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Old 18th March 2012 | 19:46
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Genghis the Engineer
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From: UK
So far as I know, the only airlines requiring a "degree" are the US carriers - UK and Europe couldn't really care less, they only want to know if you can fly and fit into their team.

In general terms, post A-level, the qualification timings look roughly like this:

HNC - 2 years part time

HND - 2 years full time

Foundation degree - 2 years full time (similar to HND, but slightly differently structured)

Bachelors degree - 3 years full time

Bachelors degree with honours, depending upon country, either 3 or 4 years full time

Masters degree - either 4 years full time (MEng), or 1 year full time (UK, post Bachelors degree), or 2 years full time (most other countries, post bachelors degree)

If you are simply trying to tick the box of having a minimum 2 year degree, then in the UK you want a Fdg, or one of the equivalent qualifications from US colleges. Pick a topic that you will find fun.

If you want a genuinely meaningful qualification that may have some value in your future career, then I really would not touch a Foundation degree. Do a proper Bachelors, ideally with honours.


If you weren't working at the moment, then there are loads of good universities - pick one!

Because you are working and want to do something part time, then I should look in the UK at the Open University or in the USA at Embry-Riddle. ERAU in particular specialises in aeronautically oriented degrees, but both will offer a wide range of interesting academic stuff to study. In your position, I'd look seriously at management subjects, which might be helpful if considering a future move into airline management. Or, just something you'll enjoy and find personally rewarding, whether that's ancient Etruscan, or Aeronautical Engineering.

I would have serious reservations about any course that accepts ATPL passes towards an academic degree, they are just totally different types of education and anybody who thinks that they map to each other, just doesn't understand the question.

Best of luck, and by all means PM me with specific questions - I'm quite active in the academic world, as well as the aviation one.

G
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