Aviation Operations with Commercial Pilot Training BSc (Hons)
Subject and course type
- Engineering: Aerospace, Aviation and Aircraft
- Undergraduate
If you want a successful career in the aviation industry, our BSc (Hons) Aviation Operations with Commercial Pilot Training is for you. You'll focus on both the operational and commercial aspects of airline and airport operations, and develop the skills needed for the fast-paced, global industry.
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Take off as a pilot and future aviation leader with Kingston
Prepare for career lift off.
As part of your studies, you will benefit from access to our specialist facilities. These include a flight simulator, drone lab, computer lab and rocket lab. All are designed to enhance your learning and prepare you for the challenges of the aviation sector.
Whether you are aiming to become a commercial pilot or an aviation operations specialist, this course will help you stand out. You’ll graduate ready to take the next step in your aviation journey.
The aims of the course are to:
- Provide all students with a thorough understanding of the principles and practice of aircraft operation and of aviation operations in general so that they are fully prepared for the EASA ATPL theory examinations and a career as a commercial pilot.
- Equip students with the knowledge and practical skills necessary for them to gain graduate employment in the air transport industry.
- Provide students with the opportunity to develop their written and oral communications skills.
- Prepare students to undertake research, further study and continue with lifelong learning by developing their intellectual, problem solving and key (transferable) skills.
Satisfactory completion of the BSc (Hons) Aviation Operations with Commercial Pilot Training gives students the possibility of postgraduate study on a suitable Air Transport Management MSc course.
Before starting Year 2, you will have the option to change course to Aviation Operations BSc (Hons).
The Kingston University aviation studies course has been essential for me in securing a position with Ryanair. The aviation industry is by nature very competitive and unstable, so putting all the odds on your side is fundamental in improving your chances of success. By the end of the course you will not only have an in- depth knowledge of pilot theory, but also of the aviation industry as a whole.
Why choose this course
Study for a degree in aviation operations alongside your flight training to ensure you graduate ready to fly into a graduate job with an airline. This programme combines theory with practical skills to ensure you have the most up-to-date awareness of the aviation industry and piloting abilities.
In Year 2, you'll be based at our partner flight school, Bristol Ground School. This is an Approved Training Organisation (ATO), with training delivered by specialist ground school instructors. You'll study the syllabus of the 13 Theoretical Knowledge exams needed to obtain a UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATPL (A) licence.
Please note: the cost of flight training could be around £90,000, in addition to University fees. Student Finance does not cover any CAA exams or flight training. Hence, additional funding will be required to complete the ATPL training.
In addition, an ATPL is only valid if you hold a Class 1 CAA Medical Certificate. In consultation with the flying school, students are encouraged to undertake the Class 1 Medical between the first and second years of the course. For those who may be concerned that there may be an impediment to being awarded the Class 1 Medical, it is recommended that the medical is undertaken prior to commencing the course.
For further information on Class 1 Medicals and other regulatory restrictions (including those affected by the UK leaving the European Union), visit the UK Civil Aviation Authority website.
The decision to pursue a career in civil aviation is one that cannot be taken lightly. Commercial pilot training is expensive, complex and daunting. The Kingston University aviation studies course equipped me with the knowledge and flexibility I needed to secure a job as a first officer with the Europe's largest independent regional airline.
Course content
The programme is unique in that teaching and learning takes place at Kingston University (Year 1 and final year) and at our flying school partner, Bristol Ground School (Year 2), which is an Approved Training Organisation (ATO), with training delivered by specialist ground school instructors.
Year 1
Year 1 introduces aviation and equips you with the maths and physics skills needed for Years 2 and 3. You are introduced to the theory of flight and the aircraft systems that enable aircraft to fly. You are also provided with the core communication skills required to become a pilot and a future leader.
Core modules
30 credits
This module provides a foundation in mathematics and science relevant to aviation operations and pilot training. It equips students with essential analytical and problem-solving skills to apply mathematical concepts and scientific principles in an aviation context, ensuring a strong basis for future flight training and operational decision-making.
The computing component introduces students to Excel for problem-solving, data analysis, graphical representation, and visualisation.
