.png)
READY FOR THE NEXT STAGE IN YOUR CAREER?
Foundation Degree in Marine Operations
This qualification is a requirement for candidates working towards their Chief Mate Unlimited Certificate of Competency.
The Foundation Degree in Marine Operations provides the underpinning knowledge required for MCA Deck Officer Certification at the Management Level (STCW II/2). The academic content is aligned to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) recent review of maritime training through their Cadet Modernisation Programme.
Why Choose a Foundation Degree in Marine Operations?
Progress towards your Chief Mate CoC with flexible, supported study.
This qualification is ideal for Deck Officers seeking career progression from OOW to Chief Mate or Master roles, particularly for those requiring the flexibility to study around their professional schedules.
Balancing work, family and other commitments can make it difficult to spend long periods at a maritime college or university to complete a qualification. This programme allows you to take individual modules and steadily build towards your qualification in a way that fits your work pattern and personal circumstances.
You can plan your progression with a mix of distance-learning modules and modules that require attendance at South Shields Marine School for a specified period.
Who's this course for?
This programme is ideal for Deck Officers seeking career progression from OOW to Chief Mate or Master roles, particularly for those requiring the flexibility to study around their professional schedules.
Candidates should hold a HNC / Advanced Certificate in Nautical Science or equivalent.
To complete this course and gain your qualification, you require an OOW certificate (white list) and 12 months sea time. Candidates can enrol and access this course anytime whilst gaining the mandatory sea-time requirement.
Start Anytime, Flexible Duration
South Shields Marine School delivers this self-paced online course via Onboard Maritime's digital portal.
Start anytime and study at your own pace with tutor support. Get up to 4 years of access to complete all units and assessments, allowing remote study alongside sea service.
Assessment-Driven
Assessments are administered by South Shields Marine School and include a combination of written assignments, practical training and assessments, and formal written examinations.
Assessment Structure
Most assessments can be completed online. The course consists of 7 written assignments (online), 2 written exams (on campus), 2 practical assessments (on campus). Students will only need to attend campus twice during the course for practical training and exams.
Key Features of the Foundation Degree in Marine Operations
CoC Pathway
Course Modules
Course Costs
Blended Learning
World-Class Expertise
The Foundation Degree in Marine Operations is aligned to the MCA Cadet Modernisation Programme. Candidates successfully completing this course will not sit the traditional SQA Safety Papers in Stability and Navigation, instead they will complete the new MCA safety paper which will be available from 2026.
The are a total of 6 modules to undertake in order to complete this qualification:
-
Management of Navigation
-
Bridge Management
-
Ship Stability
-
Ship Operations
-
Marine Law & Management
-
Engineering and Structure
Benefit from our flexible pay-as-you-learn model. After completing the initial foundational module, you have the freedom to complete Modules 2–6 in any order that suits your schedule.
Module 1: £1355 (inc. £300 UoS registration fee)
Modules 2-6: £1060 each
Total: £6655
All of the module materials can be accessed online.
3 modules, Management of Navigation, Bridge Management and Ship Stability require attendance at South Shields Marine School for a period of time to undergo practical training and assessment.
It is anticipated the total time commitment in college for this qualification will be between 6-8 weeks.
The remaining modules are completed through assignments administered through South Shields Marine School.
Learn from trusted names in maritime education – South Shields Marine School and Onboard Maritime – with the University of Sunderland as the awarding body.
You will be taught and supported by experienced academic staff at South Shields Marine School, and have access to online guidance, learning resources and assistance through Onboard Maritime.
The University of Sunderland ensures the programme is rigorously quality assured and that your final qualification is widely recognised across the maritime industry.
Interested in this course?
Book a Call!
Complete this contact form to find out about our Foundation Degree in Marine Operations.
We'll send you some course information and arrange a suitable time to call you.