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Course summary
Course summary
- Status: Full-time
- Location: UK and U.S.A.
- Duration: Approximately 3 years
- Qualification: ATPL + BSc (Hons)
- Required experience: Little or none
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Graduation qualifications
Graduation qualifications
- BSc(Hons) degree
- ATPL Theoretical Knowledge training
- Commercial Pilot Licence with Multi-Engine and Instrument Rating (CPL/MEP/IR)
- Airline Pilot Standards Multi-Crew Cooperation (APS MCC) certificate
- Upset Prevention & Recovery Training (UPRT)
- ATPL Theoretical Knowledge, CPL MEP IR, APS MCC and UPRT combined are known as an ATPL
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Supporting downloads
Pilot Training Courses
BSc (Hons) Aviation - Pilot Programme with ATPL
British Airways Pilot Recruitment Partner!
We have been selected by British Airways as an accredited partner to fulfil their pilot recruitment needs! The agreement allows BA to select newly qualified pilots from our Graduate Placement Pool and ‘tag’ students at various stages of training that meet the airlines requirements.

The BSc (Hons) Aviation – Pilot Programme has been designed to prepare students for a career as a professional pilot. The programme has been developed between L3Harris and the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan). Pilot training will follow the Integrated ATPL syllabus and all credits earned during pilot training count towards the final degree. On successful completion of the course you’ll graduate with two professional qualifications, an aviation degree and an ATPL, ready to start your pilot career. Access to student finance means you could borrow up to £61,098 towards the cost of training.
You complete your training at L3Harris flight schools across the UK and USA, all of which are approved by the UKCAA and EASA:
- Our state-of-the-art London Training Centre
- Our stunningly located Orlando, Florida Flight Academy
- Our UK centre of flight training excellence in Cranfield
- Benefit from our relationships with global airlines
BSc (Hons) Aviation - Pilot Programme with ATPL
BSc (Hons) Aviation - Pilot Degree Programme Syllabus
Year 1 - London Training Centre, UK
- Classroom and computer-based learning
- Students will be required to pass exams in 13 subjects to move on to Year 2 (Level 5) flight training
Year 2 - Orlando, Florida and Cranfield, UK
- Foundation flying (single-engine)
- Intermediate flying (single and multi-engine)
- Advanced flying (multi-engine)
- APS MCC (simulator-based training)
Year 3 - Once placed with an airline
- Aircraft type specifics
- Airline integration
- Research skills in aviation
- Industry-led project 1: Threat and error management
- Industry-led project 2: Risk management
- Skills and knowledge acquired in Year 3 will provide the basis for a career in aviation management
University of Central Lancashire Access and Participation plan
BSc (Hons) Aviation - Pilot Programme with ATPL
How Your Salary Is Likely to Grow as a Pilot
Whilst the cost of becoming a pilot can be a big commitment, the career prospects and potential salary can be very rewarding.
Senior First Officer |
£48,605 - £86,699 per annum* On average, depending on airline. |
Captain |
£103,525 - £173,000 per annum* On average, depending on airline. |
*Glassdoor, August 2023
BSc (Hons) Aviation - Pilot Programme with ATPL
Pilot Degree Course Costs
Access to student finance means you could borrow up to £61,098 towards the cost of training.
Programme cost*:
- Integrated ATPL, includes accommodation throughout Flight Training in U.S.A., L3Harris' Training Assurance and access to the Graduate Placement Pool: £99,960
- University fees: £27,750*** (£15,416 less a £1,000 administration fee will be reimbursed towards the cost of your flight training)
- Total: £113,294
Student funding available towards programme cost**:
- Tuition fee loan: £27,750
- Maintenance loan: £33,348
- Total potential financial aid: £61,098
Please note, our Airline Pilot Careers Advice Team are unable to provide advice on student finance. Click here for for a guide on student finance on the gov.uk website.
*Programme cost is payable in the form of one initial deposit, followed by four instalments after the commencement of training, the final being 14 months after your start date.
