Course summary

Are you looking to begin a career in the aviation industry as a helicopter pilot? We are one of the few programmes that allows you to gain a Frozen ATPL (H) as well as a university degree – and at a lower cost than doing them separately. You’ll work with our UK-leading partner Heli Air towards your ATPL, and we’ll help prepare you for a career in the exciting world of rotary wing aviation. After you graduate and have completed all remaining elements of your ATPL (H), you will be able to find employment as a commercial helicopter pilot. The aviation industry keeps the world moving and a career in this sector promises unique opportunities. With the aviation industry constantly changing, this programme is continuously adapted to meet these ongoing changes so you can be sure you’re receiving up-to-date knowledge. Our aviation management with pilot training degrees have been designed to equip you with wider aviation knowledge in addition to pilot skills to open up an array of future career opportunities, allowing you pursue a career in not just aviation but also in business, leisure, or the emergency services. 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 – so 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. If you're 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). You 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? You’ll work with one of our UK-leading training partners towards your ATPL. Focused modules and study will develop your skills and prepare you for a successful career in rotary wing aviation. You will study the core subjects relating to aviation in Year One, such as aviation operations, fundamentals of management and your PPL. In Year Two, you will study for your ATPL 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'll 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’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. 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 which can greatly assist you in your learning and in the completion of several assessments.