Uni - Courses and places
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 456
Likes: 0
From: Between Galaxies
Uni - Courses and places
Hey everyone, . . The time has come where I have to decide which uni I’m gonna go to and what courses I'm going to do <img border="0" title="" alt="[Confused]" src="confused.gif" /> . .. .So, I've heard that Cranfield is the "home of aviation subjects" university wise, so is there anyone who's been there who could bring some light on the uni for me?. .. .Also, what other universities would you all recommend for aviation subjects throughout the UK?. .. .I've been thinking about Aviation Management or something like that, but seems as I’ve never done anything like that before I'd just like to get some views on it (and other closely related subjects) from you guys who've done it.. .. .I aim to become a commercial pilot hence looking for aviation related subjects at uni level. So again, if there's a particular subject that you've done, enjoyed and found it useful in the aviation world I'd be very grateful if you could pass on your experience to me!. .. .Thanks in advance, . .Ian
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 272
Likes: 0
From: MAN
In a similar situation to u. Other people I have spoke to say take a course that will make u the most money to pay for the ATPL.. .. .But do a subject that u enjoy trust me on that cause I don't enjoy mine.. .. .JonathanG
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 247
Likes: 0
From: oxford
Just do whatever you want to do and will enjoy. If you enjoy it you will work hard, but it won't seem like work - because it won't be a chore - it'll be fun.. .. .Get a good degree -in any subject. At Oxford, I'd rather take a bloke with a first in classics than a pass degree in physics - because it that shows he (or she) has got the brains.. .. .We can provide the rest.. .. .That said, if you can do maths or physics or computer science, it will be more helpful in becoming a pilot.. .. .But nothing replaces a sharp brain. People who are quick on the uptake. That's what we look for. . . . <small>[ 17 March 2002, 16:54: Message edited by: oxford blue ]</small>
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: U.K
I have been to an open day and interview at cranfield, not a university to go to if you enjoy any kind of a social life, good course though.. . I did Aero Engineering, it comes in quite useful from time to time and i think it demonstrates interest and motivation towards the aviation industry. (Aero engineers get payed alot aswell).. . I would say the best place for aviation related courses is Bristol Uni.. . Hope this is of some use.
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 724
Likes: 0
From: United Kingdom
Flasheart: they may get 'payed' at lot, but they can't spell!. .. .Seriously, myself and others have written a great deal in the past about this topic, and a search wouldn't go amiss.. .. .Summary was that some feel that the knowledge of the industry gained by doing an aviation management/ aero eng degree is beneficial to the extent that they would always choose this over others.. .. .Others including myself believe that where you do it, the class gained etc show a sufficient intelligence (as do the aero-related ones) but also provide such a strong back-up rather than becoming industry-orientated so early that these are more appealing, and the alternative job opportunities available make this compelling as an option.. .. .In essence, unless you are (1) so totally committed and INTERESTED in EVERY aspect taught at the aero management degree, (2) can envisage being an aero engineer as a backup, (3) don't mind narrowing opportunities to some degree then do what you propose (though your holding a degree in aviation will not make you less adequate for non-aviation jobs, but you may be signalling that you won't be with whoever else is emplying you for long, before you move to aviation as soon as you can - if you get my drift), then go down the aviation degree route.. .. .The evidence of people in the industry is a large variety of) increasing degree-equipped people, with a large variety of degrees. To that extent, it is very untrue to say that an aviation-equipped degree person is MORE likely to get a job, as non-aviation people can just as easily demonstrate their enthusiasm for aviation, eg UAS, GAPAN, PPLs, summer jobs, uni gliding clubs, Cadets, etc etc.. .. .You should do what you are good at from school, and interested in. If this involves a mixture of psychology, management and whatever else is included in aviation management, or maths/physics for aero eng, then fine and go for it, but otherwise you could make an error of judgement.. .. .Commercial pilots do not even need a degree, so don't think you need to do aviation degrees to get a job. Money is needed to gain an ATPL if not sponsored, though again, simply going for economics and finance to get into the city jobs will not work. Computer scientists I know have ended up as highly-paid Bank of England economists, and anthropologists as Navy pilots. That diversity should suggest that more than a degree subject is sought as entry criteria.. .. .Good Luck. .Mail with any queries
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 470
Likes: 6
From: Retired to Bisley from the small African nation
You're possibly not interested in the mil route, but have you considered which uni's have convenient UAS's? (You can always lie about your intentions for long enough to get some superb flying training and get paid for it!). .. .Although all uni's are associated with one UAS or another, some are much more convenient than others.. .. .For example, St Andrews is an easy bike ride to the airfield (Leuchars).. .. .At the other extreme all the Welsh unis fly out of St Athan (I think), which must be a real pain from Bangor!. .. .If the degree itself is just a peg to hang the fun on, it might be a factor to tip the balance if all else is equal.. .. .Sven
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 724
Likes: 0
From: United Kingdom
But don't simply use a UAS for flying if you have no interest whatsoever in RAF. You will be found out, not enjoy the lifestyle, and be taking a very valuable place from some who may seriously be interested.
