of graduate employers say relevant experience is essential to getting a job with them
Course Level
Level 3
Duration
1 year full-time
Placement
One week placement
Entry
September
Fees
View Fees
Ø UK Aviation industry is the third largest aviation industry in the world and supports over 1 million jobs
Ø The aviation industry supports approximately $3.5 trillion to the worlds GDP
Are you ready to elevate your career aspirations to new heights? The aviation industry, which provides over 87 million jobs worldwide, constantly needs skilled professionals. If you are passionate about aviation, our Level 3 Aviation Operations course is your gateway to this exciting field. This comprehensive course will immerse you in the dynamic world of aviation, equipping you with the skills and knowledge necessary to embark on a successful career or continue your studies to a degree level.
Throughout the course, you will explore key topics critical to the aviation industry, gaining a thorough understanding of health and safety regulations, security protocols, and the intricate interrelationships within UK aviation. These essential insights will prepare you for your future career or academic pathway.
Recognising the diverse opportunities within the aviation sector, we offer optional units that provide the flexibility to specialise in areas that interest you most. Whether your passion lies in customer service, marketing, environmental impacts, commercial operations, or passenger onboarding operations, our course can be tailored to suit your career goals.
But it's not just about classroom learning. You'll gain hands-on experience through an industry placement and practical work supported by our state-of-the-art simulation facilities in the Aviation and Tourism Suite on campus. This practical experience ensures you are well-prepared for the real-world challenges of the aviation industry.
Why choose this college course?
- TRIPS – Enjoy exciting opportunities to take part in trips related to the course
- WORK PLACEMENT – Gain practical experience of the workplace on a placement in the tourism and hospitality industry
- INDUSTRY APPROVED – University College Birmingham is a recognised Institute of Travel and Tourism (ITT) Centre of Excellence
- MOVE UP TO UNIVERSITY – Want to keep studying at a higher level? This diploma is designed to support your progression onto a wide range of degree courses and help kick-start your career.
There are lots of reasons why we think you should study with us, but here are our top 5. View video.
Our facilities
Students on our travel and tourism courses at University College Birmingham have the chance to put training into practice learning in our cutting-edge Aviation and Tourism Suite.
Our Aviation and Tourism Suite features a state-of-the-art mock plane cabin
It also features check-in areas for training students
Aviation and Tourism Suite
Take a look around our Aviation and Tourism Suite that features exciting simulation facilities for students on our aviation, travel and tourism courses.
Course breakdown
Modules
- The UK Aviation Industry
- Health and Safety in the Aviation Industry
- Security in the Aviation Industry
- Inter-relationships Within the UK Aviation Industry
Optional units
- Development of the UK Aviation Industry Since 1945.
- Aviation Geography and Terminology.
- Customer Service in the Aviation Industry.
- Marketing in the Aviation Industry
- Preparation for Employment in the Aviation Industry
- Environmental Impacts of Aviation
- Airport and Airlines Commercial Operations
- Handling air Passengers
- Onboard Passenger Operations
Please note: Units/topics of study are subject to change
You will also have an individual study programme to help you build the skills and experience you need to progress onto higher education or gain employment.
Maths and English
To help you secure your dream career, you will also continue developing your maths and English skills alongside your full-time course. If you haven’t achieved GCSE grade 4/C in English and maths at age 16, you will continue to study these through resits or taking Functional Skills at an appropriate level.
How maths will support your career
- Measurement of weight is important for weighing luggage at the airport.
- The ability to calculate costs and distances is of obvious importance throughout the industry.
- When completing staffing rotas.
- To be able to work out flight timings when they have been delayed or cancelled.
- The ability to make conversions is key in changing money into other currencies.
How English will support your career
- English is seen as the first language of aviation.
- Good quality speaking and listening skills are needed when communicating with colleagues.
- Customer service requires good English skills in speaking and written communication.
- Accurate reading is a vital skill when following instructions and when completing documentation.
Entry requirements
Our aviation lecturers are looking for students who are enthusiastic and passionate, together with a keen determination to succeed in the industry, so please contact Admissions if you do not have the specific requirements outlined below.
If you are unsure if your qualification is equivalent or if you wish to check if you meet the entry requirements for this course, please call 0121 214 2919, email feadmissions@ucb.ac.uk or use our live chat.
Academic requirements
- 4 GCSEs at grade 4 (grade C), which must include English (Language or Literature)
- Completion of a relevant Level 2 qualification
English and maths
If you do not have a grade 4/C or above in English and maths and you are under 19, you will be required to study these subjects alongside your vocational subject. After enrolment you will complete an assessment with our teaching team so we can ensure you receive appropriate English and maths support.
Applicants over 19 are not required to complete maths and English.
Supporting documents required
- School applicants will be required to provide a good school report, which must include attendance. This will be assessed in conjunction with your qualifications and application during the confirmation of your place at University College Birmingham.
- If you are a school leaver (over 19), you will be required to provide a reference from a previous education provider or employer in support of your application.
Guaranteed progression
Students who achieve 80 UCAS points or more from this qualification will automatically be guaranteed a place on a degree course at University College Birmingham. Some undergraduate courses require additional entry requirements, so applicants are advised to check entry requirements before applying.
As an alternative route, there may be the option to complete the extended aviation operations diploma*.
*pending confirmation
Key information
Teaching and assessment
All units are assessed internally and are assessed via a range of methods including; role-plays, presentations, reports, essays.
Our teaching and assessment is underpinned by our Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy 2021-2024.
Latest updates
Join the conversation and check out the latest updates from our Department of Hospitality and Tourism.
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UCB Hospitality |
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UCB Tourism |
University College Birmingham is a recognised Institute of Travel and Tourism Centre of Excellence.
Accreditations, endorsements and partnerships
University College Birmingham works with a wide range of organisations to ensure you receive the best possible training and qualifications recognised by industry.
70%
Work placements
Work placements offer a wealth of benefits alongside your studies, helping you put your learning into practice, develop your skills and understanding of the workplace, boost your CV for your chosen career or enhance your UCAS application for higher education. Our Hired employability team can help find the ideal placement for you.
All college students on this course will be expected to complete one week’s placement in a customer-facing role, ideally within the tourism and aviation sector, to enhance customer service skills.
Work alongside experts in your sector
A snapshot of some of the employers we have worked with:
- Leonardo Royal Hotel
- Park Regis Hotel
- Avanti West Coast
- The National Memorial Arboretum
- Think Tank
- Wolverhampton museum and art gallery.
Career opportunities
There is a wide range of job roles you can fulfil depending on what you decide to specialise in. Or, if you wanted, you could opt to stay with us and study a degree in aviation or tourism.
Passenger service agent
Average Salary: £20,954
Aviation security officer
Average Salary: £24,000
Lounge services host
Average Salary: £22,000
Creating industry links to increase students' employment success
We work closely with employers to further increase student's career opportunities after completing their course. Recently, Ryanair visited, and students were given a chance to interview for a job.
