MLA College

PgDip Sustainable Maritime Operations

Duration

1 year
Course type

Part-time Distance learning
Study location MLA College (Plymouth)
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MLA College is a specialist in global education, earning acclaim as an award-winning higher education provider. Specialising in UK distance learning degrees, which can be studied from anywhere in the world, our focus extends beyond boundaries, particularly within the dynamic marine and maritime sector. Established in 2012, MLA College, formerly Marine Learning Alliance Ltd, has transcended its origins at the University of Plymouth and now proudly stands as a registered higher education institution in England.
What sets them apart is their robust collaboration with the United Nations Institute for training and Research (UNITAR), a partnership that amplifies our commitment to delivering cutting-edge sustainability programs. These initiatives are designed to resonate across all sectors of industry, making a lasting impact on global education.

Key features
  • Equip yourself with the relevant management skills for working in the modern global maritime world.
  • Learn the very latest methods, concepts, and theories to enable you to understand and analyse, in a multidisciplinary way, the complexities of the 21st century maritime and shipping world.
  • Progress rapidly through your studies and gain the tools to become a leader in all areas of maritime operations.
  • We focus on the interconnectedness of global maritime supply chains, and place strong emphasis on methodology and analytical skill development.
  • Gain the tools, ability and confidence to make decisions with managerial style and determination, under complex and ever changing conditions in the global marine and maritime economic environment.
  • Flexible distance e-learning designed with seafaring and offshore students in mind.
  • Delivered by leading academics and industry experts
  • Benefit from interactive, dynamic, portable and highly relevant course content tailored for online learning - we use videos, audio, interactive tests and quizzes.
  • Specifically designed for delivery both online and offline; stream or download lectures to watch when you don't have an internet connection.

Course details

  • Year 1

  • Optional modules

    MLA704
    Protecting the Marine Environment

    Protection of the Marine Environment offers students the opportunity to examine the state of the global ocean and coastal zone, with an emphasis on the effects of maritime activity. In particular, students study the physical and biological nature of the ocean, its sensitivity to mankind's marine activity, requirements and techniques for oceanic protection and current, probable future risks, including the role of sustainable maritime development.

    MLA705
    Ship and Marine Operations

    This module explores the role of marine operations, the oil & gas industry and shipping in the extraction of natural resources and movement of freight, in the international, intermodal industry. Global marine trade, shipping, ships and port operation are examined in detail and specific shipping operator roles are identified.

    MLA705B
    Ship and Marine Operations

    This module explores the role of marine operations, the oil & gas industry and shipping in the extraction of natural resources and movement of freight, in the international, intermodal industry. Global marine trade, shipping, ships and port operation are examined in detail and specific shipping operator roles are identified.

    MLA706
    Offshore Renewable Energy

    Marine Renewable Energy equips students with a strong and stable background framework knowledge and understanding in this specialist area of expertise. Bringing together meteorology, oceanographic and coastal environmental process together with modern renewable engineering techniques, it provides students with a practical and forward looking skill set in this field.

    MLA707
    Coastal Zone Management

    This module examines maritime activity and its effects in the coastal zone. Examining the status quo in populated and remote coastal zones it offers students a broad perspective on natural and human impacts on littoral areas, embracing the effects of environmental and climate change, commercial and industrial development, legislative control, tourism and leisure.

    MLA707B
    Coastal Zone Management

    This module examines maritime activity and its effects in the coastal zone. Examining the status quo in populated and remote coastal zones it offers students a broad perspective on natural and human impacts on littoral areas, embracing the effects of environmental and climate change, commercial and industrial development, legislative control, tourism and leisure.

    MLA708
    Maritime Strategy and Policy

    Maritime Strategy and Policy sets students learning into a worldwide marine economy perspective, through the analysis of maritime commercial practice. Appraisal of the occasionally conflicting areas of marine markets, sales, finance, management, leadership, organisational behaviour, operations, maritime communication, enterprise and corporate social responsibility are brought together to develop students knowledge and understanding.

    MLA709
    Work Based Learning for Marine Professionals

    This module contributes to students academic understanding (cognitive learning) by applying theoretical concepts in practice. Students will have the opportunity to develop knowledge and understanding relevant to the business in which they operate, and develop critical responses to existing scientific, engineering and commercial practices.

    MLA704C
    Protecting the Marine Environment

    This module offers students the opportunity to examine the state of the global ocean and coastal zone, with an emphasis on the effects of maritime activity. In particular, students study the physical and biological nature of the ocean, its sensitivity to mankind’s marine activity, requirements and techniques for oceanic protection and current, probable future risks, including the role of sustainable maritime development.

