College of the Sea

The credit transfer system can reduce the number of points needed to finish a degree. This will reduce tuition fees and the amount of study time required to complete.

If you've successfully completed some study at the higher education level (above GCSE A Level, Scottish Highers, ONC), you may be able to count it towards your OU degree or other qualification. All study must have been undertaken since 1971.

Most seafarers will have been awarded a BTEC, SQA HNC, or HND as part of their professional training and these are eligible for credit transfer. Certificates of Competency are not eligible.

As of March 2009, The Marine Society has negotiated some preordained credit transfer tariffs for seafarers. So, for example, a seafarer embarking upon an Open Degree and holding an HND as part of his/her CoC, will be eligible for a total of 180 points of credit: 120 points at level 1 and a further 60 points at level 2.

The courses and awards for which credit is currently given can be seen on the OU's website.

We recommend you approach us in the first instance. We can offer some free, expert and impartial advice on the options available to you. If you'd prefer to go direct to the OU, this is the contact:

Credit Transfer Centre, PO Box 80, The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes MK7 6AS tel 01908 653077 email credit-transfer@open.ac.uk

see also OU Credit Transfer

If you have no experience of higher education, a short introductory course from the OU's Openings programme will help you 'test the water' before leaping in. Each course lasts about 14 weeks and costs just £99.

If you've got recent experience of higher education, you might find the OU's range of short courses or preparatory study packs more beneficial. Do take a look at the course summaries of the salient points of some of the courses on offer

Before starting their OU studies, some seafarers have chosen to take a GCSE. This is not a recommended route and does little to prepare for OU study.

If you are in any doubt, a good first point of contact for advice is an OU advisor at the West Midlands Regional Centre. This advice is available without commitment or charge: it may be sought any time. You do not have to wait to be accepted as a student.

Enquiries to:

The Open University in the West Midlands,
66 High Street,
Harborne,
Birmingham B17 9NB
Tel: 0121 426 1661
Fax: 0121 427 9484
Email: OU West Midlands