• Undergraduate

Air Transport Management with fATPL BSc (Hons)

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Overview

Overview

Why study at the University of West London?
  • Ranked 30th university in the UK - The Guardian University Guide 2025
  • Number 1 London university for overall student satisfaction - National Student Survey 2024**
  • Best university for Student Experience and Teaching Quality in the UK - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024
Why study this course?

Working closely with our industry partners this course has been developed to enable graduates to have an understanding of the aviation sector from a managerial and operational perspective. 

On graduation, you will have both a BSc (Hons) degree and a frozen Airline Transport Pilot Licence (fATPL). This balance of practical and theoretical skills is highly sought-after by global aviation industry employers.

The University of West London has a strong connection with Heathrow Airport Limited and you will be based at our Ealing site, which is just 10 miles from Heathrow, one of the world's busiest international airports. The University is also home to the Heathrow Archive and Exhibition, which students and the public can visit. 

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. 

Our courses offer opportunities to discuss current issues and examine solutions from a sector perspective. Our course content is developed with support from a wide network of sector professionals to include changes in the industry and we are proud to involve experts from Heathrow in our guest lectures and workshops to directly connect you to the industry. 

Select your desired study option, then pick a start date to see relevant course information:

Study options:
We support flexible study by offering some of our courses part-time or via distance learning. To give you real world experience before you graduate, we also offer some courses with a placement or internship. All available options are listed here. Your choices may affect some details of your course, such as the duration and cost per year. Please re-check the details on this page if you change your selection.

Start date:

If your desired start date is not available, try selecting a different study option.

Why study Air Transport Management with fATPL with us?

Why study Air Transport Management with fATPL with us?

A collage of students

What our students say…

I joined after the refurbishment, since then its grown. There's more technology and the library is getting bigger and bigger. The University has certainly opened up job prospects. There's a massive drive towards your career.

Sean Wismann
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Industry links with Heathrow and British Airways
UWL is a member of The Council for Hospitality Management Education (CHME)
Industry focused teaching
UWL is home to the Heathrow Exhibition and Archive
Course detail & modules

Course detail & modules

This course has been developed to enable graduates to develop a comprehensive understanding of the aviation sector from a managerial and operational perspective. 

You will combine your modular training alongside academic studies and will have access to our on-site Boeing 737 flight simulator which provides a practical learning environment.

Guest lectures from aviation experts and opportunities for industry visits will support and enhance your learning. You will also have the opportunity to work with a number of Approved Training Organisations (ATOs).

Upon completion of this degree, you can gain employment as a Second or First Officer with an airline or train as a Flight Instructor to gain hours prior to commencing flying. The aviation sector offers new entrants a range of opportunities.

Compulsory modules

  • Introduction to Air Transport Management

    This module is designed to give you a conceptual underpinning and thorough knowledge of basic principles in relation to the history and development of commercial aviation whilst looking at broader technological developments in aviation. You will gain an insight into the rapid growth of the industry, business models, airlines, airports, aircraft manufacturers and environmental issues.

  • The Aviation Professional

    In this module, you will address the key areas required for future employability within the aviation industry. You will also focus on comprehending and applying effective academic competences.

    In terms of employability, the module is designed to equip you with knowledge and understanding pertinent to employment within the aviation sector. With these skills, this can enhance their employment prospects.

  • Air Transport Systems and Operations

    In this module students will acquire a knowledge and understanding of the range of systems, operational concepts, planning processes, infrastructures and regulations that are required to move people and goods safely by air. It focuses on the movement of passengers/ people as well as the study of the movement of goods (cargo), airports systems and air navigation services providers (ANSPs). Essential to the above is to understand the operational technologies, systems, processes and regulations which all go to providing a sustainable, economically viable and service orientated experience for customers and or stakeholders. This module builds upon subject areas taught in L4 (first year) such as Introduction to Air Transport Management and Air Passenger Experience and is designed to both broaden and deepen knowledge and understanding in these areas.

  • Talent Management and Leadership

    This module explores talent management, which has become an area of significant importance in international HR practice, as retaining excellent employees plays an important role in the strategic competitiveness of an organisation. This is never so important than in today's ever-changing work environment, where businesses operate in an environment of not only risk but also volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA).

