Nautical Science - National Maritime College of Ireland
The programme is aimed at professional seafarers with an undergraduate degree in Nautical Science who wish to further their education and expand employment opportunities both at sea and ashore by obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree.
| Award Name | Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | Munster Technological University |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) | Major | Munster Technological University | Level 8 NFQ |
Duration
1 year full-time.
Entry Requirements
Applicants, who previously completed an Ordinary Bachelor’s degree in Nautical Science can apply for the course.
Applicants who wish to also obtain a Chief Mate Certificate of Competency (CoC) will need to have a Notice of Eligibility (NOE) issued by the Department of Transport in Ireland before commencing the course; this requires having at least 12 months of sea time in an Officer of the Watch capacity. An NOE can be applied for through the Department of Transport (www.seafarers.ie) by completing form SIS 9 – Application for a certificate of competency.
Careers / Further progression
Career Options
The BSc will increase employment options for successful candidates across the marine industry from surveying and regulatory positions to education, training and shipping operations.
Those who successfully pass the DOT Chief Mate orals exams will find new opportunities at sea sailing at higher ranks and will be able to progress to obtain their Masters COC which is the highest deck qualification in merchant navy.
Progression
Successful graduates with sufficient sea time have the option of taking an oral exam at the Department of Transport for a Chief Mate Unlimited Certificate of Competency. Graduates may also continue their studies and obtain Master’s in Science in Maritime Operations.
Further information
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€3,826 (EU Applicants – Academic)
€4,144.25 (EU Applicants – Professional)
€13,500 (Non-EU Applicants)
Application Deadline 15th January 2026
Overview
The programme is aimed at professional seafarers with an undergraduate degree in Nautical Science who wish to further their education and expand employment opportunities both at sea and ashore by obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree.
The programme is designed in accordance with Chief Mate/Master STCW Reg II/2 and on successful completion enables eligible graduates to apply for a Chief Mate Certificate of Competency (CoC) oral examination.
What will I study?
The learners will gain comprehensive knowledge of the theory, concepts and methods relating to marine navigation, shipboard operations, leadership and management in a maritime transport context. They will learn technical and managerial skills and techniques to execute the safe operations of ships in a wide variety of maritime environments.
The students will learn to manage, evaluate and critically analyse complex navigational and operational situations, and exercise appropriate judgement and actions in such functions. They will also gain a comprehensive understanding of wider social, business and environmental issues within which the maritime profession operates including responsibilities towards people and the marine environment. As part of the programme candidates will improve their report writing and analytical skills by completing a research project.
Year 1:
Semester 1:
Mandatory:
NAUT8002 Advanced Seamanship
NAUT8009 Navigation Instrumentation
NAUT8020 Research Project Proposal
NAUT8017 Ship Stability (Management)
Elective:
NAUT8003 Engineering for Deck Officers
NAUT8013 Human Element Leadership and Management
NAUT8006 Maritime Law
NAUT8010 Navigation Management
NAUT8012 Oceanography
NAUT8015 Ship Construction
Semester 2:
Mandatory:
NAUT8008 Navigation (Command)
NAUT8021 Research Dissertation
Elective:
NAUT8001 Advanced Maritime Meteorology
NAUT8004 Leadership and Management
NAUT8007 Naval Command and Training Org
NAUT8011 Ocean Governance
NAUT8016 Ship Masters Business and Law
NAUT8018 Shipboard Operations
NAUT8019 Strategic Studies
Ian Heffernan
Tel: +353 21 4335600
Email: NMCI.Admissions@mtu.ie