Aviation Technology with Pilot Studies and Management BEng

Aviation is a multibillion-pound industry that’s not only fundamental to tourism worldwide but also plays a key role in enhancing the global economy through trade and providing security and protection in defence.

From piloting aircraft to engineering, manufacturing, management and research, the career opportunities in aviation are huge, and widespread across various disciplines – making it a highly sought after and relevant sector to qualify in.

Studying Aviation Technology with Pilot Studies and Management at Leeds 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.

The course has specialist input from expert academics, experienced professionals and pilots from industry giving you the chance to interact and develop professional relationships with leaders in this field.

You’ll also have access to specialist facilities right here on campus, such as flight simulators and our engine laboratory, alongside exciting opportunities like undertaking an industrial work placement to ensure you have the best grounding to head out into your professional career.

Why study at Leeds:

• Put theory into practice, taking advantage of our specialist training facilities, including a range of state-of-the-art flight simulators that give you the opportunity to achieve the UK Civil Aviation Authority ground exam requirements for the Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL).
• Experience expertise teaching, delivered by a programme team who specialise in a wide range of aviation disciplines and have extensive industry experience.
• Benefit from having controlled use of our Piper Seneca Flight and Navigation Procedures Training simulator and Airbus A320 flight simulator throughout your studies.
• Start building your future career path from day one, establishing relations in the field of aviation with industry professionals through our strong partnerships with EU and UK industry such as Airbus, Marshall Aerospace, Rolls Royce, Heathrow Airport and National Air Traffic Services.
• Make the most of your time at Leeds by joining our Aviation Society (AvSoc) where you can experience flight in a glider or powered aircraft, whilst gaining guidance and invaluable insight from industry professionals at regular talks and networking events throughout your degree.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Institute of Materials, Minerals, and Mining on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Candidates must hold a masters or doctorate accredited as further learning for CEng to hold accredited qualifications for CEng registration.

This course offers you the chance to develop specialist aviation engineering, technical and management skills, and learn to apply this knowledge to real-life aviation industry scenarios.

Discover the relationship between aviation, materials, energy, economics and policy – and the system that connects these together – through this course’s interdisciplinary nature.

Year 1

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’ll 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 2

In your second year you’ll 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.

Year 3

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.

One-year optional work placement or study abroad

You have the opportunity to advance your skill set and experience further by applying for a paid industrial placement. Our close industry links mean you’ll have an array of reputable companies to choose from across the UK.

Project work

During your course, you’ll get hands-on experience through 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

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 (EPQ) and International Project Qualification (IPQ): We recognise the value of these qualifications and the effort and enthusiasm that applicants put into them, and where an applicant offers an A in the EPQ or IPQ we may make an offer of AAB at A-Level with an A in Mathematics and Physics.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Cambridge Pre-U

  D3, D3, D3 including Mathematics and Physics.

• International Baccalaureate

  35 points overall, with 18 points at higher level to include 5 points in Mathematics or Physics.

• Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)

  H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 including Mathematics and Physics.

• Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers

  AA at Advanced Higher level, including Mathematics and Physics, and AABBB at Higher level.

• 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 School’s 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: £9,250

International: £27,500 (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.

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.

The employment opportunities in the field of aviation are far-reaching, with the potential to take you all over the world.

The University of Leeds students are among the top five most targeted by top employers according to The Graduate Market 2022, High Fliers Research, meaning our graduates are highly sought after by some of the most reputable companies in the field.

Qualifying with a degree in aviation technology with pilot studies and management from Leeds could be the first step towards gaining your Commercial Pilot's Licence (CPL).

It will also set you up with the core foundations and necessary skills you need to pursue an exciting career in the wider aviation industry, such as:

• Airport and Airline Operations and Management
• Air Traffic Control
• Non-Airline Commercial Flight Operations
• Aviation Project Management
• Flying Instruction
• Technical Sales
• Marketing in Aviation-Related Industries

The breadth of knowledge and experience, along with the teamwork, project management, research and communication taught on the course are widely transferable and desirable to a whole host of employers.

Here’s an insight into the job roles some of our most recent graduates have obtained:

• Pilot, Jet2
• Pilot, Air Mauritius
• Pilot, British Airways
• Pilot, EasyJet
• Pilot, Royal Air Force
• Pilot, Virgin Atlantic
• Project Hardware Engineer, Rolls-Royce
• Aircraft engineer, Fox Aircraft Engineering
• Inservice Engineer, Assystem
• RAF Air Traffic Controller, Royal Air Force
• Aircraft Dispatcher, Swissport
• Cabin Crew, British Airways
• Facilities Airport Operations, Airbus
• Flight Technical Support, British Airways
• Project Manager, IIS FAR Compliance, BAE Systems

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.

There are also plenty of exciting ways you can volunteer during your time at Leeds. Find out more at the Leeds University Union website.