BSc (Hons) Aviation Management with Commercial Pilot Training in Helicopters
- Study Mode: Full Time
- Location: High Wycombe
- Duration: Three Years
- Start Date: September 2025
With over 20 years of experience, we specialise in preparing you for a dynamic career in aviation. In just three years, you will earn a full honours degree while completing your flight training and the ground exams required for your ‘frozen’ Air Transport Pilot Licence – Helicopters (ATPL(H)).
Led by seasoned lecturers who were former airline pilots with major airlines, you will benefit from real-world insights and professional connections. You’ll work with our UK-leading partner towards your ATPL, and together, we’ll help prepare you for a career in the exciting world of rotary wing aviation.
This programme offers a combination of academic study and professional pilot training. Unlike traditional aviation courses, you will graduate with both a BSc and a ‘frozen’ This dual qualification not only enhances your employability but also gives you the flexibility to switch between or combine roles in piloting and management within the aviation industry.
BNU has relationships with leading flight training organisations and major aviation companies throughout the country. These connections can help provide you with networking opportunities, which could lead to internships, and placements, increasing your exposure to the industry before you even graduate. We work closely with our industry connections to make sure that the course content is regularly updated to reflect real-world practices and standards, so you can be confident that you're learning what employers are looking for.
Studying topics such as airline operations, airport management, aviation law, and safety regulations will help you master Aviation Management. Our broad curriculum prepares you not only to fly planes but also to take on leadership and strategic roles in areas like airline management, logistics, operations, and air traffic control. Having management skills on top of your piloting qualifications can give you an edge in the highly competitive aviation sector.
BNU has modern, industry-standard facilities including the use of immersive technology and virtual reality teaching, which can offer hands-on experience, allowing you to practice flying techniques, emergency procedures, and other critical aspects of pilot training in a controlled environment. Your practical training is complemented by classroom instruction, helping you develop both the technical skills and theoretical understanding necessary to excel as a pilot and aviation professional.
The combination of a recognised UK degree and an opens doors to careers not only in the UK but globally. The aviation industry is offers a truly international career, and your qualifications will be valued in numerous countries, giving you the flexibility to work with airlines, airports, or aviation management companies all around the world.
What will I study?
On the management side of this degree, you’ll learn how airlines and airports operate, covering topics like airline operations, airport management, aviation safety, and security. You’ll also study aviation law and regulations, along with the economics of the industry, gaining insight into the financial and legal challenges faced by airlines.
For the pilot training, with our external training partner you'll work towards an This involves learning flight theory—covering aerodynamics, navigation, and flight planning—alongside hands-on flight training with approved providers. You’ll also practice using advanced flight simulators to handle complex procedures and emergencies. Additional studies include meteorology and aircraft systems, helping you understand how weather affects flights and how aircraft components function.
Throughout the course, you’ll develop key skills like leadership, decision-making, communication, and problem-solving, which are essential for both piloting and management roles. By graduation, you’ll be ready for a career as a commercial pilot or in aviation management, with broad options across the industry.
Our top 5 tips before applying
Before you make an application, we recommend you consider the following:
- There are additional costs involved with this course, in addition to the University’s tuition fees. The University does not offer any loans as we are not a financial institution. Students often get funding from private bank loans as well as student finance to pay for the tuition fees. Seek professional financial help to understand what it means for you.
- Talk to, and visit, the flight schools you are considering for most up-to-date pricing. We have included approximate costs for guidance on our approved training organisation factsheet.
- Make sure you understand the differences between a UK CAA Licence and an EASA Licence; your chosen flight school will be able to offer some guidance on this. You can find the contact details for our approved training organisations on our factsheet.
- Understand the UK CAA/EASA Class 1 (Commercial Pilots) or Class 2 (Private Pilots) , and check that you can successfully hold such licenses, before committing to the flight training.
- Come along to an open day, talk to our current students and staff, and get all your questions answered.
What facilities can I use?
BNU has modern, industry-standard facilities including the use of immersive technology and virtual reality teaching, which can offer hands-on experience, allowing you to practice flying techniques, emergency procedures, and other critical aspects of pilot training in a controlled environment. Your practical training is complemented by classroom instruction, helping you develop both the technical skills and theoretical understanding necessary to excel as a pilot and aviation professional.
Alongside this, 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.
On top of services that BNU provides, we are also members of or partner with a range of external organisations to bolster your industry knowledge:
- We have access to the software package which will greatly assist you in your learning and in the completion of several assessments.
- We are classed as an Educational Establishment with through our membership, giving students free access to the latest aviation news and developments.
- We’re part of the – this means what you study is influenced by the UK’s largest airport and you’ll be one of the first to hear about opportunities. It also helps us give you an up-to-date picture of what is going on in the industry throughout your studies.
BNU has been running its aviation courses for over 20 years now, so they definitely have strong connections within the industry and know exactly how to tailor the course to suit what aviation organisations are looking for in their employees.Fareeha Ahmed
How will I be taught and assessed?