    MLA706A
    Offshore Renewable Energy

    Marine Renewable Energy equips students with a strong and stable background framework knowledge and understanding in this specialist area of expertise. Bringing together meteorology, oceanographic and coastal environmental process together with modern renewable engineering techniques, it provides students with a practical and forward looking skill set in this field.

The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry.

Entry requirements
All applications are considered on individual merit in relation to the aims and outcomes of the programme.

The criteria below set out normal minimum qualifications required for entry to the PgDip Sustainable Maritime Operations course.

The standard entry requirements will be one of:

  • A first degree, or appropriate professional or academic qualifications (UK, EU or international) deemed by the University to be equivalent to a first degree.
  • If you don’t possess appropriate HE qualifications, you may be admitted to a postgraduate programme on the basis of prior experience, if the programme leader/admissions tutor considers that you have demonstrated the potential to complete the programme successfully.

View course entry requirementson the Marine Learning Alliance website.

English language requirements

If you have not obtained or do not have the appropriate entry qualifications in the English language, you may be required to produce evidence of English language ability. This will normally be the equivalent of:

  • GCSE Grade C or above in English language.
  • IELTS average score of 6.5 or above with a score of at least 6.5 in the written component.
  • Equivalencies are detailed in ‘Admissions Information and Procedures’ issued by the University Secretariat.

Fees, costs and funding
For the latest information regarding programme fees please visit: https://www.mla.ac.uk/programmes/fees-finance/.
MLA offer a number of bursaries and discounts, including Women in Maritime Bursary Scheme and Professional Membership Discount. Check the MLA website for more details.

How to apply
To apply for either the BSc or MSc Sustainable Maritime Operations course please fill in the online application form on the Marine Learning Alliance website.
Admissions tutors for the MLA College will check all applications thoroughly, and may also arrange an interview (usually by telephone or Skype), in order to assess your suitability for study. Offers are based on the information provided in the application documents and interview (where appropriate).
If you have any further questions or would like to discuss any aspect of studying with MLA College, please contact the Marine Learning Alliance.

Our partnership with MLA College
The University of Plymouth has developed partnerships with institutions around the world with the sole purpose of making higher education more accessible to those people who need something just a little different.

Our Academic Partnerships enable students to enrol for a degree at a partnership institution closer to home, or engage in distance learning – even when they’re in the middle of the ocean. They are there for those people looking to return to education, or enhance their professional development. Full- or part-time; foundation degree to masters-level – we cater for a huge variety of needs and aspirations.

Many of our partners offer specialist degrees, unique facilities, and smaller class sizes at a competitive price. And as a student of two institutions, you get the best of both worlds; a supportive learning environment as part of a close-knit community, and a university-level qualification awarded by the University of Plymouth. You’ll enjoy not only the facilities and services your partnership institution provides, but also all of the additional support and resources you need from us, and you’ll automatically become a member of our Students’ Union, too.

We are continuing to grow the number of partner institutions and expand our academic community to new locations around the UK and overseas. Why not visit the Academic Partnerships page on our website for a full list of partners and for more details on studying with us?

One of our partners delivers this particular course – so please visit their website for full course details, entry requirements, tuition fees and information on what student life is like there. 
To apply for either the BSc (Hons) or MSc Sustainable Maritime Operations course please fill in the online application form on the Marine Learning Alliance website.
Admissions tutors for the MLA College will check all applications thoroughly, and may also arrange an interview (usually by telephone or Skype), in order to assess your suitability for study. Offers are based on the information provided in the application documents and interview (where appropriate).
If you have any further questions or would like to discuss any aspect of studying with MLA College, please contact the Marine Learning Alliance.

Open days

Partner college open days

This course is run at one of our partner colleges. Open days are held at the college and more details of these can be found on the college website. You'll find contact details below, on this page.

University of Plymouth open days

You are also very welcome to attend a University of Plymouth open day, to get a flavour of the courses you can progress to from a partner college. There will however be limited information on this specific course and college.

We offer a number of different sustainable maritime operations options. Find the right course to meet your needs.

MLA College

The MLA College has developed blended distance e-learning programmes that are perfectly suited to marine professionals seeking advancement of skills and qualifications without having to attend university full time.
We have developed a flexible syllabus that meets the growing market need for part time study that fits around your working patterns.