School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics

MSc Maritime Science

Planned new course

Programme code 7976
Duration

1 year
Course type

Full-time, Part-time route available
Study location Plymouth
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Designed to meet the evolving needs of the maritime industry and align with sector growth projections, offering an ideal pathway for both professionals and students looking to advance their careers in this dynamic field. Whether your focus is on technical, operational, or regulatory aspects, this programme provides comprehensive coverage of the maritime industry.

With a flexible structure tailored to fit around your current job and other commitments, you can seamlessly pursue your career goals without compromising your existing responsibilities.
Three collaborative pathways – technical, operational, and regulatory – designed to build on candidates’ existing skills.
Businessman explaining his concept during a meeting. Getty Images
 
 

Meet the lecturers

Register now and join our virtual drop-in sessions to speak with our postgraduate programme leaders.

Key features
  • Gain industry exposure through field trips, guest speakers, and hands-on workshops.
  • Delivered in a leading maritime region, with projected industry investment exceeding £100Bn (Celtic Sea Power, 2024).
  • Led by research-driven faculty with strong professional expertise.
  • Access to world-class facilities and cutting-edge installations.
  • Pursuing IMarEST accreditation as a Marine Technologist.

Course details

  • Overview

  • The programme is organised into three collaborative pathways – technical, operational, and regulatory – designed to build on candidates’ existing skills.
    During the second semester, you will have two specific modules designed to give you an edge in the pathway of your choice.
    • Technical: Data management & transfer, and Uncrewed Maritime Systems.
    • Operational: HSEQ Management, and Business Architecture.
    • Regulatory: Maritime Governance, and Maritime Insurance.
    You will still share one module with the whole cohort built around case studies.
    Group case study teaching fosters learning and encourages horizontal knowledge transfer across all three pathways.
    The Maritime Operations module is structured around industry case studies, which you will collaboratively work on in a multidisciplinary team.
    Flexible structure designed to fit around your current job and other commitments.
    On-campus contact time is concentrated into one day per week, adjacent to the weekend, allowing you to advance your career while maintaining your current commitments, without the need to relocate.

Entry requirements

UK/EU

A relevant degree with honours or an equivalent professional qualification. Other qualifications accompanied by substantial experience in an appropriate field may also be considered. Non-standard applications will be considered on a case by case basis.

International

Please view the country specific pages for further information regarding the equivalency of your degree. International applicants will be required to provide evidence of their English language ability, for example by achieving an IELTS score of 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 5.5 in each element) or equivalent, see our English language requirements. Pre-sessional English language courses are available if you do not meet these requirements.

We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available for postgraduate taught programmes. Tell me more about scholarships and bursaries.

Fees, costs and funding
Student 2024-2025 2025-2026
Home N/A £11,350
International N/A £20,400
Part time (Home) N/A £630
Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per 10 credits. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and funding.

How to apply

Apply online

When to apply

Most of our taught programmes begin in September. Applications can usually be made throughout the year, and are considered until programmes are full.

Before you apply

Familiarise yourself with the information required to complete your application form. You will usually be required to supply:
  • evidence of qualifications (degree certificates or transcripts), with translations if not in English, to show that you meet, or expect to meet the entry requirements
  • evidence of English language proficiency, if English is not your first language
  • a personal statement of approximately 250-400 words about the reasons for your interest in the course and outlining the nature of previous and current related experience. You can write this into the online application form, or include it as a separate document
  • your curriculum vitae or résumé, including details of relevant professional/voluntary experience, professional registration/s and visa status for overseas workers
  • proof of sponsorship, if applicable.
If you require further information take a look at our application guidance.

Disability Inclusion Services

If you have an impairment, health condition or disability, learn about the additional support the University provides .

International students

Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office. Take a look at our how to apply information or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Submitting an application

Once you are happy that you have all of the information required you can apply using our online postgraduate application form (the blue 'Apply' icon on this page).

What happens after I apply?

You will normally receive a decision on your application within four weeks of us receiving your application. You may be asked to provide additional information; two academic/professional references, confirming your suitability for the course; or to take part in an interview (which in the case of overseas students may be by telephone or video conference) and you will be sent a decision by letter or email.
We aim to make the application procedure as simple and efficient as possible. Our Admissions and Course Enquiries team is on hand to offer help and can put you in touch with the appropriate faculty if you wish to discuss any programme in detail.
If you would like any further information please contact the Admissions and Course Enquiries team:
Telephone: +44 1752 585858
Email: admissions@plymouth.ac.uk

Admissions policy

More information and advice for applicants can be referenced in our admissions policy which can be found on the student regulations, policies and procedures page. Prospective students are advised to read the policy before making an application to the University.

Maritime Simulation Laboratory

The University’s Maritime Simulation Laboratory offers an innovative networking solution that allows real-time collaboration between multiple simulators, software, or hardware.
Maritime simulations or experiments can be run with different independent components which can share information with each other. This enables emergent behaviour and complexity to be introduced into simulations, giving researchers an opportunity to reproduce, analyse, and understand non-linear phenomena.

Athena Swan Silver

The School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics was awarded an Athena Swan Silver award in September 2024 which demonstrates our ongoing commitment to advancing gender equality and success for all.
Athena SWAN Silver Award logo

Meet our school technical staff

Our technical staff are integral to the delivery of all our programmes and bring a diverse range of expertise and skills to support students in laboratories and workshops.

UK Maritime Industry

Container ship in import export and business logistic by crane, Getty Images
Output £192bn
Ship Maintenance in Dry Dock at Night, Hamburg Harbor, Getty Images
GVA £132bn
Blue collar workers are working at container warehouse, Getty Images
Jobs 823,500
The marine and maritime sector in the UK has an estimated output of £192bn, a value added of £132bn, and employs 823,500 people
(Stebbings et al., 2020)*
The South West of the UK host a vibrant marine cluster with significant strengths in research, environmental and digital technology, advanced marine engineering, offshore renewables, defence, and maritime and marine skills; represented by world leading organisations.
*Stebbings, E., Papathanasopoulou, E., Hooper, T., Austen, M. C. & Yan, X. 2020. The marine economy of the United Kingdom. Marine Policy, 116, 103905.
Offshore vessels at Aberdeen By, Getty Images

Babbage Building: where engineering meets design

“The building provides a state-of-the-art setting to inspire the engineers and designers of tomorrow, making it the ultimate place to bring together students, academics and industry in an environment that not only benefits them but also society as a whole.” – Professor Deborah Greaves OBE
Situated on the western edge of our city centre campus, the landmark new facility is home to the School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics
and offers additional space for the School of Art, Design and Architecture .

Marine Station

Dedicated to teaching and research, the Marine Station serves all our marine-based courses including civil engineering, earth sciences and marine biology.
Situated on the shores of Plymouth Sound as part of our ‘Waterfront Campus’, the facility offers labs and classrooms extending out into the natural environment.