    The module will develop your understanding of the requirements for entrepreneurial leadership, which is essential in enabling the dynamic capabilities of the organisation. This module aims to develop your understanding of the requirements for successful leadership and talent management in an ever-changing world.

  • Private Pilot Licence (PPL) Theory and Practical

    This module is mapped against the EASA Private Pilot Licence Theoretical Knowledge Syllabus (2013) as laid out in AMC1 FCL.210; FCL.215. The module fulfils the National Occupational Standards for Professional Pilots PPLFDC1, (Prepare for Duty as a professional pilot). The module covers all aspects of the theoretical training required for the issue of an EASA Private Pilot Licence. Subjects taught include: Air Law & ATC Procedures, Human Performance, Meteorology, Communications, Principles of Flight, Operational Procedures, Flight Performance & Planning, Aircraft General Knowledge and Navigation. On conclusion of the module students will have a sound understanding of basic aircraft operations, the atmosphere, human physiology/psychology and aviation law.

Compulsory modules

  • Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) Theory

    This module is mapped against the EASA Pilot Training Theoretical Knowledge Syllabus (2012). 

    The module fulfils the National Occupational Standards for Professional Pilots based on the thirteen areas of competence the module tests:

    • 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
    • Communications.

  • Hour Building and Reflective Portfolio

    This module aim is for students to develop their practical handling of the aircraft.  Alongside this they will develop their reflective practice which is core to their operating day.  This module is a pre-requirement for the CPL module with is undertaken in Level 6, as a commercial pilot restricted to flying in visual meteorological conditions, as stipulated by EASA (CAP 804 Part 1; 30 January 2013). 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.

Compulsory modules

  • Airport Planning, Design and Management

    As a future manager, you need a strong understanding of the current situation and local constraints an airport can face. A clear roadmap for the development of airports and a comprehensive solution for the challenges you face are necessary. Focusing on those areas, this module will provide you with a thorough understanding of the political, economic, regulatory and environmental context in which an airport operates. It will have, as a key focus, the design process and elements relating to the design and operation of the airside, airspace and terminal building areas. In addition, it will enhance your critical thinking and decision making in terms of planning and development steps.

  • Hour Building and Advanced Training

    The CPL practical training takes 6 weeks. However, completion of the 14 ATPL theoretical examinations, the additional hours building to reach the minimum hours required for a CPL and the CPL practical training equates to 44 weeks.  This module leads to a qualification as an Instrument Rated pilot able to fly in weather conditions unsuitable for VFR operations in accordance with the rules in EASA Part-FCL.605 and CAP 804 Part G Subpart 1 which gives the privilege to fly under the IFR to a minimum descent height (MDH) of 200 feet (60m).  Finally students will undertake Upset Recovery Prevention Training as the final part of their practical training.

  • Air Route Development and Operations

    The aim of this module is to provide students with the knowledge and understanding required to plan and perform airline route operations. The module covers both 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.

  • Airline Pilot Standards (APS) / Multi Crew Coordination (MCC) Training

    The CPL practical training takes 6 weeks. However, completion of the 14 ATPL theoretical examinations, the additional hours building to reach the minimum hours required for a CPL and the CPL practical training equates to 44 weeks.  This module leads to a qualification as an Instrument Rated pilot able to fly in weather conditions unsuitable for VFR operations in accordance with the rules in EASA Part-FCL.605 and CAP 804 Part G Subpart 1 which gives the privilege to fly under the IFR to a minimum descent height (MDH) of 200 feet (60m). Finally students will undertake Upset Recovery Prevention Training as the final part of their practical training.

  • Dissertation

    The aim of the dissertation module is to provide students with the opportunity to critically review, analyse and evaluate a topic of their choice related to the subject area of the course that they are studying. This is best done by 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. However, this is a self-contained module and it is not a pre-requisite to have been previously studied an introductory research module.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

120 UCAS points required from level 3 qualifications

You will need:

  • a CAA Class 1 Medical certificate
  • GCSE English, Mathematics and Physics or double/triple science (grade 9 – 5 / A* - C)
  • to attend a selection day and interview.

You may be eligible for a student loan to cover the cost of tuition fees, or a maintenance loan. Additional funding is available to some types of students, such as those with dependants and disabled students.

