MSc Shipping Operations
Is it time to take your maritime career to the next level? This two year distance learning programme is ideally suited to maritime professionals who are hoping to move into...
Find out moreBSc (Hons)Nautical Science Top-Up
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Starting in:Â 2027
Register your interestCampus: Southampton City CentreView on Google Maps
Why study a nautical science top-up degree at Solent University
Enhance your transferable skills by topping up your nautical science deck cadetship HND or foundation degree to a full honours degree.
- 0yearsof providing maritime training to seafarers
- Top0%of UK unis for teaching quality, out of 130 institutions (Times Good Uni Guide 2026)
- £0minvestment in our campus and industry-standard facilities
- Designed for qualified navigation officers, this specialised top-up course enables students to achieve a full BSc (Hons) degree and prepare for senior maritime management roles ashore.
- 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 80 years' history of maritime education and an international reputation for quality.
- Graduates from our Warsash Maritime School can be found throughout the maritime industry worldwide, in every role from shore-side management to senior positions at sea.
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This top-up degree allows former maritime officer cadets with a suitable foundation degree (FdSc) or HND qualification to top up these qualifications to BSc (Hons) level and prepare for senior maritime management roles ashore.
Building on your existing qualifications, seagoing experience, and industry knowledge, the course will develop your critical thinking and analytical skills in parallel with wider knowledge of the maritime industry.
The course has two entry points, in March and July.
Who is this course for?
The course will allow former cadets who have previously achieved a foundation degree (FdSc) or HND with at least a 50% average grade, and who want to further their career opportunities, to earn a BSc (Hons) degree.
Suitable candidates will be those who aspire to senior management roles (marine superintendent, fleet or harbour operations, pilot etc) in shipping companies, maritime or harbour authorities. They will value the opportunity presented by this course to develop the skills and strategies that will be an asset in working towards such positions.
What does this course lead to?
This course would suit former cadets who want to prepare themselves for a time later in their navigation careers when they may wish to come ashore and work as marine superintendents, vessel managers or similar roles.
Facilities
Warsash Maritime School has a full range of industry-leading training facilities including bridge simulators and ECDIS suites where deck cadets can learn and develop their passage planning skills and navigate ships in an environment that closely resembles the equipment and layouts found on a modern ship’s bridge. Practical maritime safety training takes place at our Warsash campus at our fire training ground, medical training centre, and pier head.
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
Responding to Challenges at Sea
This module examines the challenges associated with responding to emergencies and safety critical incidents in the maritime environment. Using shipboard experiences and real world case studies, you'll critically analyse emergency scenarios and the factors influencing operational decision making. Scenario simulations and tabletop exercises are used to explore tactical responses to maritime incidents, while encouraging reflection on leadership, situational awareness and safety management. The module supports the development of analytical and evaluative skills required to assess complex emergency situations and consider effective operational responses at sea.
Analysing Deck Systems
This module builds on your prior onboard experience to develop advanced analytical and problem-solving skills related to deck systems and shipboard operations. You'll focus on the evaluation of system performance, identification of operational faults, and application of solutions within real-world ship environments. You'll also examine the impact of emerging technologies on the efficiency and sustainability of onboard deck systems.
Maritime Business
This module explores the commercial, economic and regulatory dimensions of the maritime industry within a global context. You will examine the role of shipping and maritime services in supporting international trade, analysing how market dynamics, legislation and global disruptions influence maritime business operations. To aid this, you'll draw on contemporary case studies to investigate challenges across wider maritime sectors, including shipping, ports and associated industries.
Industrial Exploration
This module enables you to critically explore professional opportunities beyond traditional maritime careers by examining adjacent and emerging industries, including technology, environmental services, security, and logistics ecosystems. You will analyse how maritime systems intersect with wider industrial, regulatory, and commercial environments, with emphasis on stakeholder dynamics, value chains, and cross-sector innovation. At the end of the module you'll produce an executive-style report and professional presentation, simulating industry consultancy practice.
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You will learn by:
You may be assessed by a combination of:
- Project work
- In-class tests
- Written exams
- Dissertation
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.
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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 a career as a deck officer in the Merchant Navy?
Maritime and shipping is a huge, thriving industry – the backbone of international trade, and a fundamental part of modern global commerce. 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
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.
Further study
Thinking about studying further than an undergraduate degree? Alumni can get 20% off their postgraduate study.
MSc International Shipping and Logistics
Get a head start in the exciting, global industry of shipping and logistics - gain the skills and knowledge sought after by employers.
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MSc International Maritime Business
Expand your knowledge of maritime business to graduate well-equipped for an international career in chartering, trading, ship management.
Find out moreTuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2027/28 academic year are not yet available. For guidance, previous fees were:
- UK, ROI, EU (settled status) and Channel Island full-time fees: £6,950 per year
- International full-time fees: £9,995 per year
For further information, please visit our tuition fees page.
Extra course costs
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.
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Please select an option below:
Key entry requirements
Candidates who have previously achieved a foundation degree (FdSc) or HND cadetship in nautical science and have achieved an overall average score of 50% or higher, or hold a SQA HND Pass in nautical science, will be welcomed.
Key entry requirements
Entry is based on successful award of an HND or foundation degree (FdSc) cadetship in nautical science with an overall average score of 50%, or hold a SQA HND Pass in nautical science.
Key entry requirements
Entry is based on successful award of an HND or foundation degree (FdSc) cadetship in nautical science with an overall average score of 50%, or hold a SQA HND Pass in nautical science.
For more information about qualifications, please see our course entry requirements document.
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.
How to apply
Full-time
Applications for this course are made directly to Southampton Solent University. Students wishing to apply should click the red 'Apply direct' button in the main header.
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
- Duolingo English Language Test - 115 overall with minimum of 100 in each component
or equivalent.
TOEFL IBT tests taken prior to 21 January 2026
- Minimum overall score of 80 with a minimum of 20 in each individual component.
TOEFL IBT tests taken from 21 January 2026
- Minimum overall score of 4.5 with a minimum of 4 in each individual component.
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.
UCAS points:
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- 1 year top-up
