Course summary

If you are looking to begin a career in the aviation industry as a pilot, with over 20 years’ experience we can help prepare you for your future career in aviation. You will complete the requirements for a full honours degree alongside completing flight training and ground exams towards achieving your ‘frozen’ Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) or Private Pilot Licence (PPL). This degree has been designed to equip you with wider aviation knowledge in addition to pilot skills to open up an array of future career opportunities, from working in the many ground roles in aviation to continuing training after graduation to complete a Commercial Pilot Licence. We will equip you with the skills and knowledge to help prepare you for the aviation industry. Why study at Buckinghamshire New University? We have a strong focus on employability, and our training partners and professional connections give you the chance to immerse yourself in the industry. Our close proximity to Heathrow and other major UK airports – along with their suppliers – means you’re perfectly placed for networking, seasonal jobs and work placements that are available. At BNU, we recognise roles in this field are hands-on – that’s why you’ll take part in simulated learning experiences throughout the course using our specialised facilities, including our FNPT II Flight Simulator where you’ll be able to refine your skills and keep your reactions sharp once you’ve completed the required training. As part of your studies, you’ll enjoy free membership of the Royal Aeronautical Society, the UK professional association dedicated to the aerospace and aviation industry. As a member, you will be able to participate in a number of exciting industry events, including conferences, guest talks, student competitions, and networking opportunities. If you are interested in the military world, UK students will be eligible to apply for a place in our regional University Air Squadron (part of the Royal Air Force) offering unique access to military flying and adventurous training. In addition, students can also benefit from free Air League memberships that enable you to apply for flying, gliding and engineering scholarships reducing the amount of your ATPL costs. ​​​​​​​Opportunity modules are a key part of the BNU curriculum. You’ll choose modules from a broad selection in areas such as sustainability, entrepreneurship, creativity, digital skills, personal growth, civic engagement, health & wellbeing and employment. Opportunity modules are designed to enable you to develop outside the traditional boundaries of your discipline and help you to further stand out from the crowd to future employers. What will I study? Focused modules and study will develop your skills and prepare you for a successful career in the specialised industry of helicopter aviation. You will study the core subjects relating to aviation in Year One, such as Aviation Operations, Fundamentals of Management and your Private Pilot Licence. In Year Two you will study for your Airline Transport Pilot Licence Theory Exams. This is a 6-9 month full-time course covering a diverse range of subjects such as meteorology, principles of flight and flight planning and flight monitoring. In Year Three you will be look in more depth at subjects directly related to current industry practice such as sustainability, operational management and the aviation business. What facilities can I use? We’ve invested in a range of state-of-the-art facilities across our campuses to support your learning. We’re one of the very few UK universities to have an FNPT II Flight Simulator and as a student pilot you’ll have exclusive access. Alongside this, our other specialised simulation facilities allow you to experience real-life airport scenarios, developing your abilities in airfield planning and operations, and crisis and emergency management. You'll also have access to the FlightGlobal software package.