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.
Modules
Year one Core Modules Aviation Operations Academic and Professional Skills Fundamentals of Management PPL Theory PPL Flying Helicopters Opportunity Modules 2 x 10 credit year one Opportunity modules Year two Core Modules Research Methods and Academic Skills ATPL Theory 1 (Helicopter) – Instrumentation and General Navigation ATPL Theory 2 – Meteorology, Human Performance and Limitations and Mass and Balance ATPL Theory 3 – Radio Navigation, Air Law and Communications ATPL Theory 4 (Helicopter) – Aircraft General Knowledge and Flight Planning and Flight Monitoring ATPL Theory 5 (Helicopter) – Operational Procedures, Principles of Flight and Performance Year three Core Modules Sustainability and Ethics in Aviation Extended Independent Work Operational Management in the Aviation Industry The Aviation Business Optional Modules Airline Assessment Preparation Course OR Aviation Strategy and Financial Performance OR Digital Technology and Innovation in Aviation OR Network Planning
Assessment method
You will be taught by professional commercial pilots with many years’ worth of experience and 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. We take a multi-faceted approach to learning and teaching on this course, delivery can take the form of: lectures seminars workshops work-based learning employer or organisation-based case studies guest speakers live or 'real world' projects guided learning simulations practicals discussion groups virtual forums Every aspect of this course provides the opportunity to learn. We use a range of assessment methods throughout the duration of the course. This is a key feature of the programme as it enables early feedback to be given on your progress. Throughout your three years on this course you will carry out the following assessment activities: coursework presentations learning journals simulation examinations dissertation projects.
How to apply
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:
- N850
- Institution code:
- B94
- Campus name:
- Buckinghamshire New University
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
For information about applying to Buckinghamshire New University as an International applicant, please visit https://www.bucks.ac.uk/study/international
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 104 - 128 points
A level - BCC - ABB
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MMM - DDM
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
https://bucks.ac.uk/applying-to-bucks/general-entry-requirements
Student Outcomes
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
England | £9250 | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Scotland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
Channel Islands | £9250 | Year 1 |
Republic of Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
EU | £15000* | Year 1 |
International | £15000* | Year 1 |
*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Sponsorship information
Buckinghamshire New University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships. For more information, please visit https://www.bucks.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/financial-support-bursaries-and-scholarships
Provider information
Buckinghamshire New University
Queen Alexandra Road
High Wycombe
HP11 2JZ