**The above example is based on an applicant being eligible for the full amount of financial aid for the duration of the three year degree programme. Actual financial aid will vary depending on individual circumstances and residency status.
*** University fees based on UK Government fees 2023-24 of £9,250 per academic year for UK undergraduate students. International Student fees for 2023-24 are £14,900 per academic year. University fees maybe subject to change in future years based on updates by the UK Government.
BSc (Hons) Aviation - Pilot Programme with ATPL
Accommodation
Accommodation during Flight Training in the U.S.A. is included in the course cost.
Sanford, Florida: The Lofts at Eden, Orlando, Florida, U.S.A.
- Apartments with shared kitchen and lounge. Shuttle service to Academy
- Walking distance to shops, restaurants and entertainment
- Fitness centre and swimming pool
More accommodation options are available during other phases of training.

BSc (Hons) Aviation - Pilot Programme with ATPL
Entry Criteria
You will need to meet the following entry criteria:
Age and height
- 17+ to submit an application. 18+ to commence training
- Height between 5 ft. 2 in. (157 cm) and 6 ft. 3 in. (191 cm). Applicants outside of this may still apply but will need an ergonomic assessment
Language
- Fluent in English (spoken and written)
- Non-native English speakers must achieve level 5.5 individual and overall in IELTS or equivalent ICAO level 4 prior to start of training
- We can offer an English Language Proficiency course for international students
Education
- No previous degrees studied
- 80+ UCAS points
- A minimum of 5 GCSEs (or international high school equivalent) at grade C/4 or above, including Mathematics, Science and English Language
Visas
- Unrestricted right to live, study and work in the UK (e.g. UK national, EU national with settled or pre-settled status)
- If required: Meet the United Kingdom Visa & Immigration Service requirements to qualify for a Visitor (study for six months or less) or Student visa (study for more than six months)
- If required, obtain / be able to obtain M-1 Student Visa for your Flight Training in the U.S.A.
Medical
- Obtain / be able to obtain an unrestricted Class 1 Medical. Read our guide here
The University of Central Lancashire will also take into consideration your educational achievements, personal statement, and work experience. UCLan compiled an additional overview of entry requirements and alternative routes via which you can embark on the journey of obtaining your aviation degree.
BSc (Hons) Aviation - Pilot Programme with ATPL
How to Apply?
Applying is easier than you might think!
Step 1 - Simply click any 'Apply now' button on this page. Or click right here.
Step 2 - Register an account on our application portal. This is just your email address, name, contact number and password.
Step 3 - Verify your account via the link in the confirmation email we send you (if you can't see it, check your junk inbox first).
Step 4 - Simply fill out the application form, it takes no longer than 5 minutes!
Step 5 - Over to us! The L3Harris Selection team will screen your application, and if successful, will get in touch to book you on to one of our selection day events!
Step 6 - If you pass selection and are offered a place on the course you will then need to submit a separate application to the University of Central Lancashire for your Bachelor’s Degree in Aviation. This will be done through UCAS and you will need the following relevant codes:
- H462 – January class
- H463 – March class
- H464 – May class
- H460 - September class
- H461 – November class
BSc (Hons) Aviation - Pilot Programme with ATPL
Why a Degree?
Following successful completion of Integrated ATPL training in year’s 1 and 2, in the final year of the degree programme you'll learn while you earn as a First Officer with an airline (subject to placement).
- Qualification - An internationally recognised degree qualification for your vocational airline pilot training
- Education - Additional training and education modules to benefit and enhance your flying career
- Student loan - Access to the United Kingdom government student loan system (subject to meeting qualifying requirements)
Why L3Harris?
- Airline relationships - Our focus is helping you launch your career as a commercial pilot. L3Harris' relationships with airlines around the globe mean our dedicated Graduate Placement Team is positioned to find your first role. Between August 2021 and March 2022, nearly 150 graduates found employment opportunities with the likes of easyJet, Ryanair and WIZZ Air!
- Data-driven training - What makes us stand out? We use Flight Data Monitoring as part of your flight training, which provides data-driven insights. Find out why here.