ATPL costs
Entry Requirements: 104-128 UCAS Tariff score
Duration: 3 years
Buckinghamshire New University also offer courses in the following:
- BSc (Hons) Air Transport with Helicopter Pilot Training
- BSc (Hons) Air Transport with Private Pilot Training
- BA (Hons) Airline and Airport Management
- MSc Aviation Security
Kingston University, London
Aviation Studies for Commercial Pilot Training Foundation Degree FdEng and BSc (Hons)
General information: “This exciting foundation degree provides the opportunity to gain a recognised higher education qualification while acquiring the knowledge and some of the skills you will need to become a pilot. On successful completion of the foundation degree, you can top up to a BSc (Hons) degree.”
Fees – EU/UK Students: £9,250 a year
Fees – International Students: £13,400 a year
Entry Requirements: 80 UCAS points / 2 A-Levels
Flying: Yes, require 20 hours towards teh PPL to commence the course
Duration: 1/2/3 Years
Staffordshire University (Stoke-on-Trent Campus)
Aeronautical Technology BSc (Hons)
General information: “In the first year of your Aeronautical Technology degree, you could learn to fly a glider. You could also learn about propulsion systems, covering gas turbine engines, rocket engines and internal combustion engines.
Other specialist modules include flight technology – involving the study of aircraft flight control systems – subsonic and supersonic aerodynamics, crash investigation, flight deck controls, instruments and displays, navigation systems, material properties and selection, and computer-based design, analysis and simulation.”
Fees – EU/UK Students: £9,250 a year
Fees – International Students: £10,900 a year
Entry Requirements: A-Level BCC or CCC plus C at AS Level / UCAS 112 points
Flying: No
Duration: 3 Years
The University of Sheffield
Aviation Engineering (Private Pilot Instruction) BEng
General information: “Modules cover aero propulsion, aerodynamic design, aircraft dynamics and control, computational aerodynamics and project management. You’ll also take ground training for flight and five hours of flight training. Your study includes some experience of flight instrumentation and an individual investigative project of your choice.”
Fees – EU/UK Students: Approximately £9,000 a year
Fees – International Students: No fees mentioned
Entry Requirements: A-Level AAB including Maths & Physics
Flying: Yes, individual arrangements made
Duration: 3 Years
University of Hertfordshire
Aerospace Systems Engineering with Pilot Studies BEng (Hons)
General information: “The aerospace industry is increasingly in need of Systems Engineers with the skills to integrate modern communication systems with conventional aerospace systems to enhance aircraft performance. This variation to our Aerospace Systems Engineering degree can be the first step for those wishing to become professional pilots. It combines the multidisciplinary nature of the Aerospace Systems Engineering degree with pilot studies to a National Private Pilot’s Licence level and beyond.
The compulsory flying experience is mainly in the Fourth Year, provided locally by a nationally recognised flight centre either in the UK or the USA. There are additional fees for this, but with an attractively discounted rate compared to other flight centres. There are also opportunities to do some flying in the First and Second Years as an extracurricular activity, including use of various flight simulators.”
Fees – EU/UK Students: £9,250 a year
Fees – International Students: £11,850 a year
Entry Requirements: 104 UCAS Points / A-Level Maths and either Physics or Technology Subject.
Flying: Yes but no details provided
Duration: 3 or 4 Years
University of Leeds
Aviation Technology with Pilot Studies BSc
General information: “You’ll benefit from the training facilities and expertise of a professional flying school as you undertake ten hours of flight training, achieve the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ground exam requirements for the Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL) and develop the knowledge you need for commercial pilot ground exams. At the same time, you’ll gain a strong science and engineering base with modules on topics like aviation engineering materials. You’ll also put this knowledge into the context of the aviation industry today and in the future.”
Fees – EU/UK Students: £9,250 a year
Fees – International Students: £19,750 a year
Entry Requirements: A-Level grades AAA including Maths & Physics
Flying: 10 hours of PPL training included in cost, option to complete PPL
Scholarships: Up to £4,000
Duration: 3 Years
University of Liverpool
Aerospace Engineering with Pilot Studies BEng (Hons)
General information: “Pilot Studies lab The School of Engineering has a fantastic facility for undergraduate and postgraduate aerospace students to use.The interactive Pilot studies lab enables students to experience all aspects of flight from programming, aircraft design, navigation and system management to simulation flying in one of the three flight simulators; a jet stream 41, Piper PA38 and generic fast jet.”
