(Full time) 2021 start
Aviation Technology with Pilot Studies and Management BEng
Overview
The global aviation industry is forecast to grow from carrying around 4 billion passengers annually at present to 7.8 billion in 2036 – and global airline revenues already exceed £600 billion per annum (IATA). Hence, the global aviation industry needs knowledgeable, skilled and creative people as pilots, managers and other aviation professionals. The aviation industry is a complex, interlocking, highly integrated system of engineering, people, regulations, procedures and business models.
This course will equip you with the knowledge, skills and creativity needed to take a highly integrated approach to the global aviation industry, as the basis for a world-class aviation career. Discover the relationship between aviation, materials, energy, economics and policy – and the system that connects these together – through this course’s interdisciplinary nature. Develop specialist aviation engineering, technical and management skills, alongside drawing upon our extensive expertise in aircraft, materials, propulsion and environmental issues and the ability to apply this knowledge to real-life aviation industry scenarios.
You’ll benefit from the training facilities of our flight simulators and have the opportunity to achieve the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ground exam requirements for the Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL), while learning how to manage and finance activities in the aviation industry.
The course has specialist input from expert academics, experienced professionals and pilots from industry. Bringing working knowledge of advanced communications and navigation systems, management techniques and strategic thinking, these contributions complement the knowledge base provided by the course to succeed in the aviation industry. Following completion of this course, you could pursue a career in aviation project management, aviation enterprise, air traffic control, airline operations or with further training, piloting.
Specialist facilities
You’ll have access to our engine laboratory and state-of-the-art flight simulators, including an Airbus A320 airliner flightdeck simulator and a Piper Seneca complex twin-engine Flight and Navigation Procedure Training (FNPTII) flight simulator training device.
Course content
You’ll be introduced to the basic concepts of how aircraft and the aviation industry function in Year 1, through a 20-credit Introduction to Aviation module and a 20-credit module on how aviation integrates into the global transport system. You will learn hands-on how aviation is shaped by science in the 30-credit Aviation Engineering Science Challenge module and the relationship between aircraft and advanced materials in a 10-credit module, along with 10 credits of mathematics needed to tackle advanced concepts in following years. You’ll also develop the theoretical knowledge you need for the Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL).
Optional foundation modules (10 credits) enable those who did not do both A-level mathematics and physics, or equivalent, to get up to speed on these. Students who have studied both will be able to explore related areas, such as process chemistry (the basis of combustion in aircraft engines) or management (the basis of airlines).
In Year 2, you’ll learn more about the concepts, information, practical competencies and techniques that are vital features of the aviation discipline and are related to aircraft engines, systems and performance, airline economics and management, safety science, engineering and management (which is essential in the highly safety-conscious aviation industry), airline and airport operations, aviation energy and environment, materials for aircraft and the mathematical basis for aerodynamics. Your skills will be developed even further through an individual 30-credit project, for which students will have a choice of a wide range of aviation topics.
In your final year, you’ll learn more about the vital issues encompassing and integrating the technological, people, operational, regulatory, safety and process aspects of the aviation industry. You’ll also deepen your understanding of aerodynamics, aircraft design and construction, and work on a team technology project to apply your knowledge to a specific problem in aviation.
A key feature of the degree is that this is three years of aviation, not just a specialisation in aviation in the final year.
If you are interested in flight training at private pilot level, we can put you in contact with a flying school near Leeds. Flight training is not provided as part of the course and the School will not cover any costs incurred.
Projects
Every year of the course gives you hands-on experience of project work. This gives you the opportunity to explore your subject further, as well as developing valuable skills in problem solving, communication and teamwork.
Find out more about our Projects.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.
Learning and teaching
You’ll study among academics who are leaders in their field. Staff have conducted research funded by organisations such as NASA, the US Federal Aviation Administration, Boeing, Lockheed Martin and the US Air Force. Our research leads directly into our teaching, meaning you’ll hear about the very latest developments in your studies.
You’ll benefit from our integrated style of teaching and learning, using methods such as lab classes, project work, lectures, tutorials, example classes and group activities, allowing you to gain first-hand experience of applying your knowledge to real-life situations. Together they will equip you with in-depth knowledge and key practical skills that will put you in a good position to compete in aviation and closely related careers, as well as the ability to branch out further, if you wish. Our close links with industry also mean that you have direct contact with industry and potential employers from an early stage in your course.
Our personal tutorial system will provide academic and pastoral support. You will have a designated member of staff as personal tutor throughout your studies at Leeds. You will have weekly academic tutorials with your tutor throughout your first year, in your tutor group (of typically five students), as well as one-to-one meetings twice per semester.
On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
Most modules are assessed by more than one component. These components can include written examinations held at the end of each year, in-class and online tests, example sheets, assignments, and coursework in the form of reports, projects, presentations and posters.
