Designed for ambitious maritime professionals, the BSc Maritime Studies has been developed to support students to a degree qualification. The course recognises the practical experience of cadets and supports them on their student journey to gain a degree. The course consists of 120 SCQF level credits at level 9 and depending on your academic qualifications can be completed in 1-2 years.
Year 1
During the course you will have the opportunity to:
- Evidence contemporary professional practice in the maritime industry and personal and professional development needs to maintain professional currency
- Develop an understanding of the relevant legal and regulatory aspects of the maritime sector
- Develop an understanding of the main cyber security threats to the maritime industry and skills in supporting safe and secure shipping that is operationally resilient to cyber risks
Year 2
During this year you will learn Project Management, which will provide an overview of the key principles, practices and concepts of project management operations, the tools and techniques used and an overall understanding of the broad project environment.
Interdisciplinary Course
The BSc Maritime Studies is a new interdisciplinary course and is supported by expert staff from School of Law and Social Society, Aberdeen Business School and School of Computing and Engineering Technology.
Learning Methods
The course is designed to encourage students to combine elements of their learning from both the BSc and their previous learning to show their accumulated and integrated knowledge and understanding. The professionally-orientated nature of the course enables students to develop general and specific skills through a combination of teaching and learning methods including supported portfolio development to evidence independent learning and directed academic support including online tutorials, discussion forums, and private study.
The course is delivered through a combination of live online sessions and access anytime materials in order to maximise flexibility for students. Peer collaboration is encouraged through the online tutorials and discussion forums.
Tutorials are delivered by live online sessions that are recorded for those who are not able to join in real time
You will learn online using our virtual learning environment, Moodle.
How long is a BSc Maritime Studies course?
You can complete the Maritime Studies course within 1-2 years.
*Students starting the course following completion of the Scottish Professional Diploma Nautical Science or Marine Engineering can complete the Maritime Studies course within 1 year.
Activity Summary
- Tutorial - 10-20 students per group, 4 hours per week
- Independent Study - 5 hours per week
- Placement/Work based study - 10 hour per week
Independent study
The course has been designed to build on existing knowledge and understanding of the maritime sector. While there will be collaborative activities to facilitate learning the course has a wealth of 'access anytime' resources allowing the student flexibility over the timing and access of content, and supporting time at sea. The course has been designed to support the student to confidently and accurately engage in the use of technology for learning and for self-directed study.
Staff delivering on this course
The course is delivered by staff whose combined expertise includes a long history of successfully supporting students studying at a distance, and includes staff with teaching and research specialisms in Maritime Law, International Law of the Sea, Public International Law, Energy Law and Policy, Cyber Security & Resilience and Project Management and Leadership.
Assessment
Typically students are assessed:
Year 1
- 2 reports
- 1 portfolio
- 2 set exercises
Year 2
- 2 reports
Employer Support
Employers can help support their Maritime Studies students by:
- by providing opportunities for students to gain and apply knowledge relevant to their Maritime career and to acquire experiences, build competences and reflect on personal and professional development.
- encouraging students to take personal responsibility for their learning as they apply knowledge and give adequate feedback thus increasing confidence and self-esteem
- providing access to new projects and involvement in activities designed to further the student’s portfolio of capabilities.
- encouraging students to work both individually and with colleagues and support students to try out new ideas and approaches.
- providing students protected time to undertake work-based learning activities and complete study-related activities such as participation in live online teaching sessions, or activities related to building a portfolio or completing assessments.
- supplying a private study space to allow full and uninterrupted participation in interactive online sessions.
Job Prospects
The BSc Maritime Studies is a one-year course that equips students with the acumen to navigate current and future maritime challenges. From understanding maritime law to embracing digitalisation, the BSc Maritime Studies enhances a student’s employability across a wide range of role destinations. BSc Maritime Studies graduates will emerge as sought-after professionals with a strong foundation in cyber safety protocols, law, and leadership.
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The course consists of 60-120 SCQF level credits at level 9.
You may be able to continue to collect credit by undertaking short courses and working towards a BSc Hons Professional Studies Award:
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Collect academic credit flexibly and claim an award from the University. ÐßÐßÊÓƵflex delivers on-demand flexible learning where you can upskill, reskill or pursue a passion. It can also be used by employers to allow them to build an education pathway for their employees to gain the skills and knowledge to meet business needs.
What is needed for a Maritime Studies Course?
Standard entry requirements - 2 year duration
Entrants must:
- Hold an HND in Nautical Science or Marine Engineering or Technology or an equivalent qualification
- Normally be employed
Advanced entry requirements - 1 year duration
Entrants who hold an HND in Nautical Science or Marine Engineering or Technology or an equivalent qualification plus a Scottish Professional Diploma (worth 300 credits in total) in a relevant subject, normally undertaken in the past 5 years.
Applicants who are interested in applying for advanced entry will be considered on an individual basis.
English Language Requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.
We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:
Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.
Academic Year 2026-2027
Scottish Students
Part Time
| Online | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 2 years | Year 1 | £910 |
| Year 2 | £910 | |
Rest of UK Students
Part Time
| Online | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 2 years | Year 1 | £2700 |
| Year 2 | £2700 | |
International Students
Part Time
| Online | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 2 years | Year 1 | £2700 |
| Year 2 | £2700 | |
Academic Year 2025-2026
Scottish Students
Part Time
| Online | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 2 years | Year 1 | £910 |
| Year 2 | £910 | |
Rest of UK Students
Part Time
| Online | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 2 years | Year 1 | £2610 |
| Year 2 | £2610 | |
International Students
Part Time
| Online | ||
|---|---|---|
| Over 2 years | Year 1 | £2610 |
| Year 2 | £2610 | |
Additional Costs
Some other costs are not included in the course fees:
- The cost of books that you may wish to purchase.
- Costs associated with any placement / study abroad
- Accommodation and Living Costs
- Printing
Scholarships and Financial Awards
You may qualify for a scholarship or financial award:
Disclaimer
For new intakes, course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information:
Any questions?
Get in touch with our Student Admissions Service and we'll do our best to help.