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Navigation and Maritime Science at University of Plymouth - UCAS

Course options

2023 - 2024
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

This course is not accepting applications for deferred entry.

University of Plymouth has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework.These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

What does this TEF outcome mean?

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Open days

27Apr
University of Plymouth - open day event
Undergraduate
19Jun
University of Plymouth - open day event
Undergraduate

Course summary

90% of world trade is carried by sea, with a navigation and maritime science degree you can become a professional in this exciting and vital industry. Our graduates go on to careers in the shore-based maritime sector and, for those who follow the accredited route, to become a Ships Officer. Our degrees are accredited by the Maritime & Coastguard Agency and the Merchant Navy Training Board. You will study an exciting programme that develops the skills sought by employers across the sector. You can increase your employability with an optional one-year industrial placement in a relevant maritime business or, if sponsored, work at sea towards the professional qualification of Officer of the Watch. We embed our full mission bridge simulator and sailing vessel in the teaching of this challenging applied degree. By studying with us, you will develop the skills required to join the next generation of leaders in the maritime sector.

  • Lay strong foundations for a 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 practical’s 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.

Modules

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. 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. You’re now 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. The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry.

Assessment method

16% of assessment is by exam, 76% by coursework, 8% is practical.

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

  • Maritime and Coastguard Agency

Qualified teacher status (QTS)

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

  • Course does not award QTS

How to apply

25Jan

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Please select a course option – you will then see the application code you need to use to apply for the course.

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1
  • Year 2
  • Year 3

International applicants

The University of Plymouth has a dedicated International Student Advice (ISA) service who will support you from the day you accept an offer at the University, right through to graduation. They will offer help and advice so you can get the most out of your studies, and your time in the UK, visit www.plymouth.ac.uk/student-life/services/international-students/international-student-advice for more information. Once you have applied through UCAS, your conditional offer letters will also be sent to you by email, so be sure to enter your current email address on your application and to check this email regularly. You'll need your unconditional letter, and the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) that we'll send you, when applying for your student visa to the UK. A minimum £2,000 tuition fee deposit will be required before we'll send you the CAS. We're a licenced Sponsor under the Points Based System. To comply with our duties as a Sponsor, we're required to check other aspects of your application in addition to your academic achievements, for example any previous studies, financial status and your immigration history in the UK. For course entry requirements (inc. English requirements) please refer to the specific page for the course you are interested in (www.plymouth.ac.uk/study). A recognised English language qualification (e.g. IELTS) would be required or successful completion of one of the University's pre-sessional English Language courses. Check our country pages to find out more about application from your specific home country www.plymouth.ac.uk/international/study/international-students-country-guides. International fees, please visit our fees and funding pages www.plymouth.ac.uk/study/fees If you have any questions please contact [email protected]

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

Must have GCSE Mathematics, English language, Science and one other subject at grade C/4

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6With 5.5 in all elements.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Additional fee information

For all information about tuition fees, please visit our fees and funding pages at www.plymouth.ac.uk/study/fees * Fees are correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change.
Navigation and Maritime Science at University of Plymouth - UCAS