College of the Sea

To mark 40 years of partnership between The Open University and The Marine Society, the OU offers a BA/BSc Open Degree expressly put together for seafarers that focuses on Business, Leadership & Management.

The degree programme comprises preselected, recommended strands that are seafarer-friendly and tailored to the needs of the maritime sector.

The degree has been mapped for credit transfer against a seafarers’ HND in Nautical Science or Marine Engineering and attracts a very generous 120 points at Level 1 and a further 60 at Level 2.

That leaves only a 60 point course at Level 2 and two 30 point courses at Level 3 to get the degree.

Thus the qualification is achievable within just two years and is far more affordable than would otherwise be the case.

And because it comes from The Open University and is seafarer-friendly it can all be achieved - as you’d expect - either at sea or ashore.

This is an entirely distance taught programme, with The Marine Society offering any underpinning support as necessary.

Students who complete this degree will have a good understanding of business, leadership and management and their impact on organisations, including wider considerations in the external environment.

They will have a range of analytical and problem-solving skills incorporating the management of functions such as marketing, human resources and finance, and leading and influencing change.

They will also have relevant and practical skills in communication, the use of IT, numerical interpretation, collaborative working and reflective thinking.

We’d like to tell you more about this new offering from The Open University.

In order for us to do so, please complete our Contact Form to express your interest in the programme. Be sure to mention 'OU/Marine Society Degree' in the form.

We’ll then send you more information about what’s on offer.