Skip to main content
King's College London
You are viewing a course in < Specialist training for medical professionals
Postgraduate degree

Basic Course in Aviation Medicine

UCAS code: N/A. (Please note: the course details below apply to 2021 entry. The details for 2022 entry are being updated and will be published in the coming days so please check back for the very latest information before you commit yourself to any of our courses.)

Loading...

The Basic Course in Aviation Medicine (BCAM) provides fundamental theoretical and practical training in physiology, psychology and clinical practice in relation to aerospace medicine. It meets the educational requirements to be able to apply to become an Aeromedical Examiner (AME) with Class 2 medical certification privileges. This Basic Course is designed to meet the EASA Part Med AMC1 MED.D.0.20 (a) and (b) training requirements for Class 2 Aeromedical Examiners (AMEs). Note, although the course is delivered in line with EASA regulations it is not currently an EASA approved or recognised training course. We are working to gain EASA accreditation but this is not guaranteed. The course is reviewed and approved by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and will provide medical practitioners with the training that is a prerequisite required to apply for authorisation as Class 2 Aeromedical Examiners (AMEs) of flight crew license holders with the UK CAA. Successful completion of the Basic Course in Aviation Medicine course is required prior to being able to sit the Advanced Course in Aviation Medicine.

Key benefits

  • World class learning delivered at a location recognised by the Civil Aviation Authority for training of AMEs
  • Teaching by internationally recognised experts in the field
  • Conforms to the training requirements of EASA Part Med Subpart D (but is not currently an EASA accredited course)

The Basic Course in Aviation Medicine is a unique course in the UK providing medical practitioners the opportunity to develop the skills required to become AMEs with Class 2 privileges. Currently it is the only course in the UK recognised by the UK CAA as suitable training for those wishing to apply for Class 2 medical certification privileges. This course is taught over 2 weeks full-time face to face. Course dates are Monday 7 February – Friday 18 February 2022.

Base campus

campus guys
Guy’s Campus

The Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine and the Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences are based at the riverside Guy's Campus, next to the Shard.

Regulating bodies

King's is regulated by the Office for Students

Loading...

Teaching methods - what to expect

Lectures
Tutorials
Practical Work

This 2 week full-time course consists of lectures, tutorials and seminars, case studies, in addition to visits to the UK Civil Aviation Authority (Covid restrictions permitting) and also British Airways aircraft simulators.

The course is designed to meet the requirements of EASA Part Med (AMC1 and GM1 MED.D.020) and consists of 60 hours of theoretical and practical training including specific examination techniques. The learning objectives to acquire the necessary competencies include theoretical knowledge, risk management, and decision-making in the following subjects. Demonstrations and practical skills are included where appropriate.

  • Introduction to aviation medicine
  • Basic aeronautical knowledge
  • Aviation physiology
  • Cardiovascular system
  • Respiratory system
  • Digestive system
  • Metabolic and endocrine systems
  • Haematology
  • Genitourinary system
  • Obstetrics and gynaecology
  • Musculoskeletal system
  • Psychiatry
  • Psychology
  • Neurology
  • Visual system and colour vision
  • Otorhinolaryngology
  • Oncology
  • Incidents and accidents escape and survival
  • Medication and flying
  • Legislation, rules and regulations
  • Cabin crew working environment
  • In-flight environment
  • Space medicine

There is open access to the directing staff throughout the course and course members are encouraged to discuss individual progress.

Assessment

  • Exams

There is a short multiple-choice assessment that you will complete at the end of the course. You will need to pass this in order for us to provide evidence to the UK Civil Aviation Authority that you have successfully completed the course and to earn your course Certificate of success.

Structure

Required modules

There are no modules taught on this course.

Optional modules

There are no modules taught on this course.

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Employability

Clinical aviation medicine in the UK is part of the Specialty of Aviation and Space Medicine but there are many different routes to be involved and most civilian practitioners work in aviation medicine as a bolt on special interest from general practice, occupational medicine or any hospital specialism.

Regulatory aviation medicine is based within national or international regulatory authorities, whilst opportunities to work in aviation medicine research occur within national research establishments and industry, or within the armed forces.

Completion of the KCL Basic Course in Aviation Medicine and success in the examination prepares a medical practitioner for appointment as a Class 2 AME, allowing the medical assessment of private pilots.

However, it must be stressed that gaining the certificate of success in the Basic course does not guarantee appointment as an AME. This course meets the educational requirements for you to apply to become an AME with Class 2 certification privileges. Each regulatory authority, such as the UK Civil Aviation Authority, appoints AMEs according to need and according to their own criteria (see Civil Aviation Authority policy).