During your time at BNU you'll be taught through a mix of lectures, seminars, and simulation sessions.
Classroom-based learning will cover key aviation management topics, with lectures and seminars providing the theoretical foundation for your studies. These sessions will be interactive, often incorporating case studies, group discussions, and presentations to help you engage with real-world aviation issues.
For your pilot training, you'll work closely with , where you'll receive practical, hands-on flight experience. This includes flight training leading to Private Pilot Licence for Helicopters (PPLH), ground school theory portion of ATPL(H), advanced flight training for your Commercial Pilot Licence for Helicopters (CPLH), Instrument Rating (IR), Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT), Airline Pilot Standards Multi-Crew Cooperation (APS MCC). The university will coordinate the academic side of your studies, including PPL(H) ground school theory, while your flight school delivers the practical pilot training component.
For theoretical modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of written assignments, exams, presentations, and case studies. These assessments will test your understanding of aviation management concepts, industry regulations, and your ability to apply what you've learned to practical scenarios.
For your pilot training, assessments will be in accordance with Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulations, with 9 ground school exams for PPL(H), and 13 ground school exams for ATPL(H) theory, and practical flying tests for your flight training.
September – January
In the first semester, you will begin your Private Pilot Licence (PPL) training. This will consist of a minimum of 45 hours flight training, alongside studying for the PPL ground exams.
Ground exam common subjects include:
- 010 Air Law - Aeroplane and Helicopter
- 040 Human Performance - Aeroplane and Helicopter
- 050 Meteorology - Aeroplane and Helicopter
- 060 Navigation - Aeroplane and Helicopter
- 090 Communications - Aeroplane and Helicopter
- 020 Aircraft General Knowledge - Aeroplane or Helicopter
- 030 Flight Performance and Planning - Aeroplane or Helicopter
- 070 Operational Procedures - Aeroplane or Helicopter
- 081 Principles of Flight - Aeroplane only
- 082 Principles of Flight - Helicopter only
These exams are taken through the CAA e-exam system. You will need to purchase a set of AFE PPL theory books or similar to support your studies (we use AFE PPL for our theory).
You will need several additional personal items, which may include kneeboard, headset, facemask and some schools require uniform to be worn.
February – June
During this semester, you will be moving forward more quickly with your flight training and some students may begin their PPL flying. The PPL is just the beginning and, once you have completed this licence, we encourage you to consider further ratings.
June – September
During the summer you can accelerate your training by completing the hours required to undertake further ratings – you may wish to complete your Night Rating, Multi-Engine Rating and/or IR(R) during this time. Some of our students will complete hours abroad, in destinations such as California, Florida, France, Cyprus and Poland.
September – March/June
You will begin this year with an ATPL theory course, which typically last between six and nine months. They can be taken full-time at a flight school, or by distance learning with on-site top-up. You will have a personal tutor who will monitor your progress and work with you to deal with any issues at your flight school.
Information on where you can sit the exams are provided on the .
There are 13 exams, which are:
- 010 Air Law
- 021 Aircraft General Knowledge – Airframe and Systems, Electrics, Power Plant and Emergency Equipment
- 022 Instrumentation
- 031 Mass & Balance
- 032 Performance – Aeroplanes
- 033 Flight Planning and Monitoring
- 034 Performance (Helicopter)
- 040 Human Performance and Limitations
- 050 Meteorology
- 061 General Navigation
- 062 Radio Navigation
- 070 Operational Procedures
- 081 Principles of Flight – Aeroplanes
- 082 Principles of Flight (Helicopter)
- 090 Communications
It is an intensive course, with a lot of material that will be new to you. It builds on the PPL theory and introduces many new topics. We recommend to all of our students that you ringfence this time as you will become completely absorbed with studying.
Some of our students do continue flying during this period and we recommend building your hours at weekends – it can be a fun way to relax after the stresses of the ATPL ground school week!
ATPL courses are usually split into 3 modules, with exams at the end of each module. Resits can be taken as needed.
We recommend planning for additional flying straight after you complete your ATPL theory course. You will be able to complete further hours, as well as multi-engine rating, IR or CPL (depending on where you are at with your training). We don’t expect you to complete all of these in one summer!
You can see the approved training organisations we work with here, however if you have another school you prefer, please talk to the Course Leader about this. Please note, schools may change from time to time.
Please note that you cannot commence your ATPL theory course until your PPL is complete.
In this year, students will choose which flight school to complete their hours and/or additional ratings. You will have a personal tutor lecturer who will monitor your progress and work with you to deal with any issues at your flight school and give guidance on getting your licence.
All modules and flight training must be successfully passed before your degree may be issued.
This course will give me an advantage in securing a position as a commercial pilot. In a constantly changing industry, awareness of the industry is key and the course gives us that knowledge.Edgar Woodhead
What are the course entry requirements?
A typical offer will require a UCAS tariff score of: 104 - 128
UCAS points can be obtained through qualifications such as A levels, T levels, BTEC or an Access to Higher Education course in a relevant subject. Please list all your qualifications on the application form as you will be asked to provide copies when we receive your application.
