BSc (Hons) Air Transport Management with ATPL Studies

Program Overview

This Aviation Management and Pilot Training program combines theoretical ATPL exam preparation with a BSc (Hons) degree, offering a sought-after balance of skills for the aviation industry. Through expert instruction and industry connections, students gain a comprehensive understanding of air transport systems, operations, and strategic management. The program also provides practical experience through flight simulator training and opportunities for industry visits.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This course combines studying for the ATPL theoretical exam with studying for a BSc (Hons) degree. This balance of skills is highly sought-after by global aviation industry employers. The course is delivered by a diverse and experienced team of experts in the aviation industry with established links to numerous airlines and aviation companies. The course content is developed with support from a wide network of sector professionals to include changes in the industry.

Outline:

• Level 4:
• Introduction to Air Transport Management:
Provides a conceptual underpinning and thorough knowledge of basic principles in relation to the history and development of commercial aviation, including technological developments in aviation. It also explores the industry's rapid growth, business models, airlines, airports, aircraft manufacturers, and environmental issues.
• The Aviation Professional: Addresses key areas required for future employability within the aviation industry.
It focuses on comprehending and applying effective academic competences, equipping students with knowledge and understanding pertinent to employment within the aviation sector.
• Air Transport Systems and Operations: Provides knowledge and understanding of the range of systems, operational concepts, planning processes, infrastructure, and regulations required for safe air transport of people and goods.
It focuses on passenger/people movement, cargo movement, airport systems, and air navigation services providers (ANSPs), while exploring operational technologies, systems, processes, and regulations that contribute to a sustainable, economically viable, and service-oriented experience for customers and stakeholders. It focuses on the dynamic capabilities of organizations in today's ever-changing work environment. It aims to develop understanding of the requirements for successful leadership and talent management in a changing world.
• Private Pilot Licence (PPL) Theory and Practical: Mapped against the EASA Private Pilot License Theoretical Knowledge Syllabus (2013) and fulfils the National Occupational Standards for Professional Pilots PPLFDC1.
It covers all aspects of theoretical training required for the EASA Private Pilot License, including air law and ATC procedures, human performance, meteorology, communications, principles of flight, operational procedures, flight performance and planning, aircraft general knowledge, and navigation. It aims to provide a sound understanding of basic aircraft operations, the atmosphere, human physiology/psychology, and aviation law.
• Level 5:
• Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) Theory:
Mapped against the EASA Pilot Training Theoretical Knowledge Syllabus (2012), fulfilling the National Occupational Standards for Professional Pilots based on the thirteen areas of competence tested: Aircraft General Knowledge, Air Law, Mass and Balance, Performance Aeroplane, Flight Planning and Flight Monitoring, Aircraft General Knowledge - Instrumentation, Human Performance, Meteorology, General Navigation, Radio Navigation, Operational Procedures, Principles of Flight Aeroplane, and Communications.
• Hour Building and Reflective Portfolio: Develops practical handling of the aircraft and reflective practice, core to the operating day.
It is a pre-requisite for the CPL module undertaken in Level 6. The module is mapped against CAP 804 Part 1 (30 January 2013) and EASA Acceptable Means of Compliance and Guidance Material to Part FCL1 Annex to ED Decision 2011/016/R.
• Level 6:
• Airport Planning, Design and Management:
Provides a thorough understanding of the political, economic, regulatory, and environmental context in which an airport operates. It focuses on the design process and elements related to the design and operation of airside, airspace, and terminal building areas. It enhances critical thinking and decision making in terms of planning and development steps.
• Air Route Development and Operations: Provides students with the knowledge and understanding required to plan and perform airline route operations.
It covers the commercial and operational aspects of route development and operations through critical analysis and evaluation of information and data and the application of management science. Political, economic, regulatory, and environmental considerations are embedded throughout the learning.
• Sustainable Aviation and the Environment: Provides a conceptual underpinning and thorough knowledge of basic principles and operational practice in sustainable aviation, providing an overview of the principles of sustainability and sustainable aviation management.
It introduces students to sustainable aviation policy, procedures, and strategy for airlines, airports, and aircraft manufacturers. It covers the main theories in regulating environmental externalities and helps students to assess and evaluate policies and initiatives.
• Aviation Strategy and Commercial Analysis: Develops understanding of the strategic and commercial aspects of air transport management.
It examines approaches to aviation strategic management, strategic analysis, and seeks to determine how organizations may improve, grow, and develop. It investigates key strategic, financial, and economic trends, problems, and developments in aviation management.
• Dissertation: Provides students with the opportunity to critically review, analyze, and evaluate a topic of their choice related to the subject area of the course.
It involves conducting research in that topic and presenting the outcomes in a thesis. The module builds on knowledge and understanding that students may have achieved as part of an introductory research methods module, but it is a self-contained module and it is not a pre-requisite to have been previously studied an introductory research module.

Teaching:

The course is delivered by a diverse and experienced team of experts in the aviation industry. Guest lectures from aviation experts and opportunities for industry visits support and enhance learning. Students have access to the on-site Boeing 737 flight simulator, which provides a practical learning environment.

Careers:

Upon successful completion of the course, students can pursue career paths in:

• Airport/airline operations
• Route planning
• Fleet management

Other:

The University of West London has a strong connection with Heathrow Airport Limited and the course is based at the Ealing site, which is just 10 miles from Heathrow Airport. The University is also home to the Heathrow Archive and Exhibition, which students and the public can visit. The program also has opportunities to discuss current issues and examine solutions from a sector perspective, with direct connections to the industry through guest lectures and workshops.

The tuition fees per year for UK students is £9,250. There are significant costs in addition to the annual tuition fee for this course. The cost of undertaking your flight training will vary considerably depending upon which approved training organisation you use and on the package selected. Most packages will cover all elements of your training including the Instrument Rating, Upset Recovery and Multi Crew Training. Government regulation does affect your tuition fees, so what you pay may go up in future. Additional Costs: Class 1 Medical – up to GBP 600 Private Pilot Licence Practical (including flying kit and uniform) – GBP 12,000 CAA Licence Issue (PPL) – up to GBP 220 ATPL Studies and Hour Building – up to GBP 40,000 Turnpoint Liasion fee - GBP 1,200 Transportation to/from the airfield – depending on flight school location and transportation