HNC/FdSc Operational Yacht Science

Ask a Question Course Brochure How to Apply 
LOCATION & START DATE
Falmouth Marine School - 30 August 2025
LEVEL
Level 4 Levels Explained
DURATION
1 Year
LEARNING AREA
Marine Engineering & Boatbuilding Find out more
ATTENDANCE
Full-time

Course information

The port of Antibes, French Riviera with super yachts moored This programme is designed for those who aspire to be the future crew bosuns officers and captains of the superyacht sector. It is designed to run alongside relevant Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) awards, to give deeper knowledge and understanding of the topics, and to give you more choice and an edge for your future career choices. It is run in partnership with UKSA in Cowes, Isle of Wight, as part of their Professional Yacht Cadetship.

The cadetship requires a minimum of three years commitment to training, with phases of study on the Isle of Wight as well as periods of working onboard superyachts around the world. You will be required to make a Professional Yacht Cadetship application to UKSA, followed by a two day selection in Cowes, Isle of Wight.

On successful completion of the one year HNC, you will gain direct entry onto the second year of the programme, allowing you to gain an FdSc Operational Yacht Science qualification.

This programme does not follow the traditional academic year as it is designed around the superyacht season. It is studied in intensive blocks of time at UKSA and supported through Moodle (our virtual learning platform). There are additional costs for this programme to cover the cost of the Cadetship. You may be able to get help with this, contact us for more information. Time spent working on board yachts in between phases of study at UKSA are fully paid periods of employment. Earning on average €2,000 a month (Deckhand).

Download FdSc Operational Yacht Science Specification at https://www.cornwall.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/FdSc-Operational-Yacht-Science-Programme-Specification-2024-25.pdf  

Download HNC Operational Science Specification at https://www.cornwall.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/HNC-Operational-Yacht-Science-Programme-Specification-2024-25.pdf  

Indicative Modules Year 1:

Yacht Operations
Yacht Theory & Practice
Navigation & Meteorology
Marine Engineering
Personal & Employability Skills Development

Optional Modules:

Reflective Practice
Sail Strategy

48 UCAS points from AS and A-Levels (at least 32 points must be at A2-level) or relevant level 3 qualification, ie BTEC National Diploma / BTEC Extended Diploma - PPP Grades required (specific unit grades may be requested). Access to HE Diplomas in a relevant subject - 45 credits at level 3 (specific unit grades may be requested). Plus GCSEs at grade C/grade 4 or above in English Language, Science and Mathematics: alternatives at Level 2 may be considered. Mature applicants with relevant experience but without the stated qualifications will be considered individually and are encouraged to apply.

You will be assessed using a range of methods. Some are practical, although the majority of assessment consists of reports and critical analysis of the yachting environment. The yachtmaster elements of the cadetship are practical assessments.

Possible Progression (subject to availability and successful completion of the FdSc)

– BSc (Hons) Navigation & Maritime Science final year at University of Plymouth


Possible Careers:

Enter the superyacht industry after phase 1 of study at UKSA in Cowes as a Deckhand. Through industry experience and continued phases of certification and training at UKSA progress to:

Lead Deckhand

Bosun

Officer

Captain After a life at sea/shoreside roles:

Superyacht brokerage

Yacht management

Yacht build project management

Superyacht recruitment

– Superyacht insurance

Falmouth Marine School

Falmouth Marine School

With a modern campus in the centre of Falmouth and boat workshops on the waterfront, studying at Falmouth Marine School is joyous. Few colleges in the country can boast the exceptional experience you will have, whether it’s studying to become the next marine scientist, marine engineer, boatbuilder, or watersports industry expert. There is a special, friendly and dynamic atmosphere on campus, which is backed up by a supportive and highly knowledgeable team. It’s no surprise that our alumni always recommend Falmouth Marine School to have your #careercollege experience.


Find out more about our Falmouth campus


Start your application

Course type University
Apply now via UCAS
Tuition Fees: £4300.00
Per academic year for UK students. Detailed information can be found in our Financial Support Section.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
In light of the recent announcement by the Government, there is a possibility that the advertised fees may be subject to change which are currently shown in the 2025 / 26 pdf on this page.
Financial support for University students
Ask a Question Download a course brochure
In partnership with
PLY
Share

Course Code 12573-FMS-25

Courses listed on this website are indicative of the subject, nature and level of study. The College reserves the right to alter specific qualifications titles, awarding bodies and levels of qualification, which can change in year. Any cost may also vary, based on personal funding eligibility. The Cornwall College Group reserves the right to withdraw any course listed at any time.

HNC/FdSc Operational Yacht Science Level 4 Falmouth Marine School YachtScience, Yacht, Science, Navigation, Meteorology, MarineEngineering
Cornwall College Career Dashboard

Why choose a career in Marine Engineering & Boatbuilding?

Engineer (Fishing)

£ 

Average salary

Find our more about a career as a
Engineer (Fishing)

Boat Builder

£ 

Average salary

Find our more about a career as a
Boat Builder

Marine Engineer

£ 

Average salary

Find our more about a career as a
Marine Engineer

Marine Fitter

£ 

Average salary

Find our more about a career as a
Marine Fitter