As one of the few degree programmes that allows you to gain a Frozen ATPL as well as a university degree, our BSc (Hons) Air Transport with Commercial Pilot Training can help you achieve your dream of becoming a commercial pilot.
With over 20 years’ experience, we have a strong track-record of helping students become confident commercial pilots, with many of our alumni now flying for some of the best airlines across the world. You can get all the benefits of a university degree while training for your Commercial Pilot’s Licence with Instrument Rating. After you graduate, and have completed all remaining elements of your ATPL, you’ll be able to apply for your first role.
An ATPL is the qualification that will allow you to act as the Pilot in Command (PIC), or captain, of a large transport aircraft. The licence is referred to as ‘frozen’ until all the flight experience requirements have been met. You’ll usually be flying in Cessna, Piper or Diamond aircraft within the first few weeks of your studies. You’ll also get the chance to meet current first officers and captains, from airlines like British Airways and EasyJet, and learn from their experiences. You’ll also benefit from the experience of our specialist staff. We’re located close to Heathrow and other major UK airports which - along with their suppliers - offer our students seasonal jobs and work placements.
BNU aviation students 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.
You can also join the highly active Students’ Union Aviation Society. You’ll get to meet even more people who are passionate about the industry and guest speakers. The Society organises trips to places of interest, events and conferences to help you stand out when you graduate.
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, and offering unique access to military flying and adventurous training.
Did you know you could also benefit from free Air League memberships that enables you to apply for flying, gliding engineering and commercial, aviation scholarships reducing the amount of their PPl cost or ATPL costs!
A typical offer will require a UCAS tariff score of: 96 - 120. You also need at least two A-levels and a GCSE Maths and English at grade C/4. Additionally some knowledge of science subjects would be an advantage. Mature students with non-standard qualifications will be considered on an individual basis.
All students will require at a minimum a Class II Medical in order to undertake their PPL solo, those students wishing to undertake Commercial training will need to gain a Class I Medical prior to enrolling with their selected Approved Training Organisation (ATO). Further information on the requirements of Class I and II Medicals, including approved AME's, can be found on the CAA website.
When you have finished this course, and completed all the flight-training modules, you’ll be the proud owner of a Commercial Pilot Licence with instrument rating and a frozen ATPL. This will enable you to apply for First Officer positions with airlines.
When you have completed all remaining elements of your ATPL, you’ll be able to apply for your first role. You could start your type rating by November of your graduation year depending on the airline and be flying commercially by February.
Your ATPL will remain frozen until you’ve accumulated 1,500 hours when you’ll then be able to apply for promotion to Senior First Officer.
Course Details - Modules
Year One: Structure and Development of the Air Transport Industry, Air Transport- Security and Safety, Airport Operations, Airline Management, Why Airlines Fail, Management, Leadership and Change, Private Pilot Licence Theory, Private Pilot Licence (PPL) Practical Training. Year Two: Human Performance and Limitations, Communications, Aircraft General Knowledge, Air Law, Radio Navigation, Principles of Flight: Aeroplanes, Operational Procedures, Meteorology, Instruments, General Navigation, Aircraft Performance and Planning, Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL). Year Three: Research Project, Business and Enterprise, Aviation in the Global Context, Aviation Finance and Economics, Sustainability Management, Human Factors as a Fundamental Concept in Aviation Safety, Instrument Rating (IR), Multi-Crew Co-operation (MCC), Strategic Management.
Course Details – Assessment Method
Assessment Methods are not listed for this Course.
Course Details – Professional Bodies
Professional Bodies are not listed for this Course.
How to Apply
26 January This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application Codes
Course code:
N8H4
Institution code:
B94
Campus Name:
Buckinghamshire New University
Campus code:
Points of Entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
Year 1
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry (Year 2 and Beyond)
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry are not listed for this Course.
International applicants
Standard Qualification Requirements
A typical offer will require a UCAS Tariff score between 104 - 128.
A minimum of two full A-levels (or equivalent) is required. Every application is considered on an individual basis.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
