Is becoming a Pilot possible with an Open University Degree?

4

I'm currently 19 and finished my GCSE's in 2021. Instead of going for A levels, I decided to start a small business, now pulling in about £1600 each month. But my dream of being an airline pilot is still there which is why I'm thinking of going back into education with the Open University. They don't require A levels for their Computing & IT and Business degree. However my question is, do you think not having traditional A levels or a degree from a brick and mortar institution might hurt my chances for pilot program applications?

Reply 1

Anonymous #1

Original post by JoshhhhB9

I'm currently 19 and finished my GCSE's in 2021. Instead of going for A levels, I decided to start a small business, now pulling in about £1600 each month. But my dream of being an airline pilot is still there which is why I'm thinking of going back into education with the Open University. They don't require A levels for their Computing & IT and Business degree. However my question is, do you think not having traditional A levels or a degree from a brick and mortar institution might hurt my chances for pilot program applications?

Huh? Since when do you need anything more than GCSEs to become a pilot?
Congrats on your business.

You also didn't mention what type of pilot that you want to be e.g. commercial, RAF, private. Each type require a different license (possibly except the RAF).
Getting a license privately as a private pilot will cost you about £10k from some estimates.
If you join an airline to become a commercial pilot, it's free but it's also competitive to get in. Also getting this license privately costs you at least £30k (I think it would be more, but it might be difficult to check).
If you want to do a degree along getting a license, there are 3-4 degrees in the UK that offers this but you need A Levels. The degree itself is not necessary, but you will need the license.

Do note: no piloting job would ask you for a degree. If you want to study a degree, it's fine but that's for you and it has no bearing on the job.
If I want to do a degree, I personally would not do it in business or IT unless I want to go into academic research in either or both subjects.

For any information regarding UK piloting licenses, you should look up the CAA.

Reply 2

mathperson

20

Original post by joshhhhb9

I'm currently 19 and finished my GCSE's in 2021. Instead of going for A levels, I decided to start a small business, now pulling in about £1600 each month. But my dream of being an airline pilot is still there which is why I'm thinking of going back into education with the Open University. They don't require A levels for their Computing & IT and Business degree. However my question is, do you think not having traditional A levels or a degree from a brick and mortar institution might hurt my chances for pilot program applications?

I'm a qualified pilot (not airline) myself and so I speak from a place of authority.

The Open University is as academically rigorous and meets the same standards that other universities meet, and takes part in the credit recognition scheme.

You don't need a degree to be a pilot. But there's no harm in getting one if you wish.
I would suggest getting down to your local gliding club too, which is a relatively cheap way to learn to fly properly.

Good luck.

(edited 1 year ago)

Is becoming a Pilot possible with an Open University Degree?

Quick Reply

Related discussions

Articles for you