Mode of Study

Full-time

Start Date

25th Aug 2025, 1 year

Location

Riverside Campus

Applications from International Students Welcome

Overview

The maritime industry is anything related to the Oceans, Sea, Shipping, Ports and Harbours and everything in between.  As an island nation, the UK has one of the most vibrant and competitive maritime sectors in the world and is set to grow over the next few decades. 

The Merchant Navy is the collective term for commercial shipping and includes a variety of vessels from cruise ships to tankers and cargo ships of all descriptions.  To train as an officer in the merchant navy, you will first need to pick a specialisation - Deck, Electro-technical or Marine Engineering.

Our pre-cadetship programme has been designed to give you experience in all three areas of the Merchant Navy and is suitable if you haven't decided which branch is best for you or if you've missed out on the entry requirements for a full cadetship.

Entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements

• Four National 5 qualifications at Grade C or above in the following subjects - Mathematics, English, Physical Science (e.g. Physics; Engineering Science etc) and one other subject (e.g. Geography; Computing Science etc); OR
• Successful completion of a Pre-cadetship at SCQF level 5; OR
• Other equivalent qualifications or experience.

Additional selection requirements

You'll be invited for a group and/or individual interview where you can find out more about the course and tell us why you're interested in this subject area or we'll make an offer based on your application form. 

ESOL entry requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should have minimum SQA ESOL National 5 or equivalent for NC/NQ courses and ESOL Higher or equivalent for HNC/D courses.

What you study

The Level 6 Pre Cadet Course will focus on several key subjects including:

• Transverse Stability.
• Nautical Science: An Introduction.
• Maths for the Maritime Industry.
• Marine Mechanics: An Introduction.

You will also focus on your development, communication, teamwork and employability skills.

The course will give you a taste of all three Merchant Navy career streams giving you a real insight into what each department onboard a ship does. Throughout the year we will organise industry speakers and experience days to give you a real flavour of what a career in the Maritime Industry is all about.

After the course

Careers

This course has been designed to provide an access route into the Merchant Navy through a fully sponsored SPD Cadetship with a renowned shipping company.  These cadetships are all sponsored three-year programmes, which will give you training at a world-class college and a guaranteed work placement onboard a ship anywhere in the world.

Teaching

How the course is taught

Assessment methods