Vice-Chancellor’s Endorsement for the Foundation Degree in Marine Studies

“As the new academic year gets underway, one of my personal highlights so far has been the rollout of an exciting new course which has seen the University return to its maritime roots.
We are offering a new course equipping people to work on the ocean's waves - in a vital global industry suffering a skills shortage. Seafarers are responsible for the operation of merchant ships transporting 95% of world trade such as fuel, food, goods and products upon which society depends.

The introduction of the University's industry-recognised qualification to help people to set out on a career as a merchant navy officer is timely as estimates predict around 84,000 vacant seafarers' jobs in two years' time because of a skills shortfall.

The Foundation Degree in Marine Studies is a three-year course for people wishing to enter the merchant shipping industry as a deck officer. It Ieads to the award of an MCA Certificate of Competency, a Foundation Degree (FdSc) in Marine Studies and direct entry to BSc (Hons) Marine Studies.”