BSc (Hons) Navigation and Maritime Science

Do you want to become a professional seafarer where you are an officer in charge of ships or to work in the shore side maritime sector? You will study an honours degree programme that gives you the skills sought by employers across the sector. You can study an additional year working at sea to gain internationally recognised qualifications required to become a professional seafarer.

Working at sea is often the first stage of your wide maritime career, you may later move into a shore-based role where you can continue your vocation. You will gain a degree accredited by the Maritime & Coastguard Agency, and the Merchant Navy Training Board*, as well as hands-on experience, navigating our dedicated 13 metre sail and navigation training vessel. If qualified and approved, you will be able to skipper her.

In your first year, you’ll engage with the foundations of marine operations, meteorology and navigation techniques, including use of our ship simulator and sail training vessel. You’ll also develop your navigation, leadership and management skills in a challenging field week, which is essential for future maritime leaders. Sponsored students will spend the summer of this year at sea.

In your second year, you’ll advance your navigation skills and learn about position determination (including celestial navigation), ship construction, stability and cargo operations, as well as getting to grips with the latest satellite position and timing systems. A sailing based field week helps you put your navigation, leadership and management skills into practice, contextualising your theoretical work.

Year at sea: This year is a chance to go to sea or work onshore in the maritime industry. If you’re sponsored, you’ll follow a structured programme with your sponsoring company; alternatively, it’s an opportunity to gain valuable industrial experience. This year is optional: if you’re already qualified or are progressing to a shore-based management career, you can go straight to the final year.

In your final year, you’re ready to refine the skills necessary for a career in the maritime sector, gaining experience managing operations and solving complex problems that you’ll encounter in the workplace. You’ll round off what you’ve learnt this year by studying advanced topics around navigation management, and complete a year-long research project on a topic of your choice. You’ll also have the opportunity to develop, run and present, at a conference attended by key industrial players.