Entry requirements, fees and applying
Entry requirements
A-level: AAA including Mathematics or Physics.
Where an A-Level Science subject is taken, we require a pass in the practical science element, alongside the achievement of the A-Level at the stated grade.
Excludes A-Level General Studies or Critical Thinking.
Extended Project Qualification - Whilst we recognise the value, effort and enthusiasm applicants make in the Extended Project, we do not currently include this as part of our offer making. We do however encourage you to provide further information on your project in your personal statement and if invited, at interview.
GCSE: English Language at grade C (4) or above, or an appropriate English language qualification.
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Access to HE Diploma
Pass 60 credits overall with 45 credits at Level 3, 30 credits with Distinction (including Mathematics) and the remaining 15 credits with Merit or above.
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BTEC
D*DD with Distinctions in relevant Mathematics and Physics units. Some Mathematics and Physics units may be optional on your BTEC but are required by the Faculty. Please contact us for further information.
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Cambridge Pre-U
D3, D3, D3 including Mathematics and Physics.
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International Baccalaureate
35 points overall, with 18 points at higher level to include 5 points in Mathematics or Physics.
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Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)
H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 including Mathematics and Physics.
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Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
AA at Advanced Higher level, including Mathematics and Physics, and AABBB at Higher level.
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Other Qualifications
Advanced Diploma: A with an appropriate amount of Mathematics or Physics.
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the Schools Undergraduate Admissions Team.
Alternative entry
We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.
Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.
Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.
Typical Access to Leeds A Level offer: ABB including an A in Mathematics or Physics.
If you do not have the formal qualifications for immediate entry to one of our degrees, you may be able to progress through a foundation year. We offer a Studies in Science with Foundation Year BSc for students without a science background at A-level and an Interdisciplinary Science with Foundation Year BSc for applicants who meet specific widening participation criteria.
International Foundation Year
International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in each section. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
How to apply
Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.
International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Applicant days
If you receive an offer to study with us, we’ll invite you to attend one of our applicant days. You’ll have the opportunity to meet our academic staff and students, explore the School and University and find out more about your course and what it’s like to be a student at Leeds.
Admissions policy
University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2024
Fees
UK: See fees section below
International: £24,500 (per year)
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will be £9,250 for students starting in 2024/25.
The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only, as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. When the fee is available we will update individual course pages.
Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25 and 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2024/25 are available on individual course pages. Fees for students starting in 2025/26 will be available from September 2024.
Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.
Read more about paying fees and charges.
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.
Financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.
Career opportunities
Many of our students see this course as the first step towards gaining a Commercial Pilot's Licence (CPL). You will also gain the necessary skills required for a career in the aviation industry, these could include: airport and airline operations and management, air traffic control, non-airline commercial flight operations, aviation project management, flying instruction, technical sales and marketing in aviation-related industries. Airports and airlines offer an extensive range of opportunities and you’ll be well placed to launch a career in a variety of aviation-related areas following completion of this course. Even if your plan is currently to become a commercial or military pilot, the broader career options provided by the degree are important for continued employability, if you were ever to fail a medical, later in your career.
If you already hold the Private Pilot’s License (PPL), this course will help to enhance your employability and credentials.
Graduates have gone on to work as first and second officers for airlines such as Qatar Airlines, Aer Lingus, British Airways, Ryanair, Flybe and Cathay Pacific, as well as in administrative and management roles at airports such as Gatwick. Others have launched careers in the RAF and the British Army, or worked as project managers, data analysts, flight planners, air traffic controllers and aircraft brokers for companies such as Airbus, Navtech, BAE Systems, Teeside Airport, Air Canada, NATS, Marshalls, Air Tanker, Eastern Airways, Eurocontrol, Rolls-Royce North America, Virgin Atlantic Airways and Philipp Aviation Consulting. Some students have also been successful in obtaining RAF sponsorship.
Careers support
You’ll have access to our dedicated Employability Team, located centrally in our Employability Suite, who will provide you with specialist face-to-face support and advice to help you find relevant work experience, internships and year-in-industry placements, as well as graduate positions.
You’ll benefit from timetabled employability sessions, ongoing support during internships and placements, and presentations and workshops delivered by employers. The team also works closely with the University’s Careers Centre, which is one of the largest in the country.
Find out more about careers support and employability.
Study abroad and work placements
Work placements
With the help and support of our faculty Employability Team, you can choose to undertake an industrial placement year at one of the 100+ companies that we work with. If you decide to undertake a placement year this will extend your period of study by 12 months and, on successful completion, you will be awarded the ‘industrial’ variant in your degree title to demonstrate your added experience to future employers.
Find out more about work placements.