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Ice Station Zebra
You should realise that the UAS's and the RAF are not for everyone. Do you think that you could cope in a military environment? You will be going from an environment of almost ultimate freedom ( university life ) to an arena where there are some strict codes for mannorisms and etiquette, officers mess rules for example.. .. .Also worth noting is which degree you are planning to do. In my experience to get through the flying programe you will need to go to the airfield at least once every two weeks. This would take two days away from your lectures and studies, travailing the day before and flying on the specified day. Because of this you should pick a degree which you enjoy and is less demanding than others.
Gender Faculty Specialist
Joined: Mar 2002
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 2,321
Likes: 428
From: In your head.
I heard southampton is good for aerospace stuff, it also has a UAS, like Sven says blag a few hours out of them, you'll probably get about 120. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="eek.gif" />
Gender Faculty Specialist
Joined: Mar 2002
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 2,321
Likes: 428
From: In your head.
RD my old man flew in the RAF for 25 years. SOme of the stories he's told me you wouldn't believe ie Bicycle jousting, Deck Landings, Mess Rugby etc And the beers dead cheap. Couple of friends were in the UAS and they had right old laugh. I'd do it if I wasn't too old.
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Ice Station Zebra
NoseWheelFirst, I don't understand how you could "blag" 120 hours out of a UAS and certainly not SUAS. By the time you had 120 hours you would have been sponsored and would have to join the RAF. If you decided that you were not going to do this then you would have to pay all their monies back, which is quite alot on top of your 12,000K student loan <img border="0" title="" alt="[Roll Eyes]" src="rolleyes.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Roll Eyes]" src="rolleyes.gif" />
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 409
Likes: 0
From: Costa Del Solent
Hi. .. .I am 18 and in my last year of college, I too have applied to do BSc Av. Management & Ops. at London Guildhall. I still can't decide though whether going to uni for 2 years, getting into debt, then having to work for several years would be more of a setback towards my flying career or not. I really want to get into it as soon as possible. I could instead work for three years starting this year, while building up my hours and starting module 1 (ATPL distance learning).. .. .Does anyone have any opinions on what I should do out of these two routes???. .. .All your help in mostly appreciated.. .. .Cheers, Tri
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
From: The Death Star
Trislander,. .. .I too am doing the course at LGU. drop me a line and we can have a chat, if you're on MSN, my e-mail is [email protected]. Do you already have a PPL?. .. .Speak soon.. .Rusty.
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Perth, WA
G'day mate!. .. .From experience I believed an aviation specific degree is a waste of time considering that what airlines are after are an ATPL and flying experience. Having said that, I do believe having a degree is useful but you should do one that will offer job opportunities other than flying. Think of it as a back-up career.
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: UK
Hello...I'm at Cranfield university --- second year student at the moment. The degree is good, but in my opinion, it is probably similar to any good university teaching Aero Engineering. We probably have a few more planes to play around with, and the staff-student ratio is really good in comparison, but on the downside, the university is a pretty boring place since it is full of engineers ! (no other types of degree taught here really). Nearly half the students are military ones and it is very much like a military base at times (with Chinooks landing on the lawn and guns firing, making the ground vibrate like a earthquake). Flying...there is no flying club (although the prospectus tells otherwise), but you can become a member of the OUAS and Oxford-EGTK airport is just up the road. Also, beware that Aero Engineering is not all fun and games...you probably will not see a plane until year 2 --- there are a lot of fundamentals to learn first, and loads of maths to accomodate them. My advice...do a degree in something that you are good at (if it is maths and science, then by all means do Aero), and go to a uni where you think you will enjoy your time
Best of luck !!
Jason
Best of luck !!
Jason
Last edited by Jason2000; 24th April 2002 at 09:32.