This exciting foundation degree will set you on course for a successful career as a maritime professional in the global maritime sector. Opt to follow a two year programme designed for students wishing to pursue a career in shore based maritime management; or follow an accredited three year programme that includes a year working at sea, and gain internationally recognised qualifications for professional seafarers in the merchant navy, yachting or superyacht industries.
You will 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. You’ll develop the practical, communication and problem-solving skills employers are looking for. You’ll experience life at sea first hand as trainee officers to gain practical experience from a seagoing placement year.
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 final year, you’ll advance your navigation skills, learn about position determination, including celestial navigation, as well as ship construction, stability and cargo operations, and get 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.
Students following the accredited pathway now return to sea for another year of sea time on board working ships, gaining the experience and the skills required to be an effective ships officer, before returning to university for the final courses and preparations leading to the award of professional certificates of competency.
Year at sea: This year is a chance to go to sea. If you’re sponsored, you’ll follow a structured programme with your sponsoring company; alternatively, it’s an opportunity for yachtsmen or women to build miles and gain valuable industrial experience. Put your newly acquired skills to the test on a real ship or yacht, and benefit from the experience of those around you. 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.
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