Fees – EU/UK Students: £9,000 a year
Fees – International Students: £17,900 a year
Entry Requirements: A-Level grades AAB including Maths & Science subject
Flying: 20 hours towards PPL, additional cost £3,400
Duration: 3 Years
University of Salford
Aircraft Engineering with Pilot Studies BEng (Hons)
General information: “This course lets you combine the practical and theoretical aspects of flying with the underlying principles of aircraft engineering. The University has excellent facilities including three flight simulators, allowing you to benefit from the practical application of theories taught in the classroom. The course aims to produce graduates who can integrate theoretical and practical knowledge of maths, science, computer based methods, design, the economic, social and environmental context and engineering practice to solve complex aircraft engineering problems. You have the option to follow a structured pilot training programme leading to the opportunity to gain a Private Pilot Licence.”
Fees – EU/UK Students: £9,000 a year
Fees – International Students: £13,300 a year
Entry Requirements: 112-120 UCAS / A-Level grades C in Maths & Physics
Flying: PPL (45 Hours), at an additional cost of £7,608
Duration: 3 Years
University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol
Aerospace Engineering with Pilot Studies BEng (Hons) or MEng
General information: “This course has been designed alongside regional aerospace partners and is accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society. This means you will be equipped with industry knowledge as well as an in-depth understanding of the aeronautical design and build process. Alongside the fundamentals of aerospace engineering, you will study materials and manufacturing processes, stress and dynamics, aerospace design, thermodynamics and fluids. Throughout the course, you will get practical experience developing and testing your prototypes in our well-equipped laboratories.”
Fees – EU/UK Students: £9,250 a year
Fees – International Students: £12,250 a year
Entry Requirements: A-Level grades B in Maths plus Science subject pass
Flying: Yes but no details provided
Duration: 3 Years
Can you Wear Glasses and be a Pilot?
Yes, you can wear glasses and be both an airline pilot and military pilot, you don’t need to have perfect vision. There are many pilots who fly commercial jets and wear corrective lenses, it’s not usually prohibitive. However, you are required to have a certain minimum standard of vision which is assessed at your initial pilot medical examination and this continues throughout your career. The minimum eyesight standards vary from country to country so if in any doubt, you should contact an Authorised Medical Examiner (AME) in the country that you anticipate completing your flight training in. The United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority state the following: ‘An applicant may be assessed as fit with hypermetropia not exceeding +5.0 dioptres, myopia not exceeding -6.0 dioptres, astigmatism not exceeding 2.0 dioptres, and anisometropia not exceeding 2.0 dioptres, provided that optimal correction has been considered and no significant pathology is demonstrated. Monocular visual acuities should be 6/6 or better.‘ ‘Distant visual acuity, with or without correction, shall be 6/9 or better monocularly, and 6/6 or better binocularly. Initial applicants who do not meet these requirements in should be referred to the licensing authority. A fit assessment may be considered following review by an ophthalmologist. You will require a comprehensive ophthalmological examination on your initial assessment then every 5 years up to your 40th Birthday and then every 2 years.’ Reference: UK CAA Eye examination form MED.B.070.Can you Wear Glasses and be a Pilot?
There are usually some specific requirements for pilots who need to wear glasses for their flying duties. It will be noted on a pilots medical certificate that they require glasses for their medical to be valid. This also tends to imply the following:Requirements for Pilots Who Wear Glasses
Common Questions About Becoming an Airline Pilot
How to Become an Airline Pilot – Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions on the topic of becoming a commercial airline pilot. These questions are designed to get you started with some basic information. All of these questions are expanded on in further detail throughout the website. If you have a question on a subject that we haven’t covered, feel free to email us.
I want to become a pilot, where do I start?
I Want to Become a Pilot, Where do I Start?
If you’ve made the decision to become a commercial airline pilot, there are 2 things you should do first:
- Get a Class One Medical. You need a Class One Medical Certificate in order to operate as a commercial airline pilot. There’s not much point spending lots money on any flight training until you know that you are capable of passing the Class One Medical Certification. Unfortunately, not everyone passes the medical evaluation. The initial medical examination is very thorough, and it will occasionally find an underlying issue that precludes people from obtaining the medical certification.
- Secondly, decide whether you want to complete your commercial flight training through the Integrated or Modular route. There are advantages and disadvantages to both routes, and you need to decide which is the right type of training for you. When making this decision, you will need to factor in how you intend to finance your commercial light training. Once you’ve decided which route you are going to take, find out which flight school is right for you.
