HNDNautical Science
How to apply
- 2025
- 2026
Why study a deck cadetship at Solent University's Warsash Maritime School
Build the foundations of a career as a deck officer in the dynamic maritime industry - supported by a sponsoring company to become a certified Officer of the Watch.
- 0%positivity measure for academic support (NSS 2025)
- Top0%for teaching quality, out of 131 institutions (Times Good University Guide, 2025)
- 0yearsof providing maritime training to seafarers
- Seafaring experience included - time at sea is built into the course, offering real-world experience.
- Cadetships, for eligible UK students, are fully sponsored by shipping or maritime companies.
- Warsash Maritime School has a full range of industry-leading training facilities, including a seamanship centre, fire school, and a full-function suite of networked maritime simulators.
- Study in the heart of Southampton, a major hub in the UK and European maritime and shipping industry. 
- A world-class hub of maritime excellence, our Warsash Maritime School has over 70 years' history of maritime education, and an international reputation for quality. 
- Gain academic and professional qualifications while studying and working towards your MCA Certificate of Competency. 
- 100% of employed graduates who responded to the HESA Graduate Outcomes survey (from 2021 to 2024) were in high-skilled employment.
- Southampton Solent University ranked in the top 20% of UK universities for teaching quality, out of 131 institutions (The Times Good University Guide 2025).
- Every student at Solent University will also have the option to study an additional Certificate in Practical Artificial Intelligence qualification alongside their course. Free of charge, the course ensures you'll be prepared for a fantastic and varied career after graduation.
Course overview
Build the foundation of a great career as a deck officer in the dynamic maritime industry - the backbone of modern international trade. This maritime cadetship offers extensive hands-on training at sea on real working vessels, supported and fully sponsored by one of a huge range of shipping and maritime companies.
Combining specialist study in our cadet training facilities in Southampton – one of the UK’s busiest port cities – with extensive practical training at sea, our deck cadetship is developed to meet the specific needs of the shipping industry and the Merchant Navy Training Board.
Shipping out as an officer cadet on a range of vessels owned or operated by your sponsoring company, you will develop the essential skills, knowledge and behaviours needed to become a deck officer in the Merchant Navy.
You'll gain a strong understanding of the fundamental principles and interrelationships of the three main shipboard functional areas – navigation, shipboard operations and management – and learn to anticipate, identify and generate timely and workable solutions to a wide range of problems and issues.
As part of your cadetship, you'll gain your first qualification as an Officer of the Watch (OOW) and be equipped with all the knowledge and understanding to you need to undertake tasks as detailed in the industry-based onboard training – and with academic exemptions for further professional qualifications under the internationally recognised Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) and UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) regulations.
This programme is aligned to the new UK-wide maritime officer cadetship syllabus developed by the Cadet Training and Modernisation (CT&M) Programme, led by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). Effective from September 2025, the new syllabus reflects the current practices and technology used aboard modern vessels and supports the development of 'human element' skills - essential learning for today’s aspiring officers.
This course is part of the South Coast Institute of Technology (IoT), a partnership of colleges, universities and industry-leading employers to create new career opportunities in the technology sector. IoT courses like this one are precisely tailored to the needs of employers in the maritime, engineering and digital industries – industries which are hungry for talented new engineers, technologists, technicians and creatives like you.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
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Course features
Professional accreditation
This course has been accredited by a professional body
Additional qualifications
This course offers additional professional qualifications which you will obtain in addition to your academic qualification
Specialist facilities
This course has access to specialist facilities
April and September starts available
This course has an option to start in April and September
Further studies
After successfully completing your programme, there's an opportunity to continue your studies at Solent
Who is this course for?
This course is ideally suited for students wanting to enter the Merchant Navy, who have good interpersonal and communication skills, and remain calm and capable under pressure.
What does this course lead to?
This exciting course will allow you to gain your first qualification as an Officer of the Watch, opening up a wide range of opportunities within maritime command. With additional study and sailing experience you can take your career further, rising through the ranks to Captain.
Meet the team
The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.
Facilities
Warsash Maritime School has a full range of industry-leading training facilities, including a cutting-edge suite of networked 360° bridge simulators; built-in ECDIS suites; vessel traffic service and GMDSS radio communications; a dedicated seamanship centre; survival craft facilities, including lifeboats, fast rescue boats, RIBs and lifting equipment; a purpose-built live fire training facility with a three-storey steel ship/offshore unit; and our manned model ship-handling centre at Timsbury Lake.
