STUDENTS will have the chance to learn to fly as part of a new aeronautics degree option.

Starting this September, the University of Brighton will offer a private pilot studies option as part of aeronautical engineering degrees.

The university has teamed up with FTA Global Flight School at Shoreham Airport to offer the module to students, giving them the chance to learn to fly as part of their studies.

The module can be taken at any time during the course, with students who complete the flight school graduating with a degree mentioning the model.

Flight training in the air will be combined with access to simulators, flying mentors and flight-related technology at the university, such as wind tunnels and a jet engine, to help students qualify for their pilot’s licence with speed and confidence.

The Argus: Students will use flight-training technology at the University of Brighton, such as wind tunnels and a jet engine, to qualify for their pilot's licenceStudents will use flight-training technology at the University of Brighton, such as wind tunnels and a jet engine, to qualify for their pilot's licence

Dr Anastasios Georgoulas, principal lecturer at the School of Architecture, Technology and Engineering and course leader for aeronautical engineering at Brighton University, said: “This is an incredible opportunity to merge the flying and engineering world together at the University of Brighton.

“Being a pilot makes you a better engineer makes you a better pilot. Being able to fly is a wonderful line on a CV too, as well as a wonderful passion in itself.”

Students wishing to take to the skies will receive a 10 per cent discount on the usual cost of the flight school, making the price of the package around £11,000 for full training leading to a Private Pilot licence.

The university has already welcomed one professional airline pilot with EasyJet as a student on the aeronautics engineering course.

To celebrate the launch of the partnership, FTA Global hosted 40 students at its flight school in Shoreham, giving the aircraft designers of the future a chance to sit in the training aircraft and do a virtual circuit or two around Heathrow in one of their two aircraft simulators.

Managing director of FTA Global Sean Jacob said: “Students will have access to fantastic facilities at the University of Brighton, which will bring theoretical concepts taught in the classroom to life.

“It’s only the start of the benefits this offering will bring as we work together to maximise our combined wealth of educational, industry and practical knowledge.”