How much does it cost to train as an airline pilot?
How Much Does it Cost to Train as an Airline Pilot?
Depending on which route you take, commercial pilot training can cost between £40,000 and £120,000. Integrated flight training courses usually cost between £80,000 – £120,000, whereas modular flight training can be completed for as little as £40,000.
You should also take into account that there are now many airlines who will charge you for your “type rating” when they offer you a job as a First Officer. A type rating typically costs an additional £20,000 – £35,000 which you may need to factor in to your budget.
For further information, please see our detailed article on ‘The Cost of Pilot Training‘.
How long does it take to train as a commercial pilot?
How Long Does it Take to Train as a Commercial Pilot?
The length of time it takes to train as a commercial airline pilot depends on which flight training route you choose to follow. There are two different types of flight training called “integrated” and “modular” training.
With integrated flight training, you complete all of your training in one full time, intensive course with an Approved Training Organisation (ATO).
From having no flying experience, to holding a commercial airline pilot’s licence, typically takes around 2 years. Completing this intensive flight training course would allow you to apply to an airline as a First Officer. However, on acquiring your first flying job, you would need to complete a type rating before flying passengers on a large commercial aircraft and this would typically take an additional 2 – 3 months.
If you complete modular flight training, you can dictate the progression and time-line of your training rather than being given a set timetable by the flight school. This allows you to complete the flight training as and when you can afford it, potentially alongside a full-time job. You can still complete your training intensively and full time, but you have much greater flexibility over it. Modular flight training could take anywhere between 2 years to more than 5 year – it’s up to the individual.
How many hours do airline pilots work a year / month / week?
How Many Hours do Airline Pilots Work a Year / Month / Week?
In Europe, airline pilots are limited to flying 900 hours a year. Elsewhere in the world, pilots are limited to flying between 900 and 1,000 hours a year. The number of hours you actually fly can vary significantly between airlines.
Both short-haul and long-haul pilots will typically fly between 700-900 hours a year. Cargo and business jet pilots tend to fly much less, usually between 300-400 hours a year.
Pilots usually get between 9 and 15 days off a month with long-haul pilots normally requiring more time off to recover from large time zone changes and deep night flights.
See are article on how many hours a day can a pilot work?
How many days do pilots spend away from home per week / month?
How Many Days do Pilots Spend Away from Home per Week / Month?
As a pilot, the amount of time you spend away from home varies depending on the airline you work for, and its type of operation.
Pilots at low-cost, charter and short-haul airlines can expect very few night stops and will typically be home most nights.
As a pilot at legacy airlines like Lufthansa, KLM etc. touring rosters are common where you might spend 2 – 4 nights away per week staying at European destinations.
If you are a pilot on a long-haul fleet, the length of trips vary, but you can be away for as many as 10 days at a time on a longer tour. You tend to get more time off after a trip as a result of being away for longer.
For more detailed information, have a look at our article on a Pilot’s Typical Roster.
How much money does an airline pilot earn per year?
How Much Money Does an Airline Pilot Earn per Year?
Pilots are generally very well paid. First Officers typically earn a salary of between £/€ 35,000 and £/€ 120,000 a year, whilst airline Captains can expect to earn between £/€ 80,000 and /€ £250,000 a year.
The amount of money that a pilot can expect to earn varies significantly and can depend on a number of factors:
- Experience. Generally speaking, the more experience a pilot has the more they get paid. A pilot starting out their career will earn a salary towards the lower end of the scale.
- Length of Service. At some airlines, the longer you have worked for that airline, the more they will pay you.
- Type & Size of Aircraft. Pilots who fly large wide-bodied aircraft are often paid more than pilots who fly smaller short-haul aircraft. This isn’t because it’s any harder but because it generally requires more experience.
For more information on this subject, have a read of our article on How Much Pilots Get Paid.
What’s the difference between integrated and modular training?
Integrated Flight Training
Integrated training is completed through a single approved training organisation (ATO) which is specifically authorised to conduct the intensive flight training course. It is designed to train a cadet with zero flying experience through to holding a frozen Air Transport Licence (fATPL) (which is the licence required to act as a Co-Pilot / First Officer for an airline) in a period of around 24 months. All the flight training is completed at the same training organisation on a full-time basis.
Integrated flight training is more expensive than modular flight training. However, when recruiting pilots straight out of flight school who have not had a flying job before, airlines sometimes prefer to recruit pilots from an integrated flight training course. This is because integrated flight training courses are developed specifically to train pilots to become an airline pilot rather than providing generic pilot training (typically given during Modular training). Integrated courses are known to be intense and the quality of training delivered is conisdered to be high.
