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Skip Navigation LinksPlymouth University > courses > undergraduate > BSc (Hons) Marine Studies (Ocean Yachting)

​This degree is for students who wish to pursue a career in the professional yachting industry or work in the management of shore-based marine industries. The course focusses on the interaction of the marine environment, the human element and modern technology. The course is integrated with a vocational training programme which leads to a full professional qualification.

A BSc (Hons) Marine Studies degree enables you to go forward with confidence to the wide choice of career that comes from gaining a modern degree in one of the UK’s top universities. Although your first job after graduating may be closely linked to what you have studied, the skills that you gain during your degree will enable you to benefit from new experiences and critically analyse your progress. This is part of a process which will broaden your horizons and raise your expectations.

This course is offered by the School of Marine Science and Engineering

Caught in a storm

Find out what happened when some new recruits from Plymouth University battled against a raging storm in the North Atlantic.
Sailing yacht

Yacht sailing through the sea

Photo of Francis ColledgeWhat the students say



"Throughout the course I was able to study a wide range of modules, building a wealth of knowledge across the yachting industry. Our field trips also proved to be very useful, particularly our week’s sailing around the west coast of Scotland. This is where it all started to tie together for the final year."

Francis Colledge
Assistant Forecaster, Fugro GEOS

​Professional accreditation

Accredited by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
Maritime and Coastguard Agency logo

​What the students say

'My time at Plymouth allowed me to gain the experience I was looking for but also, through my studies, to build it on a foundation of theoretical and technical knowledge. The high level of practical ability and qualifications now required to reach the top of the profession has changed the industry from one seen as a 'beach-bum lifestyle' in to a highly skilled and professional industry which I have found hugely rewarding.'
 
Matt Cowpe
 

Students and Andrew Eccleston on a yacht

​On a modern degree course you can expect to find many different approaches to teaching – it’s not just a case of sitting there and taking notes!

Most modules include lectures, but you will also develop your learning through the following activities:

  • Tutorials, seminars and groupwork
  • Problem-based learning and case studies
  • Debate and critiques
  • Oral and visual presentations
  • Project work and report writing
  • Fieldwork and practicals
  • Professional development planning