The Open University (OU) is the UK's only university dedicated to distance learning. And this year we celebrate a 40 year partnership between the OU and The Marine Society which has helped make its provision available to those who work at sea.
These pages are aimed at seafarers: those in the Sea Cadet Corps should
jump to this page.The OU offers seafarers an ideal way to continue their education. Its distance learning methods are renowned for their flexibility and there are fewer barriers to entry since there are no interviews and no previous qualifications are required for most courses.
This year The Open University is 40 years old - and The Marine Society, which played a part in its foundation, has been running its exams at sea and providing underpinning logistical support for its programmes from the start.
The Open University’s
OpenLearn website gives free access to Open University course materials.
What's more The Marine Society has set up a
Merchant Navy Learning Club where you share best practice, post ideas, and generally help each other out.
The Marine Society has recently got the OU to offer academic credit for seafarers’ HND in Nautical Science and Marine Engineering.
And to make most of this credit The Open University, in association with The Marine Society, has launched a BA/BSc Open Degree expressly for seafarers with a focus on
Business, Leadership & Management.