Fees & funding

Fees & funding

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The cost above is the cost per year of your studies.

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.

All packages offered come with a schedule of payments to help and full information on fees is available on request.

Government regulation does affect your tuition fees, so what you pay may go up in future. For example, government regulation around future inflation may increase your tuition fees.

Additional Costs:

  • Class 1 Medical – up to GBP 600
  • Private Pilot Licence Practical (including flying kit and uniform) – up to GBP 12,000
  • CAA Licence Issue – up to GBP 220
  • fATPL Training – up to GBP 110,000
  • CAA Licence Issue (CPL) – up to GBP 300
  • Turnpoint Liasion fee - GBP 1,200
  • Transportation to/from the airfield – depending on flight school location and transportation
Teaching staff

Teaching staff

Study & career progression

Study & career progression

A male student studying with a lecturer looking on

This course prepares you to lead effectively in an ever-evolving sector, with the skills and confidence needed to tackle the issues the sector is facing today and into the future.

Career progression routes upon successful course completion:

  • Flight Instructor
  • First Officer
  • Senior First Officer
  • Captain

Further study that can be undertaken upon course completion:

  • MA International Tourism and Aviation Management
  • MSc Executive Air Transport Operations Management
  • PhD
How to apply

How to apply

Search for courses

Events and opportunities

A group of UWL students attend Pilot Careers Live

UWL students attended Pilot Careers Live in April 2023 to promote our Pilot Programmes and to speak to aspiring pilots about their journey into the industry.

The UWL aviation team at Future Pilot Skills Day

The UWL Aviation team organised The Future Pilot Skills Day with the dedicated team at FlightPad. This is an informative day for aspiring pilots to hear from ATOs and industry leads about flight training, access to opportunities and aiming high for those airline careers.

UWL course leaders make a presentation at the Future Pilot Skills Day

The UWL Aviation team organised The Future Pilot Skills Day with the dedicated team at FlightPad. This is an informative day for aspiring pilots to hear from ATOs and industry leads about flight training, access to opportunities and aiming high for those airline careers.

UWL students mingle at the Future Pilot Skills Day

The UWL Aviation team organised The Future Pilot Skills Day with the dedicated team at FlightPad. This is an informative day for aspiring pilots to hear from ATOs and industry leads about flight training, access to opportunities and aiming high for those airline careers.

A group of UWL students attend Pilot Careers Live

UWL students attended Pilot Careers Live in April 2023 to promote our Pilot Programmes and to speak to aspiring pilots about their journey into the industry.

The UWL aviation team at Future Pilot Skills Day

The UWL Aviation team organised The Future Pilot Skills Day with the dedicated team at FlightPad. This is an informative day for aspiring pilots to hear from ATOs and industry leads about flight training, access to opportunities and aiming high for those airline careers.

UWL course leaders make a presentation at the Future Pilot Skills Day

The UWL Aviation team organised The Future Pilot Skills Day with the dedicated team at FlightPad. This is an informative day for aspiring pilots to hear from ATOs and industry leads about flight training, access to opportunities and aiming high for those airline careers.

UWL students mingle at the Future Pilot Skills Day

The UWL Aviation team organised The Future Pilot Skills Day with the dedicated team at FlightPad. This is an informative day for aspiring pilots to hear from ATOs and industry leads about flight training, access to opportunities and aiming high for those airline careers.

Important notes for applicants

Disclaimer

*Modern universities - defined as higher education institutions that were granted university status in, and subsequent to, 1992.

**The National Student Survey 2023 and 2024 - Average of answers to all questions by registered student population. Excludes specialist institutions.

Testimonials - our students or former students provided all of our testimonials - often a student from the course but sometimes another student. For example, the testimonial often comes from another UWL student when the course is new.

Optional modules - where optional modules are offered they will run subject to staff availability and viable student numbers opting to take the module.

Videos - all videos on our course pages were accurate at the time of filming. In some cases a new Course Leader has joined the University since the video was filmed.

Availability of placements - if you choose a course with placement/internship route we would like to advise you that if a placement/internship opportunity does not arise when you are expected to undertake the placement then the University will automatically transfer you to the non-internship route, this is to ensure you are still successful in being awarded a degree.