- Study Mode: Full time
- Location: High Wycombe
- Duration: Three Years
- Start Date: September 2021
With over 20 years’ experience, get your career off to a flying start with our BSc (Hons) Air Transport with Private Pilot Training.
On this programme, you will gain the theoretical and practical pilot training knowledge to attain a Private Pilot's Licence (PPL), together with a university degree. This unique balance of practical and theoretical skills is highly sought-after by global aviation industry employers.
Open Days
We understand that when it comes to deciding where you’d like to study, there are a lot of things to consider. Come along to our Open Day and discover why BNU could be the place for you. You can find out more about your course, meet the course team, and get all your questions answered.
Application Guide
For everything you need to know about applying, check out our Application Guide. You can find useful information for each stage of your application journey – from before you even apply to what to do if you receive an offer, and everything in between.
Students' Union
At BNU, we believe in putting our students first. That’s why our Students’ Union has been ranked in the top three in the UK in the National Student Survey (NSS 2020). We’re the only university in the UK to offer free access to such a diverse and exciting range of activities – all to enrich your university experience. It’s a big deal!
Why study this subject?
The aviation industry is globally important and a career in aviation promises unique opportunities. By combining a degree with pilot training, it can open up a wealth of opportunities.
Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?
By studying this degree, you’ll graduate with more than just an aviation degree – you’ll have what you need to succeed in this dynamic sector.
We have been a leader in aviation degrees and pilot training for two decades, and you will be taught by academics and instructors who have experience of working in the aviation industry.
You will get all the benefits of a university degree while training for your pilot’s licence. 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.
We have a strong focus on employability, and our professional connections and training partners give you the chance to fully immerse yourself in the industry.
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 be able to 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.
Some of our aviation students have produced an aviation-specific blog. Why not check it out! (Please note that the views expressed within the blog are the views and opinions of our aviation students and not those of the University.) Or why not read our blogs or watch vlogs by our student bloggers.
What facilities can I use?
We’re one of the very few UK universities to have an FNPT II Flight Simulator, which you’ll use during the final year of your studies to gain vital experience.
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.
What will I study?
Designed with input from a range of aviation professionals, this course focuses on current trends shaping the aviation industry.
In addition to your flying, you'll acquire specialist knowledge in airline and airport operations. You'll study modules in air cargo operations and ancillary revenue management, as well as aviation finance and economics.
The PPL qualification allows you to continue your flying studies at a later date, to achieve a Frozen Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL), the highest licence you can obtain as a pilot.
We look at trends in the industry to make sure your knowledge is up-to-date and regularly update our courses to reflect the most recent changes within the air transport industry and globally.
As you’ll develop a deep understanding of the air transport industry, you'll finish this course well qualified to pursue a variety of different careers in this field.
How will I be taught and assessed?
Buckinghamshire New University has over 20 years’ experience in running this course and you will be taught by academics and instructors who have experience of working in the aviation industry.
You will also benefit from the team’s connections and valuable networking opportunities. Industry-leading professionals often deliver talks and presentations, providing valuable insight into the profession.
Placements Plus
BNU is a Placements Plus university. So, whatever degree you do, you can be sure there’ll be plenty of industry-relevant opportunities on offer, to help you get into your chosen field.
We’ll also prepare you for work beforehand, with special skills for work training, further boosting your CV, and building skills employers will value. In recognition of the value we place on these skills we have incorporated this experience into your study time.
Placements Plus is all about helping you get some valuable experience under your belt while you’re a student, to increase your choices later, and help you get the graduate-level job you want.
What are the course entry requirements?
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.
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 ATO. Further information on the requirements of Class I and II Medicals, including approved AME's, can be found on the CAA website.
For further details of our international English entry requirements, please visit our international pages.
This module map provides a list of the modules that make up your course. You can find more information about how your course is structured on our Academic Advice section.
Year 1 Modules
Developments of the Air Transport Sector
Air Transport - Security and Safety
Airline Management
Airport Operations
Management, Leadership and Change
Private Pilot Licence (PPL) Practical Training
Private Pilot Licence (PPL) Theory
Structure of the Air Transport Industry
Airline Crisis and Continuity Management
Year 2 Modules
Air Cargo Operations
Airline and Airport Marketing
Airport Management
Ancillary Revenue Management
Employment Research and Planning
Human Resource Management
Introduction to Finance and Economics
Research Methods
Year 3 Modules
Aviation Finance and Economics
Aviation in the Global Context
Business and Enterprise (optional)
The Future of the Air Transport Industry
Human Factors as a Fundamental Concept in Aviation Safety
Research Project (optional)
Strategic Management
Sustainability Management
How much does it cost
Home and EU
Home and EU, Academic Year 2021-2022
£9,250 per year
International
International, Academic Year 2021-2022
£13,750 per year
What are my career prospects?
Throughout your time with us we’ll support you on the route to your chosen career. We’ll help you to develop crucial skills, encouraging you to become enterprising, employable and good leaders. We also help you find employment after graduation. Have a look at our Careers and Employability pages to find out more.
When you graduate, you’ll be qualified for jobs in the travel and tourism industry with a range of organisations, particularly those in the civil aviation sector.
Some of the larger airline and airport organisations offer a limited number of places on management trainee programmes, while others recruit directly for posts in marketing and operations.
Graduates can also choose to stay at BNU and study for a postgraduate course, such as our MSc Aviation Security, MSc International Aviation Regulation and Law, MSc Aviation Operations and Management or MSc Aviation Organisational Resilience.
