• 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
  • 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
  • Supporting downloads

Pilot training courses

BSc (Hons) Aviation - Pilot Programme with ATPL

Access to student finance means you could borrow up to £61,098 towards the cost of training

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.

You complete your training at L3Harris flight schools across the UK and USA, all of which are approved by the UKCAA and EASA:

Start application

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

Start application    Contact us

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*:

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.

Start application    Contact us

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

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.

Start application    Contact us

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

Start application    Contact us

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.

Start application    Contact us

Pilot degree FAQs

Do I need a pilot degree to become a pilot?

Whilst you do not need a degree to become a pilot, completing your pilot training through an aviation degree course offers many advantages.

During your aviation degree you will not only learn how to be a skilled pilot, you will also study the industry. This could help you to progress quicker to senior and management roles. On the other hand, it can give you a certain amount of security. Your degree gives you peace of mind and the flexibility to take on another role in the industry. Even if you want to change your career at a later date, completing an aviation degree will save you the hassle of retraining.

On completion of a pilot degree course you will gain internationally recognised qualifications for your vocational airline pilot training. Furthermore, additional training and education modules are available to benefit and enhance your flying career.

Another advantage is that if you meet the eligibility criteria, you will also have access to the United Kingdom government student loan system.

Contact us

What aircraft will I train on during my combined degree and pilot training?

Cadets will have access to:

  • Air traffic control (ATC) towers including digital ATC tower at our Cranfield Academy
  • Modern aircraft fleet including Diamond DA42s

Start your application

Where will I complete my training for the BSc (Hons) Aviation - Pilot Programme?

The course will be delivered from the L3Harris Airline Academy in our London Training Centre in Crawley during your first year as you complete classroom-based learning and exams.

For year two, flight training takes place at our Orlando, Florida Academy (Basic Flight Training) and our Cranfield Training Centre (Advanced Flight Training). Simulator training then takes place back at our London Training Centre.

In the third year of the course, you are placed with an airline to integrate further within the industry, learning aircraft type specifics, research skills and undertaking projects.

Start your application

What are the facilities like at L3Harris Airline Academy?

Our flight schools are equipped with the latest training facilities and aircraft fleet as well as modern classrooms & study zones, on-site restaurants and leisure facilities.

Contact us

How long is the BSc (Hons) Aviation Pilot Programme with UCLan and L3Harris?

The BSc (Hons) Aviation Pilot Programme with L3Harris and UCLan takes 3 years.

Start your application

Can you recommend any insurance companies for me to use?

We cannot make any recommendations but we can provide names of companies that our trainees have previously used for their insurance requirements which you may wish to research.

Please note: Your Loss of Training Expenses policy will need to be in place before you can commence your pilot training.

  • Stein Pilot Insurance: Loss of Training Expenses, Life and Critical Illness Cover
  • Finch Group: Loss of Training Expenses, Loss of Life Insurance, Travel Insurance
  • Hiscox Global Flying Insurance: Loss of Training Expenses
  • BALPA Financial Solutions Insurance: Loss of Training Expenses, Loss of Life Insurance
  • APPN: Loss of Training Expenses, Loss of Life Insurance
  • SAAM Verspieren Group: Loss of Training Expenses, Loss of Life insurance
  • Allianz Global Assistance: Travel Insurance

Contact us

Contact us

Please complete the form below to contact our team for more information on our Airline Academy. 

We will use this to contact you
We will use this to contact you

Your privacy

Your right to privacy is important to us. The personal information that you submit in this form will be used to provide you with information relating to L3Harris that may be of interest to you. Please read our Privacy Policy for more information.