FTEJerez direct ATPL vs B.Sc. Pilot Studies route — confused about Ireland/SETU first year
Hi everyone,
I recently passed the FTEJerez online assessment and received an offer connected to the B.Sc. in Pilot Studies route. I originally thought the programme would be based fully at FTEJerez in Spain, but after emailing them for clarification I was told that the degree route works differently.
From what I understand, the B.Sc. route involves doing the first academic year full-time at SETU in Carlow, Ireland, from September 2026 to May 2027. After successfully completing that year, students then enrol onto the standard Integrated ATPL course at FTEJerez in Spain, usually starting sometime between July and October 2027. The ATPL credits then count toward the final degree.
FTE also clarified that if I do not want to pursue the degree route, I can instead apply for the direct Integrated ATPL option at FTEJerez, but I would need to complete the interview now and they currently do not have direct ATPL places available until Spring 2027.
I’m trying to decide between:
- Taking the B.Sc. route: Ireland first, then FTEJerez, ending with the ATPL plus degree.
- Choosing the direct Integrated ATPL route: no Ireland year, just FTEJerez, but likely starting Spring 2027 and without the degree.
My main concern is that I originally wanted the FTEJerez training in Spain and was not expecting to spend the first year in Ireland. I’m not against having a degree, but I’m unsure whether the extra academic year is worth it compared with going directly into flight training.
Has anyone here done the FTEJerez/SETU B.Sc. route or the direct ATPL route? How valuable is the degree in practice for airline applications in Europe? Would you recommend taking the degree option, or waiting for a direct ATPL place?
Any advice or experiences would be really appreciated.