Program Overview

University Foundation in Engineering and Technology Stage1 at Hertfordshire International College (HIC) is designed to prepare you for entry to university-level program. During Stage 1 you will complete a range of modules relevant to your chosen degree, as well as modules concentrating on the skills that are vital for University level education such as Critical Thinking.

A Foundation pathway is available for students who:

• Don’t meet the entry requirements to enter university level study directly (but hold GCSE level qualifications)
• Feel that additional support at the start of university studies will help them stand a better chance of success
• Have been away from studies for a period of time
• Come from a different academic environment to that of the UK
• Require additional English language training

If you fall into any of the above categories, choosing an undergraduate pathway at Hertfordshire International College (HIC) is the right decision. Depending on your academic needs here at Hertfordshire International College (HIC).

Progressing from Foundation

Stage 1 will be the first stage in the 4 stage process. Meaning that on successful completion of stage 1 you will seamlessly progress to stage 2, which is the first year of a bachelor’s degree. There is no need to reapply, you will simply just progress between each stage until you reach the final stage and graduate with a degree from Hertfordshire International College (HIC).

BSc (Hons) Aerospace Technology with Pilot Studies

• This is the ideal course if you are interested in a role that combines technical knowledge with piloting
• The student with greatest flying performance is awarded a Scholarship, to extend their pilot training after graduation
• You will have access to excellent equipment: flight simulator, wind tunnels, specialist laboratories and CAE software
• Provides potential pilots with a high-level qualification for alternative employment in the aerospace sector
• Our BSc Aerospace Technology with Pilot Studies students have previously completed work placement years at companies including: Inflite Services, Virgin Atlantic Engineering, and British Airways
• Recent Aerospace Technology graduates have gone on to work at organisations including Airbus Defence and Space, Fujitsu, and Toyota
• You can gain access to this course with a broad range of entry qualifications and an enthusiasm for flying

What's the course about?

• As with our aerospace technology with management degree, this broad-based aviation course has an emphasis on computer-aided engineering – including 3D modelling, computer-aided analysis, simulation and computer-aided manufacture. You’ll develop your practical skills in workshops and well-equipped laboratories, while your piloting skills are developed in the second half of the course through the University’s flight simulators and tuition at a nationally recognised flight centre in the UK or US. There are additional fees for this but at a discounted rate. You’ll also take part in group work, which will enable you to develop your team-working skills and improve your employability.

What will I study?

• The School has a reputation for innovation in teaching and learning with most modules delivered through a combination of traditional face to face teaching and distance learning through the university's StudyNet web based facility. StudyNet allows students to access electronic learning resources, electronic discussion with staff and other students, and, for some modules, submit coursework 24/7 from anywhere in the world! With a heavy emphasis on Computer Aided Engineering, the school has a policy of using industrial standard software wherever possible. The School also operate an open access laboratory policy of when possible students doing experiments in their own time.

What you will learn

• In common with our Aerospace Technology with Management degree, this course has an emphasis on computer-aided engineering including 3D modelling, computer-aided analysis simulation and computer-aided manufacture – combined with pilot studies.  Your practical skills are developed in workshops and well-equipped laboratories while your piloting skills are developed in the second half of the course through the use of the University’s flight simulators and tuition at a nationally recognised flight centre, either in the UK or USA.  There are additional fees for this but at a discounted rate.

More about the Course

• This programme develops a range of skills applicable in different branches of engineering, reinforcing them through practical experience as you work towards obtaining a UK National Private Pilot's Licence.  Flying lessons are offered by a nationally-recognised flight centre.  Whilst this is an additional expense for students on this course they will give University of Hertfordshire students an attractive discounted rate.
• In the first year of your BSc Honours degree course in Aerospace Technology with Pilot Studies you will gain a broad grounding in engineering, focusing on technology, information technology and management, including a basic introduction to the aerospace industry.
• In your second year you will build on your knowledge of core technologies, IT and management skills as they are applied within the aerospace industry. This includes studying aerodynamics with, wind tunnel testing, design of aircraft structures and components, using commercial standard software used within the aerospace industry. You will also study elements of the PPL ground school syllabus such as meteorology, human factors, air law and navigation topics.
• In your final year you concentrate on the application of aerospace technology - including aircraft performance, propulsion, manufacturing, and avionic systems - and key business skills. A project to design a complete aircraft fosters teamwork capabilities where your skills as a pilot will be put to the test in validating the design through the use of a flight simulator. You will also develop specialist knowledge by undertaking a major project on a relevant topic, and have further opportunity for flying. A key element is undertaking all pilot training necessary to take the NPPL examinations at a local flying school.