30 credits
You will be introduced to your course learning aims and consider your anticipated learning targets from induction to graduation. You will be guided to identify and take ownership of your personal academic journey through the development and application of academic skills aligned to KU Graduate Attributes and their discipline-specific professional body learning outcomes.
You will be tutored in a range of learning-to-learn techniques, and introduced to assessment for learning and the role of feedback, reflection and feedforward as an integrated part of your learning journey. This will be supported through active engagement in KU Navigate Programme, enabling you to understand and begin to develop a design thinking approach to Future Skills development.
30 credits
This module introduces students to the principles of airline flight operations. Key topics include flight planning, air traffic control (ATC) procedures, flight dispatch, and crew resource management (CRM). The module also explores operational safety standards and abnormal situations.
30 credits
This module introduces students to the key concepts of human factors in aviation and their impact on flight safety. Topics include situational awareness, decision-making, fatigue management, and safety management systems (SMS).
Aims
- To introduce the fundamentals of human factors and aviation safety.
- To explore how human performance affects flight operations.
- To develop skills in risk assessment and safety management.
Year 2
In Year 2 you are taught the specialised topics required for pilot training.
The course covers the Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) theoretical exams, following either the UK CAA or EASA syllabus. The University collaborates with the flight training provider, offering full support and liaison for admission to flight school. You are encouraged to keep a reflective written log of your ground school training.
You can follow either a modular or integrated approach to ATPL. To enrol in the modular approach, you must complete the Private Pilot Licence (PPL) in Year 1, as this is a regulatory prerequisite for admission to an ATPL theory course.
All flight training costs are covered by the learner and are not included in the degree programme fee.
Core modules
30 credits
This module is designed to cover the syllabus required to pass the flight training theoretical knowledge topics covering Principles of Flight, Aircraft Performance, Flight Planning, and Monitoring, Meteorology, and Communications. These topics are considered to be the core subjects for flight operations and the content is designed and approved by the UK CAA. The assessment replicates the format and structure of the Theoretical Knowledge assessment of the UK Civil Aviation Authority.
30 credits
This module is designed to cover the syllabus required to pass the CAA flight training theoretical topics covering Air Law, General Navigation, Instrumentation, Mass and Balance, and Radio Navigation and Human Performance. These topics are considered to be the core subjects for flight operations and the content is designed and approved by the UK Civil Aviation Authority. The assessment replicates the format and structure of the Theoretical Knowledge assessment of the UK Civil Aviation Authority.
30 credits
This module is designed to cover the syllabus required to pass the CAA flight training theoretical topics covering Aircraft General Knowledge – Airframe, Systems and Powerplant, Instrumentation, Operational Procedures. These topics are considered to be the core subjects for flight operations and the content is designed and approved by the UK Civil Aviation Authority. The assessment replicates the format and structure of the Theoretical Knowledge assessment of the UK Civil Aviation Authority.
30 credits
This module supports students in identifying the skills acquired during their integrated pilot licence training and the early stages of their degree. It prepares them for Level 6 study by enhancing their ability to reflect on learning, develop critical thinking, and strengthen communication skills.
Aligned with Kingston University graduate attributes, the module fosters a reflective approach to learning, an appreciation of lifelong learning, creativity, and effective communication. This mirrors industry expectations, where trainee airline pilots must reflect on their performance during training phases.
Year 3
In Year 3, the focus is on understanding the operational and commercial nature of the airline industry. You are given the opportunity to research a topic of your choice to enhance your independent learning skills. You will also carry out a group project on airline management.
Core modules
30 credits
This module examines the strategic decision-making processes within the aviation industry and provides students with a set of analytical tools to support long-term organisational planning. It introduces core strategic management concepts and applies modern economic and operational principles to real-world aviation scenarios. The module covers both qualitative and quantitative tools, including scenario analysis, forecasting techniques, game theory, and linear programming. Students will develop the ability to evaluate strategic options, manage uncertainty, and formulate evidence-based, data-driven strategies in airline, airport, and aviation service contexts.
30 credits
This module aims to develop students' understanding of the principles of airline and airport operations, including the interdependencies between airlines, airports, regulatory bodies, and ground service providers. It explores operational efficiency, safety, regulatory compliance, and the economic and logistical challenges that influence decision-making in the aviation industry. The module also emphasises real-world case studies, technological advancements, and sustainability in airport and airline operations.
