Air Transport with Airline Pilot Training
Qualification/Level: BA (Hons)

Duration: 18 months part-time for BA:Two years part-time for BA (Hons)
Locations:High Wycombe for the first three months and then Cranfield, UK and Orlando, Florida, USA.


Cabair College of Air Training are delighted to announce the introduction of a BA or BA (Hons) degree to accompany their JAA ATPL intregrated programme. The programme is designed for those students who wish to obtain a recongnised degree in Air Transport with a view to pursuing a career in the airline industry.

This is a unique degree programme and not part of the UCAS system. This means that you do not need any credits to join the course but you will need to attend a Pilot Assessment Day at Cranfield.

BA Students: Students study 60 credits by Flexible and Distributed Learning (FDL), giving a total for the degree of 300 credits , achieved at the conclusion of the flight training and award of the froze ATPL. Completed in 2 years.

BA (Hons) Students: Students study 90 credits by Flexible and Distributed Learning (FDL), then 30 credit Dissertation after conclusion of the flight training and award of the frozen ATPL.

The next course will commence in 19 September 2011: Enrolment by August 31 2011


This programme is aimed at those wishing to qualify as commercial pilots, as it offers students the opportunity to qualify for a frozen Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) while reading for their degree in Air Transport at the same time. The BA/BA (Hons) Air Transport with Airline Pilot Training degree aims to reflect the changes inherent in the dynamic aviation industry and to prepare students with the skills and knowledge required both to work within the aviation field and to attain the necessary qualification for the award of a frozen ATPL.

This programme is aimed at those who wish to develop the skills, knowledge and employability profile that will provide them with the opportunity to gain employment as first officers in airlines. Entrants are expected to have a good standard of general education. They should have the equivalent of two good passes at A-level, and should have passes in GCSE English and mathematics at grade C or above. Some knowledge of science subjects would be an advantage. Mature students with non-standard qualifications will be considered on an individual basis. All applicants must demonstrate an enthusiasm for flying, a willingness to learn to fly and a commitment to a career in the airline and airport industry.

The BA and BA (Hons) Air Transport with Airline Pilot Training is offered in conjunction with Cabair College of Air Training (Cabair) and prospective students will be required to pass the Pilot Assessment at Cabair, and in conjunction with Bucks New University to assess their suitability for the programme. Students undertaking commercial pilot training need to obtain a CAA class one medical certificate.

Although this is a part-time course, you can expect the work and taught element combined to be a full-time occupation.

Key modules of the course

Stages one to three are required for both BA and BA (Hons) courses.

Stage one
- 18 hours of taught lessons per week based at High Wycombe
- Structure and development of the air transport industry
- Airline and airport marketing
- Ground service operations

Stage two
- Students transfer to Cabair in Cranfield for the ATPL theory programme as part of the integrated route
- Air Transport Pilot Licence Theory one
- Air Transport Pilot Licence Theory two

Stage three
- Practical flight training (integrated training) with Cabair in Florida
- Leadership in aviation
- Aviation in the global context
- Sustainability and strategy

During stage three you will undertake practical flight training at with Cabair. Meanwhile, you will partake in online learning and workshops that count towards your degree award.

Stage four
- Research project

To earn the BA (Hons) award, students who have completed stages one to three and have earned 330 credits in total are required to undertake a research project. They are expected to be in employment with airlines by this time, and it will be possible to delay completion of the research project if necessary, at the discretion of the programme co-ordinator. The research project will focus on a work-based issue and will be completed by distance learning, with supervision provided via email or Webex, as well as other methods, as appropriate.

Special features of the course

This programme is unique in the UK Higher Education sector, as it allows you to obtain a bachelor degree and a frozen ATPL in only 18 months/two years of study. With a frozen ATPL you will be qualified to apply for first officer positions with an airline.

Contact info:

Buckinghamshire New University
Tel: 0800 0565 660
Email: advice@bucks.ac.uk

Cabair College of Air Training
Tel: 01234 436 070
Email: integrated@cabair.com


Download a Data Sheet and Price List for this course here.

Visit the Buckingshire New University Web Site here.

BNU are holding regular Aviation Open Days at their Wycombe campus on the following dates:

Saturday 29 January 2011 | Wednesday 23 February 2011
Saturday 5 March 2011 | Saturday 2 April 2011 | Wednesday 15 June 2011

You can register for an open day here