FdSc Maritime Science: Applied Meterology and Oceanography - Course overview
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This course is delivered by one of our partner institutions. Please visit their website for course details and the latest information about entry requirements, tuition fees and bursaries. Information about teaching and assessment methods, facilities and support services, the library, computing, social, sports and recreational activities is also available on the College's own website, along with details about accommodation, childcare and open days.

The College is a partner of the University of Plymouth Colleges Faculty (UPC). This network of learning providers brings the opportunity to local communities across the South West to study for Plymouth University awards.
Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST) Hydrographic, Meteorological and Oceanographic (HM) school is located within HMS Drake, part of Her Majesty's Naval Base in Devonport, Plymouth.  Situated on the site of the former Hydrographic School, the school, was re-opened by the then Commander-in-Chief Fleet, Admiral Sir Jonathon Band, when the Hydrographic and Meteorological schools were collocated in April 2003. 

FOST HM trains specialist Officers and Ratings of the Royal Navy's Warfare Branch in Hydrography, Meteorology and Oceanography to provide a thorough understanding of the complex physical environment in which the ships, aircraft, submarines and people of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines operate.

The school delivers internationally renowned training for RN personnel, as well as students sponsored by foreign governments, and has recently hosted students from as far afield as Australia, Bangladesh, Denmark, Egypt, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Singapore, South Africa, Turkey and the United States of America.  Courses inevitably contain a good measure of theory and science, but major upon practical skills and experience that prepare personnel for duties in sea-going and shore based jobs observing, recording, analysing and forecasting conditions from the seabed to the outer limits of the atmosphere.

The advent of multi-beam echo sounders, digital side-scan sonar, underwater unmanned vehicles, 'on-screen' meteorological analysis and satellite remote sensing are a few examples of technological developments that continue to revolutionise the HM business.  Students use the latest equipment and techniques throughout each course to ensure that they are fully prepared to work in all manner of roles in platforms that vary from the smallest to the largest in the Fleet. 

Courses are nationally and internationally accredited with certification provided by the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO), the World Meteorological Organisation, the National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Council (soon to be replaced with the Qualifications and Credit Framework) and the Institute of Marine Engineers, Scientists and Technicians (IMarEST).

The scope of courses delivered at FOST HM that are run in conjunction with Plymouth University qualify students with:

Postgraduate Diploma Applied Meteorology and Oceanography
Postgraduate Diploma Hydrographic Surveying
BSc (Hons) Maritime Science
BSc (Hons) Maritime Science: Applied Meteorology and Oceanography
FdSc Maritime Science: Applied Hydrographic Survey
FdSc Maritime Science: Applied Meteorology and Oceanography

The Centre of Excellence in Naval Oceanographic Research (CENORE), a joint venture between the Plymouth University, Britannia Royal Naval College and FOST HM, provides a focus for Royal Navy personnel seeking advanced academic degrees and offers a platform for the development of research and enterprise activities of mutual interest to the Royal Navy and the University.

​Contact Details

Flag Officer Sea Training, Hydrographic, Meteorological and Oceanographic (FOST HM) School
Upper Battery Road
HMS Drake
Devonport
Plymouth
Devon PL2 2BG
 
Tel: +44(0) 1752 555886
Visit:  
Studying with our Partner Colleges
UPC Faculty partners range from large Further Education Colleges with a broad mix of students and courses, to smaller specialist institutions with unique facilities. Colleges offer an experience uniquely different to what can be found on large university campuses. As a student you will benefit from a supportive learning environment in a small friendly community. However your course will be of the same high quality and standard as all university courses and your qualification will be awarded by Plymouth University.

You can take advantage of the facilities and services that your local College provides and the additional support and resources available from the University. At the start of your course, you will be given a university computing account that will enable you to access a wealth of electronic resources and study guides.

Every UPC Faculty student is automatically a member of UPSU – the University of Plymouth Students' Union.

University of Plymouth Colleges Faculty
Plymouth University works in partnership with colleges, schools and other organisations throughout the South West to offer you the opportunity to study in your local area, or to attend specialist courses not widely available nationally. A range of vocational courses from honours degrees, foundation degrees and HND/HNCs to University short courses and CPD awards are provided via the University of Plymouth Colleges Faculty (UPC) partnership.

Our courses are designed in close collaboration with employers combining academic study with work-based learning to equip you for a job in your chosen industry.

Foundation degrees are equivalent to the first two years of a full-time undergraduate degree and usually take two years to complete, when studied full-time. Many of our courses are available on a part-time basis which makes them particularly suitable for students with other commitments, such as work or family.

Further study and progression opportunities
Many of our foundation degree graduates take advantage of the progression opportunities and go on to study for a related honours degree at Plymouth University, usually with just one further year of study (please note there is a progression application deadline and places may be subject to availability).