As part of the module, flight simulator sessions will be used to reinforce operational concepts through practical, scenario-based learning. These sessions will enhance students’ situational awareness, decision-making, and problem-solving skills in realistic operational environments.
15 credits
Students will demonstrate the ability to apply their developing professional skills competencies in their chosen area and will ensure they have a broad understanding of the business environment in which professional activities are undertaken. The module will develop the student’s technical, management and interpersonal skills required to perform in a team environment and prepare the students for employment and entrepreneurship.
Students will participate in Kingston University’s Bright Ideas competition where they will work together as a team to develop a business idea of their choice. To do this they will need to interact with relevant stakeholders outside of the university.
Students will be guided to interact with professional and learning communities beyond the university and reflect on these interactions. This may include participation in co-curricular events such as subject-specific and career development events (e.g. talks, workshops, speed interviews), networking opportunities offered by the subject-specific professional bodies, exploring pathways to professional chartership/membership, leveraging interactions with professionals in the development of the final year research project and, reflecting on the co-benefits of these interactions.
15 credits
This multidisciplinary module reflects the needs of transportation business and explores the role of digital technology and innovation in the aviation industry, providing students with an understanding of emerging technologies, digital transformation, and their impact on operational efficiency and stakeholders experience. It covers topics such as artificial intelligence (AI), future air systems, big data analytics, digital twins, automation, and cybersecurity within aviation. The module integrates theoretical concepts with real-world applications through case studies and hands-on activities.
30 credits
This module provides students with the essential research skills and methodologies required for academic and professional investigations in aviation operations. The module is designed to equip students with qualitative and quantitative research techniques and critical evaluation skills to conduct independent research. Students will develop a research proposal and prepare for their dissertation by engaging with industry-relevant problems, ethical considerations, and data collection strategies.
Aviation Operations BSc (Hons): an alternative route
Before starting Year 2 you will have the option to change course to Aviation Operations BSc (Hons).
Students on both routes follow the same foundational modules in Year 1 and re-join again in Year 3, developing strategic, operational, and research skills.
The pilot route diverges in Year 2, where students complete the training required for the UK CAA ATPL exams (all flight training is funded and arranged independently by the student). This integration allows pilot route students to gain both the academic and regulatory qualifications needed for a flying career, while also developing a wider understanding of airline and airport operations.
Aviation Operation BSc (Hon) students will continue to study at Kingston’s Roehampton Vale campus and not take part in the pilot training. Aviation Operations BSc (Hons) students may still pursue pilot training separately after graduation, having already developed a strong operational and academic grounding.
This course is designed for aspiring professionals eager to enter the diverse and rapidly evolving aviation industry.
Delivered in a dynamic, inclusive learning environment, it welcomes individuals from a wide range of academic backgrounds, interests, and experiences. The programme uniquely equips students with both the commercial insight and technical expertise needed to thrive in various roles across the aviation sector, preparing them to navigate and succeed in one of the world’s most complex and competitive industries.
What truly sets this course apart is its built-in flexibility, especially for those with ambitions to become commercial airline pilots.
Foundation Year in Engineering
Want to study on one of our engineering degrees, but don't meet our standard entry requirements?
Our Foundation Year in Engineering provides an alternative entry route.
Throughout the course, instructors and lecturers are always available, helpful, professional and very knowledgeable. The atmosphere is friendly and I made some very close friends. The flexible nature of the course means that you can adapt your training to suit your needs. As choosing where to carry out your next stage of training can be difficult, I found that the three years gives you enough time to weigh up all your options.
Future Skills and career opportunities
With your degree and frozen ATPL, you'll be able to apply for initial employment as a commercial pilot with regional and short-haul airlines. For example, easyJet, Loganair, Ryanair and more.
Embedded within this course and throughout the whole Kingston experience is our Future Skills programme. The Future Skills programme was developed to respond to the ever-evolving demands from modern day employment.
It will help you obtain the skills most valued by employers, such as problem-solving, digital competency, and adaptability, and learn how to apply these skills in different scenarios. You’ll also learn how to articulate to employers how being able to do so gives you the edge.
At Kingston University, we're not just keeping up with change, we're creating it
For more information on how Kingston prepares you for the future job market, visit our Future Skills page.
