MLA College

BSc (Hons) Sustainable Maritime Operations

Institution code NA
Duration

9 months
Course type

Part-time
Study location MLA College (Plymouth)
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
  • This final year degree top-up course will equip you 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

  • Students will need to complete the modules listed in the BSc Sustainable Maritime Operations programme before proceeding onto the Honours Project below.

    Core modules

    MLA610B
    Honours Project

    The module begins with a taught element of research skills (including literature search and review, numerical analysis and data management), to equip students with the skills necessary to undertake an Honours project successfully. Students then have the opportunity to research a topic or problem of interest. Students may participate in either an established research area or follow a line of work based on their interests.

    MLA601
    Maritime Industry in the 21st Century

    This module introduces students to the advanced topics of study relevant to the modern maritime industry. Equipping students with a broad underpinning of the challenges and current affairs relevant to the industry, and their deeper exploration through relevant academic research. It serves to facilitate in-depth study of concepts associated with the maritime environment, sustainable design, shipping industry business practice and development. It also exposes students to the question the wider role of the maritime industry, and how it interacts with other industry sectors i.e. logistics and supply chain management functions.

    Optional modules

    MLA602
    MetOcean Processes and Impacts

    MetOcean Processes and Impacts gives students a balanced insight into the earths meteorological and oceanographic processes, how they affect the marine environment and are in turn changed by maritime business activity and development. Having gained an understanding of the maritime environment, students examine the requirement for marine environmental protection, how this is achieved and managed across the globe, and developments in offshore renewable energy

    MLA603
    Maritime Regulation and Governance

    This module gives students opportunity to investigate in detail, aspects of the maritime business world; its regulation, organisation, behaviour and management. Students build their knowledge and understanding of the economic and financial driving forces, maritime commercial frameworks, governance, regulation and legislation.

    MLA604
    Maritime Operations

    This module brings together marine industry economic, ethical and environmental drivers to build understanding of the need for sustainable operations, now and in the future. Investigations into areas such as green ship technology and ballast water may be undertaken, building knowledge and understanding such that the student is able to make effective judgements balancing economic and ethical aspects in the modern, digital maritime business environment.

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Entry requirements

Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.

Check your eligibility for a contextual offer

Please note this is a final year degree top-up course.

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 BSc (Hons) Sustainable Maritime Operations course.

The standard entry requirements will be one of:

  • An equivalent to year two of a British degree in a relevant subject.
  • Portfolio accreditation of Accredited Prior Learning (APL) and relevant work experience.

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 6.0 or above with a score of at least 5.5 in all four components (listening, reading, speaking and writing).
  • 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.

* UK Government announcement on tuition fees

On Monday 4 November 2024, the UK Government announced a proposal to increase tuition fees for home undergraduate students from £9,250 to £9,535 per annum from September 2025 onwards. The University of Plymouth intends to apply this new fee from September 2025. However, implementation of this increase will be subject to parliamentary procedure. This change applies to new students starting their studies in September 2025. For current and returning students, the University is reviewing fees and will update you as soon as possible.

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.