Although the Basic and Advanced courses provide a sound introduction to the principles and practice of aviation medicine, individuals wishing to pursue a career in regulatory or research aviation medicine may wish to consider undertaking the 6 month KCL Post Graduate Diploma in Aerospace Medicine course leading to the Diploma in Aviation Medicine of the Faculty of Occupational Medicine. This provides comprehensive instruction in advanced aviation medicine and prepares medical practitioners to take advantage of career opportunities in research, regulation, industry and the armed forces.

Tuition Fees

These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.

Deposit

Fees for the course are £3,560  

Additional Costs

In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:

  • Accommodation
  • Travel costs to external sites
  • Food and drinks each day

Funding

The Basic Course in Aviation Medicine is a unique course in the UK providing medical practitioners the opportunity to develop the skills required to become AMEs with Class 2 privileges. Currently it is the only course in the UK recognised by the UK CAA as suitable training for those wishing to apply for Class 2 medical certification privileges. This course is taught over 2 weeks full-time face to face. Course dates are Monday 7 February – Friday 18 February 2022.

Base campus

campus guys
Guy’s Campus

The Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine and the Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences are based at the riverside Guy's Campus, next to the Shard.

Regulating bodies

King's is regulated by the Office for Students

Loading...

Teaching methods - what to expect

Lectures
Tutorials
Practical Work

This 2 week full-time course consists of lectures, tutorials and seminars, case studies, in addition to visits to the UK Civil Aviation Authority (Covid restrictions permitting) and also British Airways aircraft simulators.

The course is designed to meet the requirements of EASA Part Med (AMC1 and GM1 MED.D.020) and consists of 60 hours of theoretical and practical training including specific examination techniques. The learning objectives to acquire the necessary competencies include theoretical knowledge, risk management, and decision-making in the following subjects. Demonstrations and practical skills are included where appropriate.

  • Introduction to aviation medicine
  • Basic aeronautical knowledge
  • Aviation physiology
  • Cardiovascular system
  • Respiratory system
  • Digestive system
  • Metabolic and endocrine systems
  • Haematology
  • Genitourinary system
  • Obstetrics and gynaecology
  • Musculoskeletal system
  • Psychiatry
  • Psychology
  • Neurology
  • Visual system and colour vision
  • Otorhinolaryngology
  • Oncology
  • Incidents and accidents escape and survival
  • Medication and flying
  • Legislation, rules and regulations
  • Cabin crew working environment
  • In-flight environment
  • Space medicine

There is open access to the directing staff throughout the course and course members are encouraged to discuss individual progress.

Assessment

  • Exams

There is a short multiple-choice assessment that you will complete at the end of the course. You will need to pass this in order for us to provide evidence to the UK Civil Aviation Authority that you have successfully completed the course and to earn your course Certificate of success.

Structure

Required modules

There are no modules taught on this course.

Optional modules

There are no modules taught on this course.

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Employability

Clinical aviation medicine in the UK is part of the Specialty of Aviation and Space Medicine but there are many different routes to be involved and most civilian practitioners work in aviation medicine as a bolt on special interest from general practice, occupational medicine or any hospital specialism.

Regulatory aviation medicine is based within national or international regulatory authorities, whilst opportunities to work in aviation medicine research occur within national research establishments and industry, or within the armed forces.

Completion of the KCL Basic Course in Aviation Medicine and success in the examination prepares a medical practitioner for appointment as a Class 2 AME, allowing the medical assessment of private pilots.

However, it must be stressed that gaining the certificate of success in the Basic course does not guarantee appointment as an AME. This course meets the educational requirements for you to apply to become an AME with Class 2 certification privileges. Each regulatory authority, such as the UK Civil Aviation Authority, appoints AMEs according to need and according to their own criteria (see Civil Aviation Authority policy).

Although the Basic and Advanced courses provide a sound introduction to the principles and practice of aviation medicine, individuals wishing to pursue a career in regulatory or research aviation medicine may wish to consider undertaking the 6 month KCL Post Graduate Diploma in Aerospace Medicine course leading to the Diploma in Aviation Medicine of the Faculty of Occupational Medicine. This provides comprehensive instruction in advanced aviation medicine and prepares medical practitioners to take advantage of career opportunities in research, regulation, industry and the armed forces.

Tuition Fees

These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.

Deposit

Fees for the course are £3,560  

Additional Costs

In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:

  • Accommodation
  • Travel costs to external sites
  • Food and drinks each day

Funding

Application closing date guidance

We recommend that you submit your application as soon as possible as we may need to request further information from you to assess your application. This is particularly important if your application is successful and you are required to meet any offer condition, and/or you need a Student Visa to study here at King’s.

Our application deadline is on Friday 7 Jan 2022 (23:59, UK time).

Loading...

Contact us

If you would like to contact a King's Advisor you can find all our details here

Related departments

Open days and events

Chat with current students and King's staff to find out about the courses we offer, life at King's and ask any questions you may have.

Explore more

SSA bedroom refurbished 1

Accommodation

Discover your accommodation options and explore our residences.