You also need at least two A-levels or equivalent and GCSE Maths and English at grade C/4. Additionally, some knowledge of science subjects would be an advantage. Mature students with non-standard qualifications will be considered on an individual basis.
All students will require at a minimum a Class II Medical in order to undertake their PPL solo, those students wishing to undertake Commercial training will need to gain a Class I Medical prior to enrolling with their selected Approved Training Organisation (ATO). Further information on the requirements of Class I and II Medicals, including approved AME's, can be found on the CAA website.
For further details of our international English entry requirements, please visit our international pages.
Modules
This provides a guide of the modules that make up your course. You can find more information about how your course is structured on our Academic Advice section.
What are the tuition fees
UK students receiving student loan via Student Finance, Academic Year 2025-2026
- Year 1: £9,535
- Year 2: £9,535 (bursary of £7,250) - Placement Fee of £2,000.
- Year 3: £9,535
International students, Academic Year 2025 - 2026:
- Year 1: £15,150
- Year 2: £15,150
- Year 3: £2,000 (Placement Year)
What are the additional costs?
In addition to the tuition fees, there are additional costs to consider for this programme. We have provided approximate costs to give you some guidance on this, but recommend you check with your chosen flight school for the most up-to-date information on pricing and other related matters.
The Private Pilot Licence is taken in the first year of the degree, in addition to other academic modules.
The PPL Theory element of the training is taken as an academic module, and is included within the degree fees, but the flying element plus equipment, CAA fees, etc. are extra.
We recommend to budget for a total cost of around £15,000-£17,000 additional fees in Year 1 for this. The fee will vary depending on school chosen, and you will see cheaper prices advertised, but this is a realistic figure, and includes things like:
- medical
- extra hours (few students complete in 45 hours)
- landing fees
- headset
- books
- equipment
- flight test aircraft hire
- CAA flight test
- RT
- ground exam fees.
Please check with your chosen flight school for the most up-to-date information on pricing and other related matters.
To complete the Fixed Wing Commercial Licence with Instrument Rating, if that is the aim, will cost in the region of £50,000 or more. You can speak to various flying schools in the UK directly to get the most up-to-date costings.
International Students
As an International student you will study this degree in a slightly different order — whilst Year 1 is the same, Years 2 and 3 are swapped.
To complete the Commercial Licence with Instrument Rating, if that is the aim, will cost in the region of £50,000 or more. This can often be completed at the same school as your ATPL Theory, but it is not a requirement for the degree, so you are free to choose (subject to visa requirements).
Following the Government’s announcement of 4 November 2024, we will be increasing our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for UK students to £9,535 per year from the start of the 2025/26 academic year. Our part-time fees for UK undergraduate students will increase to £7,145 per annum. Please visit , on the Government’s website, for more information about the changes.
Tuition fees for Home undergraduate students (including with foundation year) may increase in subsequent years for both new and continuing students in line with an inflationary amount determined by the Government.  
Tuition fees for both new and continuing international students may be subject to an inflationary increase based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the 12-month period to 31 January each year.  
Tuition fees for postgraduate courses and CPD may be subject to an inflationary increase based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the 12-month period to 31 January each year. This increase will apply to both new and continuing students.  
We understand, and really appreciate, the significant financial commitment our students make when they choose to study at BNU. We take our responsibilities to our students very seriously, and are ambitious for each to reach their full potential and succeed in their chosen career. Our fees help us to continue providing our students with a high-quality education, and to invest in the services and facilities which create an excellent student experience at BNU.
The following factors will be considered by the University when we set the annual fees: measures of inflation such as the retail price indices; projected increases in University costs; and any changes in the level of funding for teaching received from the Government.
What are my career prospects?
Throughout your time with us we’ll support you on the route to your chosen career. We’ll help you build essential skills, encourage you to become a confident and capable leader, and assist you in finding employment after graduation. Have a look at our Careers and Employability pages to find out more.
On successful completion of our commercial pilot training in helicopters degree you’ll be the proud owner of a Commercial Pilot Licence - Helicopters (CPL(H)) with instrument rating and a ‘frozen’ ATPL(H) – this allows you to apply for positions as a professional helicopter pilot. Your ATPL will remain frozen until you meet the relevant professional experience, at which point the ‘frozen’ prefix will be dropped.
Our graduates have gone on to become First Officers with a range of airlines including British Airways, Ryanair, easyJet, Cathay Pacific and Jet 2.
If you’re interested in undertaking further study or specialising in a certain field, you can choose to study one of our renowned postgraduate programmes, such as MSc Aviation Operations and Management and MSc Managing Organisational Resilience.
My degree not only enabled me to learn to fly, but to also gain an insight into so many factions and interactions within the aviation industry, that I put into practice every time I go flying.Darren Palmer Airbus A350 Senior First Officer for Cathay Pacific Airways
Course leader
- Graduate Teaching Associate
- Programme Coordinator for Aviation programmes
- Student Experience Coordinator
