Seven students graduated from a unique degree course that is specifically tailored to them becoming qualified pilots this month.

Launched in 2013 the degree course runs in partnership between airline pilot training and simulation organization L3 Commercial Training Solutions, Middlesex University and easyJet.

Anna McGrady, Steven Hadley, Matthew Archer, George Baker, James Rose, Reece Montagu and Jack Shaw are now flying for easyJet.

Middlesex University award the BSC (Hons) qualification in professional aviation pilot and practice run through the Institute of Work-based Learning.

Brian Tyrrell, easyJet's head of flight operations, said: “We have been delighted to work in partnership with L3 Commercial Training Solutions and Middlesex University to offer this degree course for our pilots which builds on the easyJet cadet programme that offers a clear career path for all pilots joining easyJet.

"All our pilots will be flying on a modern fleet of aircraft, with industry leading punctuality, high quality training and an unrivalled European network and those joining easyJet can be confident of a long and successful career."

Cadets do not attend a university campus but do gain an airport transport licence and degree within three years.

They complete the first two years of the course at L3’s Airline Academy training on an airline pilot career programme alongside practice-based university work.

When students join easyJet they fly as a co-pilot while completing their third and final year of their degree.

They earn while learning.

One of the graudating pilots, Anna McGrady, said: ''I am thrilled to be graduating alongside my colleagues today on the BSc (Hons) in Professional Aviation Pilot Practice.

"This course has given me the opportunity to undertake a degree alongside my commercial pilot training.

"The degree is designed in a way that fits very well into the flight training schedule.

“It has taught me to be a reflective practitioner, continually assessing how I can improve my performance."

Aspiring pilots can access student loans to help finance their studies.

Mick Betts, director of aviation programmes at Middlesex University, said: “We are delighted to see the first group of students on this innovative new degree about to graduate.

"They have been a pleasure to work with throughout and their achievements on this work-based degree are a testimony to the quality of the training they receive at L3’s Airline Academy, at work in their first year at easyJet and in their academic work with Middlesex.

"Our degree partnership with L3 Commercial Training Solutions has worked extremely well and with over 130 students now on the programme this group will be the first of many professional pilots to graduate on this joint programme.”