Teaching and assessment
Scheduled learning and teaching on this course includes timetabled activities including lectures, seminars and small group tutorials. Most of the teaching will be classroom-based using traditional techniques.
It may also include placements, project work, workshops, workshops in computer labs, and laboratory workshops.
Outside the scheduled learning and teaching hours, you will learn independently through self-study which will involve reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, preparing for and completing your work for assessments. Some independent study work may need to be completed on-campus, as you may need to access campus-based facilities such as studios and labs.
Our academic support team here at Kingston University provides help in a range of areas.
When you arrive, we'll introduce you to your personal tutor. This is the member of academic staff who will provide academic guidance, be a support throughout your time at Kingston and show you how to make the best use of all the help and resources that we offer at Kingston University.
A course is made up of modules, and each module is worth a number of credits. You must pass a given number of credits in order to achieve the award you registered on, for example 360 credits for a typical undergraduate course or 180 credits for a typical postgraduate course. The number of credits you need for your award is detailed in the programme specification which you can access from the link at the bottom of this page.
One credit equates to 10 hours of study. Therefore 120 credits across a year (typical for an undergraduate course) would equate to 1,200 notional hours. These hours are split into scheduled and guided. On this course, the percentage of that time that will be scheduled learning and teaching activities is shown below for each year of study. The remainder is made up of guided independent study.
- Year 1: 28% scheduled learning and teaching
- Year 2: 68% scheduled learning and teaching
- Year 3: 21% scheduled learning and teaching
The exact balance between scheduled learning and teaching and guided independent study will be informed by the modules you take.
Your course will primarily be delivered in person. It may include delivery of some activities online, either in real time or recorded.
Types of assessment
- Year 1: Coursework 50%; exams 45%; practical 5%
- Year 2: Exams 82%; practical 18%
- Year 3: Coursework 48%; exams 42%; practical 10%
Please note: the above breakdowns are a guide calculated on core modules only. If your course includes optional modules, this breakdown may change to reflect the modules chosen.
We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.
Your individualised timetable is normally available to students within 48 hours of enrolment. Whilst we make every effort to ensure timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled learning and teaching can take place on any day of the week between 9am and 6pm. For undergraduate students, Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities, but there may be occasions when this is not possible. Timetables for part-time students will depend on the modules selected.
To give you an indication of class sizes, this course normally enrols 40 students and lecture sizes are normally between 40 and 140. However this can vary by module and academic year.
Fees and funding
| Fee category | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Home (UK students) | £9,535* |
| International | |
| Year 1 (2026/27): | £19,200 |
| Year 2 (2027/28): | £19,900 |
| Year 3 (2028/29): | £20,700 |
Plus the additional cost that involves the integrated ATPL training: around £90,000 (subject to any increase imposed by our training partner).
The tuition fee you pay depends on whether you are assessed as a 'Home' (UK), 'Islands' or 'International' student. In 2026/27 the fees for this course are above.
For courses with Professional Placement, the fee for the placement year can be viewed on the undergraduate fees table. The placement fee published is for the relevant academic year stated in the table. This fee is subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body.
* For full time programmes of a duration of more than one academic year, the published fee is an annual fee, payable each year, for the duration of the programme. Your annual tuition fees cover your first attempt at all of the modules necessary to complete that academic year. A re-study of any modules will incur additional charges calculated by the number of credits. Home tuition fees may be subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body. Full time taught International fees are subject to an annual increase and are published in advance for the full duration of the programme.
Eligible UK students can apply to the Government for a tuition loan, which is paid direct to the University. This has a low interest-rate which is charged from the time the first part of the loan is paid to the University until you have repaid it.
| Fee category | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Home (UK students) | £9,535* |
| International | |
| Year 1 (2025/26): | £18,500 |
| Year 2 (2026/27): | £19,200 |
| Year 3 (2027/28): | £19,900 |
Plus the additional cost that involves the integrated ATPL training: around £90,000 (subject to any increase imposed by our training partner).
The tuition fee you pay depends on whether you are assessed as a 'Home' (UK), 'Islands' or 'International' student. In 2025/26 the fees for this course are above.
