Chief Mate DipHE Nautical Science course in Fleetwood. Classes run at Fleetwood Nautical Campus, part-time during the day over four years. This chief mate DipHE nautical science qualification develops the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed for a senior deck officer role in the maritime industry. It aligns with MCA requirements for management level deck officers, covering both Chief Mate and Master level education and training, when combined with the required short courses. To enrol, you must hold a CertHE Nautical Science, an MCA-approved Level 4 or higher qualification meeting STCW II/1 OOW Unlimited criteria, or an appropriate STCW II/1 OOW Unlimited Certificate of Competency.
Who this course is for
If you want to obtain an MCA issued Certificate of Competency as a Chief Mate, this course is key to achieving your career goal. The Diploma in Higher Education (DipHE) Nautical Science programme develops the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for a career as a senior deck officer in the maritime industry. This qualification fully aligns to the MCA requirements regarding education and training of management level deck officers (Chief Mate and Master), when combined with the short courses set out in MSN 1856. Depending on your career path or career goals, you may be eligible to study face-to-face onsite over a period of around 6 months, or you may be able to study by Blended Learning, which utilises a block-and-blend approach with a mix of distance learning and block attendance. There will be a requirement for BL students to attend on site up to 4 x 1 week blocks. This will be agreed with the team and yourself. The programme welcomes you, especially if you are: an experienced officer of the watch, looking to upskill to Chief Mate; a holder of a non-UK CoC and wish to convert to an MCA issued Chief Mate Unlimited CoC. If you already possess an Education and Training letter confirming that you have successfully studied all the required subjects Chief Mate criteria, you do not need this course. This list is not exhaustive, so if you are unsure if this is the course for you, our team will be able to give you the initial advice and guidance you need to have confidence that you are on the right programme for you. Students who have previously studied the SQA Advanced Certificate or Advanced Diploma in Nautical Science (from September 2020 onwards) may be eligible to transfer into this programme. Eligibility will be assessed on a case-by-case basis by the curriculum team, based on completed modules and alignment with the current programme structure.
Entry requirements
To study on this programme, you must meet at least one of the criteria below: Successful completion of CertHE Nautical Science; Hold an MCA-approved level 4 or higher qualification that meets the criteria for STCW II/1 OOW Unlimited CoC; Hold an appropriate STCW II/1 OOW Unlimited CoC; International students may require an overall band score of 5.5 and a minimum of 4 in each element of IELTS.
What you will learn
You'll develop the knowledge and skills required for management level deck officer roles.
You'll study the MCA requirements for Chief Mate and Master certification.
You'll build understanding of maritime navigation and vessel management at senior level.
You'll apply the behaviours and responsibilities expected of a senior deck officer.
You'll work toward meeting STCW management level competency standards.
How you will learn
You'll study through classroom-based sessions at Fleetwood Nautical Campus, attending part-time during the day. The programme combines taught sessions with assessments designed to meet MCA education and training requirements for management level deck officers. Assessment methods will be confirmed by the centre before you start.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Fleetwood Nautical Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Chief Mate, working aboard large commercial vessels at management level.
Ship's Master, commanding ocean-going or coastal vessels.
Senior Deck Officer, overseeing navigation and deck operations.
Maritime Operations Manager, managing vessel operations from shore.
Harbour Master, overseeing port and harbour safety and operations.
What you could study next
MCA Certificate of Competency as Chief Mate: the vocational licence this programme prepares you for, achieved by combining the DipHE with required short courses and sea service.
BSc Nautical Science: a full honours degree for those wanting to extend their academic qualification in the maritime field.
Master Mariner Certificate of Competency: the next step for those aiming to command vessels as Ship's Master.
