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3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
Buckinghamshire New UniversityThe BSc (Hons) Aviation Management with Commercial Pilot Training in Aeroplanes at Buckinghamshire New University is a unique, three-year, campus-based undergraduate degree that combines academic study of aviation management with integrated professional pilot training. You will leave with both a full honours degree and a 'frozen' Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL), so you'll be prepared for First Officer roles and management careers in the global aviation sector.
Curriculum structure:
Year 1: You’ll build foundational knowledge in aviation management and begin pilot training. Core modules include Aviation Operations, Academic and Professional Skills, PPL Theory, Aviation Marketing, and PPL Flying Aeroplanes. You’ll complete a minimum of 45 hours of flight training and sit 9 CAA/EASA ground exams for your Private Pilot Licence (PPL).
Year 2: You’ll progress to advanced theory and management modules. Core modules include Research Methods and ATPL Theory (split into Instrumentation, General Navigation, Meteorology, Human Performance, Mass and Balance, and more). You’ll undertake full-time ATPL ground school, covering 13 CAA/EASA exams, and continue advanced flight training towards your Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), Multi-Engine and Instrument Rating (MEIR), and Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT).
Year 3: You’ll focus on industry-relevant management topics and complete your pilot training. Modules include Sustainability and Ethics in Aviation, Operational Management in the Aviation Industry, The Aviation Business, and an Extended Independent Work project. You’ll also complete Airline Pilot Standards Multi-Crew Cooperation (APS MCC) and any remaining flight hours or ratings required for your ‘frozen’ ATPL.
Focus areas: Aviation management, commercial pilot training, ATPL theory, flight operations, sustainability, operational management, airline business, multi-crew cooperation.
Learning outcomes: Knowledge and skills in aviation management and commercial piloting, high-level problem-solving, leadership, collaboration, critical thinking, and readiness for First Officer and management roles in aviation.
Reputation (employability rankings): BNU possesses over 20 years' teaching experience in aviation, very strong industry relationships, and past performance of graduates advancing to the rank of First Officer at airlines including British Airways, Ryanair, easyJet, Cathay Pacific, and Jet2.
You will gain hands-on skills through combined flight training with top partner flying schools, priority use of the FNPT II Flight Simulator, and simulation facilities for airport operations and crisis management. The course features:
Minimum 45 hours of flight training for PPL, advancing to CPL, MEIR, UPRT, and APS MCC
9 CAA/EASA PPL ground exams and 13 ATPL theory exams
ATPL full-time ground school with personal tutor guidance
FNPT II Flight Simulator for more advanced procedural and multi-crew training
Airport operations and emergency simulation laboratories
FlightGlobal (Cirium) software access for real-data observation and assessment
Networking through BNU's industry connections and proximity to Heathrow
Digital skills, sustainability, entrepreneurship, and other opportunity modules
University Air Squadron membership and access free of charge, in addition to UK student membership of the Free Air League
Graduates of BSc (Hons) Aviation Management with Commercial Pilot Training in Aeroplanes at Buckinghamshire New University are highly employable, entering careers as commercial airline pilots, flight instructors, corporate pilots, and aviation managers. The two awards — a full honours degree and a 'frozen' Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) — mean that you can pursue First Officer roles with commercial airlines or enter management and leadership careers in the aviation industry.
You'll benefit from:
Dual qualification: Graduating with both a BSc and a 'frozen' ATPL, enabling you to secure commercial pilot roles or management roles in global aviation
Industry connections: BNU has agreements with leading flight training organisations and key aviation suppliers, providing you with access to internships, placements, and networking opportunities before graduation
Practical experience: Specialised use of the FNPT II Flight Simulator, practical flying with approved instructors, and simulation sessions with the latest technology prepare you for real airline operations
Professional instruction: Learn from former airline pilots and aviation experts, with first-hand experience and up-to-date industry knowledge
Career guidance: Dedicated employability services, networking events, and strong alumni networks allow you to find work with UK and overseas major airlines, airports, and aviation service providers
Graduate destinations: BNU graduates are flying for major airlines, becoming flight instructors and taking on management roles in airlines, airports, and aviation businesses around the world
Graduate outcomes: UK First Officers begin at £30,000–£45,000, with experienced captains on £60,000–£120,000+. Aviation managers and operations roles have a median pay of £33,000–£55,000, depending on experience and employer.
Further specifics of academic progression: You may proceed with advanced flight training (completion of your ATPL) or pursue postgraduate studies such as MSc Aviation Management or related streams. The technical and industry grounding of the program also leads to opportunities for aviation safety, logistics, and operations.
10th Grade transcript and 12th Grade predicted from school counselorEnglish test results: IELTS 6.0+ (no band below 5.5), TOEFL iBT 80UCAS Personal Statement upto 600 wordsOne teacher's letter of recommendationEducational Resume showcasing all extracurriculars, internships, projects, etc Participation in aviation-related extracurricular activities or clubs is encouragedCAA/EASA Class 1 Medical (required for commercial pilot training)A-levels: ABB-BCC including MathematicsInternational Baccalaureate: 30 points including MathematicsYou need at least two A-levels or equivalent and GCSE Maths and English at grade C/4. Additionally, some knowledge of science subjects would be an advantageTariff points (UCAS): 104-128 points. UCAS points can be obtained through qualifications such as A levels, T levels, BTEC or an Access to Higher Education course in a relevant subjectPortfolio, project links, or YouTube channel to enhance your application (optional)Application via UCASCommercial Airline PilotFlight Operations ManagerAviation Safety OfficerAirport Operations ManagerAviation ConsultantFlight DispatcherAirline Marketing ExecutiveAviation Logistics CoordinatorAir Traffic Services AssistantAviation Regulatory Affairs Specialist
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