For courses with Professional Placement, the fee for the placement year can be viewed on the undergraduate fees table. The placement fee published is for the relevant academic year stated in the table. This fee is subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body.
* For full time programmes of a duration of more than one academic year, the published fee is an annual fee, payable each year, for the duration of the programme. Your annual tuition fees cover your first attempt at all of the modules necessary to complete that academic year. A re-study of any modules will incur additional charges calculated by the number of credits. Home tuition fees may be subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body. Full time taught International fees are subject to an annual increase and are published in advance for the full duration of the programme.
Eligible UK students can apply to the Government for a tuition loan, which is paid direct to the University. This has a low interest-rate which is charged from the time the first part of the loan is paid to the University until you have repaid it.
Scholarships and bursaries
For students interested in studying this course at Kingston, there are several opportunities to seek funding support.
For me, the course struck the right balance between university education and pilot training. I have made lifelong friends and have had experiences I will always cherish. It also served its purpose perfectly and I look forward to starting my new career as an airline pilot!
Additional course costs
Some courses may require additional costs beyond tuition fees. When planning your studies, you’ll want to consider tuition fees, living costs, and any extra costs that might relate to your area of study.
Your tuition fees include costs for teaching, assessment and university facilities. So your access to libraries, shared IT resources and various student support services are all covered. Accommodation and general living expenses are not covered by these fees.
Where applicable, additional expenses for your course may include:
Our libraries have an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as open-access computers and laptops available to rent. However, you may want to buy your own computer or personal copies of key textbooks. Textbooks may range from £50 to £250 per year. And a personal computer can range from £100 to £3,000 depending on your course requirements.
While most coursework is submitted online, some modules may require printed copies. You may want to allocate up to £100 per year for hard-copies of your coursework. It’s worth noting that 3D printing is never compulsory. So if you choose to use our 3D printers, you’ll need to pay for the material. This ranges from 3p per gram to 40p per gram.
Kingston University will pay for all compulsory field trips. Fees for optional trips can range from £30 to £350 per trip.
Your tuition fees don’t cover travel costs. To save on travel costs, you can use our free intersite bus service. This route links the campuses and halls of residence with local train stations - Surbiton, Kingston upon Thames, and Norbiton.
Courses involving placements or direct work with vulnerable groups may require a DBS check or other security checks.
Specific courses may require uniforms, specialty clothing, or specific equipment like lab coats and safety shoes. Kingston University will supply you with a lab coat and safety goggles at the start of the year.
Please be aware that, in addition to university tuition fees, the cost of the second year, which involves the integrated Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) training, is around £90,000. In addition, an ATPL is only valid if you hold a Class 1 CAA Medical Certificate, which can cost between £500 to £600.
Course changes and regulations
The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Find out more about course changes
Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.
What our students and graduates say
The course is designed for aspiring commercial airline pilots to gain a frozen Airline Transport Pilot Licence and BSc degree. During the first two years at Bournemouth Airport, I completed my PPL and ATPL ground school. As the ground school covers much more detail than the norm over a longer period of time, you acquire a greater understanding of all the subjects. This helps in securing very good ATPL results, which in turn helped me impress the Ryanair interview panel. During the third year at Kingston University, you cover all the modules of the aeronautical engineering course, as well as an additional airline operations and scheduling module. Numerous progress tests and individual/group reports and presentations along the way help develop good communication skills, confidence, and teamwork. These above average skills will definitely make you stand out from the crowd.
The course is designed for students who want to study for a bachelor of science degree in parallel with professional flight training. Basic flight training and ATPL theory are conducted alongside a standalone 'degree' qualification in Bournemouth. Knowledgeable instructors and modern teaching techniques ensure a solid training foundation for students. The extended teaching period and development of communication skills through technical reports, group projects and presentations instilled a greater depth of understanding which I firmly believe helped me secure my first airline job!
Kingston University is an incredible place to earn a degree while pursuing your Air Transportation Pilot Licence (ATPL). The journey may be challenging and uncomfortable at times, but it’s precisely these experiences that shape you into a remarkable pilot. I recently secured a job offer from the Civil Aviation Authority, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunities I’ve had here.
Key information
The scrolling banner below displays some key factual data about this course (including different course combinations or delivery modes of this course where relevant).
