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DipHE Nautical Science

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Key Details

Levels

Level 5

FT / PT

FT

Location

Lowestoft

Duration

12 months

Course Cost

£9,000

The Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) in Nautical Science is designed to develop professional competence by providing the practical skills, knowledge, and academic understanding required to navigate the complex relationship between the marine environment, human factors, and maritime technology.

This course is specifically designed for serving deck officers who hold a UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) Officer of the Watch (OOW) Unlimited Certificate of Competency (Regulation II/1) or an accepted equivalent qualification issued by a non-UK administration.

The course fee includes the following:

  • Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) in Nautical Science
  • Registration fee
  • Digital Assessment Platform (DAP)
  • Human Element, Leadership and Management (Management Level) (HELM M)
  • Navigation Aids and Equipment Simulator Training (Management Level) (NAEST M)
  • Competence in Medical Care (STCW Table A-VI/4-2)

The course has three intakes each year: September, January, and May.

Your programme will begin with 21 weeks of DipHE Nautical Science tuition, followed by DipHE examinations. This will then be complemented by a series of specialist short courses delivered over a 10-month period. The course schedule will be planned around your visa expiry date, where applicable, and will take into account any genuine individual requirements or special circumstances.

Successful completion of this course will support your progression towards achieving Chief Mate and Master (STCW Regulation II/2) certification through the MCA examination route.

Great Yarmouth Campus Open Day

Great Yarmouth Campus Open Day

29th Aug 26 10:00 – 12:00

Course Information

The Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) regulations require a candidate:

  • Hold an MCA recognised valid OOW unlimited, II/1, Certificate of Competency
  • Have completed 12 months' watchkeeping service while holding an OOW unlimited, II/1, Certificate of Competency
  • Hold a valid ENG1 (medical fitness certificate) or accepted equivalent

The college require that you:

  • Successfully complete interview
  • Pay the appropriate fees

International students:

Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are: IELTS for UKVI (Academic) band 4.0, with no component below 4.0.

Note: It is your responsibility to ensure that all entry requirements for the course and the issue of a Notice of Eligibility (NoE) by the MCA are met prior to attending the course. For sea time assessment you may log onto the MCA's website www.mcga.org.uk.

It is advised that you read the MCA MSN 1856 (M+F) training and certification guidance (UK Requirements for Master and Deck Officers).

You will be assessed using a range of methods. This could include direct observation, coursework, written assignments and exams

Successful completion of the Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) in Nautical Science provides a structured pathway for experienced deck officers seeking to progress their maritime careers. The programme supports preparation for the MCA Chief Mate and Master (STCW Regulation II/2) certification route, enabling qualified candidates to advance to senior officer roles within the maritime industry.

Following completion of the required academic studies, short courses, and MCA examination requirements, graduates can progress towards positions such as Chief Mate and, ultimately, Master Mariner. The qualification also enhances professional knowledge in areas including navigation, ship management, leadership, maritime operations, and safety management, supporting continued career development both at sea and within shore-based maritime roles.

You will study:

  • Shipboard Management
  • Shipmasters Law and Business
  • Management of Passage Planning
  • Management of Bridge Operations
  • Applied Marine Meteorology
  • Ship Stability: Theory and Practical Application
  • Management of Vessel Operations
  • Marine Engineering and Vessel Maintenance

Short courses included in the course fee:

  • Human Element Leadership and Management (Management Level) (HELM M)
  • Navigation Aids and Equipment Simulator Training Management Level (NAEST M)
  • Competence in medical care (STCW table A-VI/4-2)

50/50

Career Pathways