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.

Key features

Lay strong foundations for your successful career in the maritime sector. Our students go on to work in a diverse range of maritime industries. Whether you aspire to be a professional navigator, a marine manager or yacht racer, the world’s oceans could literally unfold before your eyes.
Distinguish yourself with a degree that’s accredited by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, as well as the Merchant Navy Training Board*.
Immerse yourself in the latest technology; we've equipped our Marine Navigation Centre with an advanced full mission ship simulator and the latest in electronic charts.
Develop your 'sea-sense' with hands-on experience on our dedicated 13 metre sail and navigation training vessel 'Take The Helm' on Plymouth Sound. If qualified and approved, you'll be able to skipper the vessel yourself.
Ensure you have the practical, communication and problem-solving skills employers are looking for. With a mixture of lectures, tutorials, and practicals featuring group and individual problem-based learning.
Many of our students gain sponsorship from shipping companies or training providers. In many cases sponsorship becomes available to students already on our programme.
Students may also receive funding towards tuition fees and living expenses from the sponsoring company, greatly reducing costs. They go to sea as trainee officers to gain practical experience from a seagoing placement year.

Structural components

Ship training

Internship/Workplace experience

Practical/Field work

Research Project

Application procedure

All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).

UCAS will ask for the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code.

To apply for this course and for more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, please visit the UCAS website.

Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office via our how to apply webpage or email international-admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Grant opportunities

The Plymouth Navigator Scholarship

Up to £1,000. Navigation and maritime science students are automatically paid £500/£250 for an A / B in Mathematics A level and/or one further sum of £500/£250 for an A / B in a relevant science subject including A level Geography or Psychology. This is awarded to home/EU applicants who put us as their firm choice before the 1 August 2020. The scholarship is paid during the first semester of the first year.

There are additional prizes and awards to reward high achievement in later years of the degree.

Undergraduate scholarships for international students

To reward outstanding achievement the University of Plymouth offers scholarship schemes to help towards funding your studies.

Find out whether you are eligible and how you can apply

Prerequisites

UCAS tariff

80 - 112

Applicants exceeding our entry requirements may be eligible for an offer under our Engineering and Navigation Excellence Scheme.

A level: To include a grade C in a relevant science (Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics, Design Technology, Applied Science, Geography, Engineering, Geology, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Psychology) excluding general studies.

BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma: MMP - DMM dependent on subject.

BTEC National Diploma modules
If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.

Pass Access (Science) with at least 33 credits at merit and/or distinction to include 12 credits in science. Must have GCSE English and mathematics grade C/4 or above or equivalent.

International Baccalaureate: 26 overall, to include 4 at Higher Level science

GCSE: Mathematics and English language grade C.

An interview may be required. Equivalent qualifications will be considered. We welcome applications from students around the world with equivalent qualifications.

Direct Entry into year 2 or final year

It is possible for appropriately qualified (typically HND, Foundation degree or equivalent) student to have a direct entry into year 2 or the final year of the programme.

Non UK residents will need to obtain sponsorship from their own national fleet subject to Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) approval.

English language requirements

We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.