Away from studying, why not try out the gyms, fitness studios and sports halls in our £28 million Sports Complex, or watch a blockbuster film at our student-run cinema with Dolby Atmos audio.
What you'll study
Core modules
Celestial Navigation, Maths and Science
In this module, you'll learn how to determine the vessel’s position through observation of celestial bodies, and to calculate the course and shortest possible distance between positions on the earth’s surface to enable you to navigate the vessel safely when out of sight of land and without the use of electronic position fixing systems. You'll also learn how to evaluate the accuracy of gyro and magnetic compasses using celestial bodies, and to demonstrate the use and maintenance of relevant precision navigational instruments.
Marine Cargo Operations
During this module, you'll gain an understanding of how merchant ships generate revenue by safely and efficiently carrying cargo. This includes the proper loading, stowage and carriage of dry bulk, liquid, and chemical cargoes, as well as the legal aspects of cargo operations. The knowledge gained here will enable you to apply the law to other operational modules on this cadetship programme.
Marine Meteorology
This module will provide you with an understanding of the meteorological observation methods, use of meteorological instruments and world meteorological organisation (WMO) codes, and the weather services available to shipping. In addition, you'll learn about meteorological processes and to be able to describe the weather associated with the main features of a synoptic chart, the general circulation of the atmosphere, the main climatic zones over the oceans, and the ocean currents of the world.
Operational Bridge Watchkeeping
This module will provide you with the knowledge and skills to carry out the safe navigation of a ship from a ship’s bridge. You'll learn about modern navigation systems, manoeuvring the vessel using modern engineering systems, the preparations to deal with various emergencies at sea, and the use of IMO approved communication systems and procedures.
Operational Maritime Law and Project Management
This module will familiarise you with the relationship between laws, codes, and various forms of guidance related to ship and crew safety, as well as operational procedures. You'll gain an understanding of the laws governing the shipping industry, both nationally and internationally, and an insight into the organisational structures used by your company, both ashore and onboard. Additionally, you'll explore the factors that can influence decision-making, such as stress, fatigue, culture, and situational awareness, and learn techniques to mitigate these influences.
Operational Naval Architecture and Stability
This module will familiarise you a typical ship’s structure and the salient features of a range of ship vessel types, in addition to applying the principles of ship stability to box- and ship-shaped vessels in routine situations.
Operational Passage Planning and Electronic Charts
This module will familiarise you with the methods of planning a safe passage and determining a ships position using appropriate charts and publications to maintain the navigational safety of a merchant vessel.
How you will learn and be assessed
You will learn by:
You may be assessed by a combination of:
- In-class tests
- Practical classes and workshops
- Practical activities
- Project work
- SQA written exams
- MCA oral exam
Solent’s curriculum framework builds on our unique, creative and applied approach to teaching. The transformation of students’ lives is at the heart of our mission as a university, and our curriculum – informed by the latest theory – reflects this shared educational vision.
Find out more
Study support
The student achievement team are on hand to help you succeed during your studies at Solent. They aim to contact you at key times during your time here with personalised information, advice and guidance, by email or phone.
The disability advice team provides information, advice and guidance for disabled students.
All students can access Succeed@Solent, Solent's online guide to getting better grades. It offers extensive, practical information and advice on topics such as academic writing, research and presentations.
Why choose the industry?
Maritime and shipping is a huge, thriving industry – the backbone of international trade, and a fundamental part of modern global commerce.Â
As a ship’s officer you will be a key part of this, keeping vessels of all kinds, from tankers to container ships – or even ferries, cruise liners or superyachts – running effectively, efficiently and safely.
Under the captain’s management, the deck department is responsible for the safe navigation and operation of the vessel, both at sea and in port.
Deck officers are a vital part of the on-board management team, taking charge of an expensive vessel and its equally valuable crew, guests, or cargo. You will take key decisions on manoeuvring the vessel and controlling its navigation, communications and security.
Numerous opportunities also exist for qualified navigation officers ashore. Shipping companies often recruit shore based marine superintendents and fleet operations staff from their seagoing officers. Harbour authorities recruit experienced officers to train as pilots, harbour masters and port operations managers.
Solent Careers
The Solent Careers team is committed to getting students into great careers.
While you are studying, the team can help you with finding work experience or placements, link you with a mentor, check your CV, or offer one-to-one guidance.