When obtaining a frozen ATPL through an integrated flight training course, you don’t need to fly as many flight training hours as you would when completing the modular route due to the regimented syllabus and high-quality training delivered during an integrated course.
Modular Flight Training
As per its name, modular flight training is where the training is split up into different modules. For example, you complete your PPL first, then your ATPL theory, CPL, IR and MCC. These modules can be completed at a pace dictated by the student, such as completing it alongside work commitments. This means you can train as and when you can afford to pay for the training without taking out a large loan. It can be completed at a range of flight schools rather than it all being completed with the same organisation, thus offering more flexibility.
Modular flight training has the advantage of being significantly cheaper than integrated flight training, and you can complete the training as and when you can afford it.
In the past, some airlines have only recruited pilots (with no previous airline experience) from integrated courses as modular training is not always specifically geared up to train prospective airline pilots. The quality of the training throughout the modular route may be more variable than an integrated course.
However, more recently, some flight schools which have traditionally only offered integrated training, are now offering specific modular training packages. These remain a cheaper option than an integrated course but provide you and your prospective employer some reassurances about the quality of training.
For more detail, have a read of our Integrated vs Modular Flight Training page.
What are the respective advantages of integrated and modular training?
Integrated Flight Training Advantages:
- Historically favoured by various airlines such as British Airways due its level of regulation, intensity and quality of training.
- Integrated flight schools usually have links with various airlines which may help with getting a job on completion of the training.
- It’s the quickest way to obtain a frozen Air Transport Pilots Licence (ATPL).
- The syllabus is clearly set out with all the training organised for you.
Integrated Flight Training Disadvantages:
- It’s very expensive, £/€ 80,000+. Usually requires a huge loan to be taken out secured against a property.
- Once you start, there is no flexibility regarding the timeline of training completion. If a world event like the Covid-19 pandemic occurs during your training, which brings the pilot job market to a standstill, you can’t suspend or postpone your training. This may result in you being jobless on competition of training, with huge debts to pay.
- Realistically, you will not be able to earn any money for the duration of the course resulting in lost earnings
Modular Training Advantages:
- It’s significantly cheaper
- Training can be conducted at a pace dictated by the individual
- The timing of training can be adjusted based on airline employment market factors
- Training can be completed alongside another full-time job
- You can complete your training at various flight schools of your choosing
Modular Training Disadvantages:
- Airlines tend to prefer integrated training rather than modular
- Quality of training might not be consistent
- Training may not be geared up to train a potential airline pilots at the earlier stages of training
Am I too old to start commercial pilot training?
Am I Too Old To Start Flight Training?
In short – if you’re under 65 then no you’re not too old, but the older you start your training, the more limited your employment options may be and the less money you can expect to earn over the course of your career.
We discuss this topic in some depth on the following page.
Should I go to University before starting professional flight training?
Should I go to University before Flight Training?
You don’t need to go to University to become a pilot, but it may or may not be a good idea to so do.
There is no right or wrong answer as to if you should go or not, it is completely dependent on individual circumstances.
We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of getting a degree before starting your professional flight training on our dedicated University or Not page.
What is a Type Rating?
What is a Type Rating?
A Type Rating is a qualification to fly a specific type of aircraft. Any aircraft which has a maximum take-off weight of more than 5,700 kgs, or is turbine powered requires a type rating to operate it.
A type rating course consists of a technical ground school course covering the aircraft’s systems and performance, and a simulator course, where you learn to fly the aircraft in normal and emergency situations for approximately 30 hours.
A type rating normally takes between 1 – 3 months to complete depending on your experience level and type of aircraft.
What is Line Training?
What is Pilot Line Training?
Line training is an advanced stage of pilot training which takes place on the aircraft for which you have acquired the type rating. It takes place with passengers onboard whilst being supervised and trained by a ‘Training Captain’.
The Training Captain is a specially selected Captain who is authorised to provide training to the trainee when making the step from the simulator to the real life aircraft, flying the aircraft during normal revenue operations.
This phase of training is designed to get the trainee up to speed with the normal operation of the aircraft on a daily basis, ensuring the student is familiar with company Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), flight profiles, manual and automatic handling whilst within a real-life commercial environment.
Line training for new pilots lasts anywhere from between 40 and 100 sectors (number of flights) which can take 2 – 12 weeks.