Nautical Science (bsc Honours) in Cork Institute of Technology, Ireland

Nautical Science (bsc Honours) in Cork Institute of Technology

Course summary

On successful completion of this programme the learner will be able to demonstrate:

• A comprehensive knowledge of the theory, concepts and methods pertaining to navigation, ship operations, management in a maritime context and transport by sea.
• The ability to acquire knowledge through research, critical thinking and to solve marine and ship operation related problems.
• The ability to specify and use appropriate techniques, skills and tools to conduct the safe operation of ships and to mangage a variety of maritime operations.
• The ability to manage, evaluate and critically analyse complex navigational and operational situations and to exercise appropriate and autonomous judgment in such functions.
• The ability to identify, formulate and use problem solving skills in a professional, accountable and creative manner in a wide range of maritime contexts.
• The ability to work autonomously and as a member of a multidicipinary team and to take a leadership role within complex teams.
• The ability to manage his/her learning needs at the personal and professional level and to aticulate and defend the need for continuous learning.
• A comprehensive understanding of the wider social, business and environmental issues within which the nautical profession operates and the need for ethical standards including the responsibilities towards people and the environment.

Career

Career prospects are excellent. There is always a need for high quality personnel. At present, there is a shortage of junior ships’ officers and there is an expectation that those starting now should rise quickly to senior positions.

A career at sea does not mean a lifetime at sea. Positions ashore include harbour masters, pilots in the major ports of the world, marine equipment producers/suppliers, marine law and insurance, ship classification societies, marine and ship surveying with the Department of Transport (and its equivalent in other countries) who monitor shipping using its ports and territorial waters, management, cargo handling, training and education.

While many of the career opportunities mentioned above are usually dependant on the applicant having a Master Mariner Certificate of Competency, those with an Honours degree, in addition, will have more attractive employment prospects in these areas.