(Full time) 2022 start
Aviation Technology with Pilot Studies and Management BEng
Overview
The global aviation industry needs knowledgeable, skilled and creative people as pilots, managers and other aviation professionals. 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). The aviation industry is a complex, interlocking, highly integrated system of engineering, people, regulations, procedures and business models.
Our degree 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.
Course highlights
Discover the relationship between aviation, materials, energy, economics and policy – and the system that connects these together – through this course’s interdisciplinary nature.
Benefit from the training facilities of our flight simulators and have the opportunity to achieve the UK Civil Aviation Authority ground exam requirements for the Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL).
Develop specialist aviation engineering, technical and management skills, and learn to apply this knowledge to real-life aviation industry scenarios.
This course has specialist input from expert academics, experienced professionals and pilots from industry.
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.
Find out more about our facilities.
Programme team
The Programme Leader, Dr Darron Dixon-Hardy, is a Chartered Engineer and a Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining. His research interests include aviation fuel efficiency, CO2 reductions and aviation safety. The wider programme team has a broad experience across aviation.
Course content
Year one
During your first year you’ll explore the fundamental principles that underpin aviation. You’ll be introduced to the basic concepts of how aircraft and the aviation industry function, 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).
Year two
In your second year you will build upon these foundations and cover a wide range of different aspects of aviation, while taking opportunities to conduct your own research.
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.
At the end of year two, you will have the opportunity to complete an industrial placement, which will extend your degree by 12 months.
Year three
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.
Project work
Every year of your 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 Project work.
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
As a student at Leeds, we ensure that you benefit from a wide range of teaching methods, including lectures, workshops, small group tutorials and practical work.
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.
Our Virtual Learning Environment will help to support your studies: it’s a central place where you can find all the information and resources for the School, your programme and modules.
You can also benefit from support to develop your academic skills, within the curriculum and through online resources, workshops, one-to-one appointments and drop-in sessions.
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 and International Project Qualification: Whilst we recognise the value of these qualifications and the effort and enthusiasm that applicants put into them, we do not currently include them as part of our offer-making. We do, however, encourage you to provide further information on your project in your personal statement.
GCSE: English Language at grade C (4) or above, or an appropriate English language qualification. We will accept Level 2 Functional Skills English in lieu of GCSE English.
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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.
We may consider applications submitted after the deadline. Availability of courses in UCAS Extra will be detailed on UCAS at the appropriate stage in the cycle.
Read our guidance about applying and writing your personal statement.
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: £25,250 (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.
Additional cost information
<p>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. </p>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
A degree from Leeds and the experience you'll gain here will give you the edge to find the career you want. Your course will give you the experience and knowledge that employers are looking for to help you secure a graduate job.
University of Leeds students are among the top five most targeted by top employers according to The Graduate Market 2021, High Fliers Research.
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 international airlines Others have launched careers as project managers, data analysts, flight planners, air traffic controllers and aircraft brokers for companies. Some students have also been successful in obtaining RAF sponsorship.
Examples of recent graduate destinations include:
Aer Lingus
Airbus
Air Canada
Air Tanker
BAE Systems
British Airways
Cathay Pacific
Eastern Airways
Eurocontrol
Gatwick Airport
NATS
Navtech
Marshalls
Philipp Aviation Consulting
Qatar Airlines
Rolls-Royce North America
Ryanair
Teesside Airport
The RAF
The British Army
Virgin Atlantic Airways
Read profiles of our alumni to find out more about where some of our graduates are working.
Careers support
At Leeds we help you to prepare for your future from day one. Our Leeds for Life initiative is designed to help you develop and demonstrate the skills and experience you need for when you graduate. We will help you to access opportunities across the University and record your key achievements so you are able to articulate them clearly and confidently.
You will be supported throughout your studies by our dedicated Employability team, who will provide you with specialist support and advice to help you find relevant work experience, internships and industrial placements, as well as graduate positions. You’ll benefit from timetabled employability sessions, support during internships and placements, and presentations and workshops delivered by employers.
You will also have full access to the University’s Careers Centre, which is one of the largest in the country.
Visit our Careers and employability page to find out more.
There are also plenty of exciting ways you can volunteer during your time at Leeds. Find out more at the Leeds University Union website.
Study abroad and work placements
Work placements
Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.
Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.
An industrial placement year is a great way to help you decide what kind of career you might like when you graduate. As well as giving you the opportunity to develop your skills, you’ll gain a real insight into working life in a particular company or sector.
With the help and support of our dedicated Employability team, you can choose to undertake a salaried 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.
Below are examples of placements our students have recently completed:
Aerodrome Safety and Assurance Intern, Heathrow Airport Ltd
During your industrial placement you will have an industrial supervisor from within the company, plus an academic supervisor who will keep in touch throughout your placement.
Find out more about Industrial placements.