Cornwall College

Higher National Certificate in Operational Yacht Science

UCAS course code H3K1
Institution code C78
Duration

1 year

Course type

Full-time

Study location Falmouth Marine School / UK Sailing Academy, Cowes, Isle of Wight
The Cornwall College Group offers a wide range of undergraduate courses across seven campuses throughout Cornwall and Devon, including Bicton College, Cornwall College, Duchy College and Falmouth Marine School. We offer specialist courses designed with employers and delivered by industry professionals. During your studies you will get the opportunity to work on live projects and start your career before you even graduate.

Course details

  • Course overview

  • Core modules

    CORF1014
    Yacht Theory and Practice

    To introduce the basic skills and techniques in the role of crew, required in the application of efficient sailing of a yacht. To develop essential on-board operating procedures including to keep watch, understand a range of sail configurations and to pro-actively assist in all day to day duties as an effective crew member. To enable the student to gain the underpinning theory of sailing propulsion and to gain a National Governing Body award for their personal skill.

    CORF1016
    Marine Engineering

    This module is designed to equip the student with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to use and maintain marine engineering systems. The students will gain a working knowledge of the common engineering and electrical systems found on board an ocean-going vessel.

    CORF1017
    Reflective Practice

    This module focuses on the critical analysis of planned and personal practice of either oneself or ones’ colleagues, whilst training or within the workplace of the superyacht industry. The module also prepares students for the academic skills required at Level 6.

    CORF1018
    Navigation and Meteorology

    This module is designed to develop coastal and offshore navigational and passage planning techniques in tidal and none-tidal waters. The module continues to develop seamanship skills using both traditional and modern methods, plus teaches the key principles of meteorology to ensure safe decision making whilst at sea.

    CORF1022
    Yacht Operations

    This module enables the student to gain an appreciation of the effective and safe operation of a vessel in a variety of situations; for example, in the context of passage making and emergency procedures. It will enable the learner to appreciate all of the aspects to be aware of before leaving the shore for an ocean passage.

    CORC1280
    Professional and Personal Skills Development

    This module is designed to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to develop themselves in terms of their personal and employability skills for the operational yacht industry

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.

Fees, costs and funding

As this course is delivered by one of our partner colleges, please contact the college directly for information on fees and funding.

* 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. The University will give further details to both prospective and current students as soon as more information becomes available.

How to apply

All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
UCAS will ask for the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code.
To apply for this course and for more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, please visit the UCAS website.

Progression routes

Completing this course enables you to progress onto these related courses and programmes with the University of Plymouth at level 5 or level 6, as specifically defined by this programme’s progression agreement.

For further information, including the progression from foundation degree form, please visit https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/business-partners/partnerships/academic-partnerships/study-guide/progression-to-honours-degree

Our partnership with Cornwall 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. 

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.

Studying with Cornwall College

Looking to study a specialist subject at university level? Want to do it in one of the most beautiful places in the world? Our wide range of courses gives you the chance to pick up the skills and experience you’ll need for your chosen profession.
Plymouth students working on a group project