We also have graduate job opportunities just for Solent graduates.
6th
UK uni for sustained employment
Longitudinal Educational Outcomes, 2022
Accreditations, recognitions and memberships
Part of:
Certificate in Practical Artificial Intelligence
Every student at Solent University will also have the option to study an additional Certificate in Practical Artificial Intelligence qualification alongside their course. Free of charge, the course ensures you'll be prepared for a fantastic and varied career after graduation.Â
Tuition fees
Officer cadet training is fully sponsored by shipping companies.
- Successful applicants will have their course fees paid and be provided a training allowance by the UK sponsoring companies throughout their training: .
For further information, please visit our tuition fees page.
Extra course costs
All cadets are required to wear uniform; some sponsoring companies will supply kit to their cadets, but others do not - please check with your company first. You can find out more about uniform requirements under 'Uniform' on our new officer cadets page.
While most course costs are covered by your tuition fees, some essential resources and optional extras may need to be paid for separately. For advice on budgeting and managing your money, please contact student.funding@solent.ac.uk.
Bursaries, scholarships and financial support
Solent University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships that provide financial assistance or waive fees for tuition or accommodation. Each bursary or scholarship has specific eligibility criteria. Check out our bursaries and scholarships pages to find out more.
Cost of living support
At Solent, we understand that the cost of living crisis may be of some concern. To help, we've put together some detailed information to show what support is available and how to make your money go further.
Graduation costs
There is no charge to attend graduation, but you may be required to pay for the rental of your ceremonial uniform. You may also wish to purchase official photography packages, which range in price from £15 to £200+. Graduation is not compulsory, so if you prefer to have your award sent to you, there is no cost. Extra guest tickets will go on sale after results publication and will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The cost per ticket is currently £15. Please note, we do not guarantee there will be any extra tickets available to purchase.
Student finance videos
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Entry requirements
Please select an option below:
Key entry requirements
- Four GCSEs at grade 9 to 4, including:
- Mathematics (preferably Higher Tier)
- Science (with significant Physical Science content)
- English or a subject using English (for example, history, geography, RE)
or
- Passes in four subjects in the Scottish Certificate of Education (as above)
or
- Passes in four subjects in the Northern Ireland Grammar School Senior Certificate Exam (as above)
The qualifications detailed above are the industry minimum, but individual companies may require a higher standard.
Entry to this course is through a sponsored cadetship - please see the Warsash Maritime School website for details.
For further information about UK qualifications, please contact admissions.
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
British shipping companies will normally accept applications from candidates from the EU. Candidates should apply directly to the shipping companies for sponsorship.
For further information about UK, EU and international qualifications, please see our course entry requirements document.
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels. However, MCA certificates of competency may be awarded to people of any nationality and the training programmes are open to all.
British shipping companies will normally only recruit UK or European Union nationals. If you're a potential international candidate from outside the UK and EU, you should research shipping companies from your own country (that are approved by the MCA) to secure sponsorship.Â
Note to all international students requiring a visa
All international applicants need to be aware that the English language requirements to attend Solent University, and the English language requirements to obtain a visa from the Home Office, may be different. This means that if you meet the Solent University language requirement to gain a place on the course, you may still have to meet additional requirements to be granted with a visa by the Home Office.
We strongly advise all applicants to visit the Home Office website which outlines all the requirements for a successful visa application.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email:Â Call:ÂHow to apply
To apply for this course, you must meet the academic entry requirements as stated.
The next step is to find a company to sponsor you so you can complete the sea service elements of the training programme. You should apply direct to the sponsoring companies for details of their recruitment policies and the availability of sponsorship.
There are a number of UK sponsoring companies that recruit UK nationals as officer cadets to work in the various shipping sectors of the Merchant Navy (for example, cargo, container, cruise, tanker etc.), either individual shipping companies recruiting to fulfil their own staffing needs or training organisations that recruit on behalf of their clients.
Companies normally start the recruitment process around January each year for entry in the following September or April.
Language requirements
Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are:
- IELTS minimum 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each individual component
- TOEFL IBT minimum 80 with a minimum of 20 in each individual component
- Duolingo English Language Test - 115 overall with minimum of 95 in each component or equivalent.
Qualifications are checked before enrolment, and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies when coming to study at the University.
Pre-Sessional English programme
The University also offers a pre-sessional English programme for international students who wish to improve their level of English before starting a degree course.
Make your application
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