Aviation encompasses activities related to flying, designing, manufacturing, and maintaining aircraft. It includes fields such as airline operations, military aviation, and aircraft manufacturing.
As air travel connects people and economies around the world, the aviation industry relies on professionals across operations, management, safety, engineering, and customer service.
There are many career paths in aviation. Because many roles require technical and operational skills, students should consider each institution’s programs, facilities, delivery modes, industry connections, and practical learning opportunities. The schools below offer aviation-related programs in Europe.
Top Aviation Schools in Europe
1. Cranfield University
Cranfield University is a specialist postgraduate university that partners with business to deliver research, postgraduate education, and professional development. Its aerospace and aviation portfolio includes master’s programs and research degrees.
Cranfield states that over half of all aerospace engineering master’s students in the UK study there each year and that it offers the UK’s largest selection of specialist aerospace postgraduate degrees.
One feature that distinguishes Cranfield University is its global research airport. Cranfield describes itself as one of the few universities in the world with its own airport, while a university press release states that it is the only university in Europe with its own airport, pilots, air navigation service provider, and aircraft. Cranfield grew out of the College of Aeronautics, which was created in 1946.
Official course and center pages emphasize industry-focused teaching, realistic group design projects, and close cooperation with industry. Students should review individual course pages to see which facilities and project opportunities apply to their program.
2. University College Birmingham
University College Birmingham specializes in vocational education and offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses. Its current aviation portfolio includes Aviation and Airport Management BA (Hons) / FdA and Aviation Management MSc / PGDip.
Developed with extensive input from industry experts, UCB’s Aviation and Airport Management degree uses state-of-the-art facilities, including its Aviation and Tourism Suite. The suite includes simulation facilities, a mock plane cabin, and check-in areas for training students.
The BA (Hons) route can be studied over four years with an optional paid 48-week placement, or over three years without the placement. UCB also states that a number of its students have worked part-time at Birmingham Airport. Eligible MSc students can choose an optional three-month or six-month placement after completing the taught part of the course.
3. Buckinghamshire New University
Buckinghamshire New University has more than 20 years of experience preparing students for careers in aviation. Its current offerings include undergraduate aviation management routes and postgraduate courses such as MSc Aviation Operations and Management (Online) and MSc Aviation Security.
The university’s undergraduate options include Aviation Management, Aviation Management with Logistics, and pilot-training routes. For students pursuing pilot-training routes, BNU’s current materials describe simulator time as a complement to in-flight training.
BNU encourages students to take part in its aviation mentoring program, which matches students with lecturers, alumni, and other industry professionals in their field.
Aspiring aviation students can review BNU’s financial support, bursary, and scholarship options. The university states that awards may be based on personal circumstances, household income, or academic achievement.
4. London Metropolitan University
London Metropolitan University offers an Airline, Airport and Aviation Management BSc (Hons) designed in conjunction with senior aviation managers. The course focuses on business skills and a strong understanding of the aviation system.
Undergraduate students can have opportunities to visit aviation hubs, airlines, airports, and commercial aircraft manufacturers, learn from industry professionals, and gain insight into airport operations.
The BSc course page also notes an Aviation Society that organizes regular trips and invites guest speakers. At the postgraduate level, the Airline and Airport Corporate Management MSc includes case studies, simulation, guest lectures, potential field courses, careers advice, and access to specialist databases and journals.
We hope that you found this article on the best aviation schools in Europe informative and helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs for International Students in Europe!
