Careers
80 per cent of our graduates are either in employment or further study within six months of finishing their degree.
Do you want to become a professional seafarer where you are an officer in charge of ships or to work in the exciting shore side maritime sector?
Whatever your aspirations, we’ll make sure you get the academic support you need to succeed and excel in your chosen career.
Our applied course delivers real world experience, engaging you with interesting and challenging study opportunities and is designed with employability in mind.
The maritime sector
The maritime sector in the UK is huge with a turnover of £40 billion per year, it’s twice the size of our aerospace or agricultural sectors.
The job you want is out there, and we’ll help you develop the perfect package of personal and professional skills to beat the competition.
If you gain sponsorship you’ll also have the chance to spend a year working for your sponsor at sea, where you will have the opportunity to develop the skills you've learnt over the past two years as a trainee ships officer.
"There are times at sea that can be hard but there are also some pretty incredible times too. You have to realise that there can be negative aspects to the life at sea, especially as a female; but don’t let it get to you, use the negatives to build and become the best person you can be. I am just one of many women proving that females can be officers and good ones at that. This is a fantastic career path with lots of opportunities to travel, to earn, and to grow as a person.
Studying Navigation and Maritime Science (NMS) provided me with a theoretical knowledge and confidence in my ability to build on during my year at sea. You are taught to think for yourself and encouraged to increase your subject knowledge, whilst receiving invaluable guidance and support from the NMS lecturers."
Sarah Bloomer - BSc (Hons) Navigation and Maritime Science graduate
"Middle of the Irish Sea, gale force winds, ship rolling like there’s no tomorrow and then the next day the sea glazed over like a mirror, sun in the sky and dolphins following the ship, there aren’t many places I’d rather be.
Navigation and maritime science was unknown to me until a University of Plymouth open day. After discovering it, I knew it was the course for me. Learning about lots of aspects of the maritime industry in the classroom then putting them into practice on simulators and at sea."
Ella Mackinem – FdSc (Hons) Navigation and Maritime Science undergraduate