HNC/FdSc Operational Yacht Science
Falmouth Marine School - 29 September 2024
Level 4 Levels Explained
1 Year
Marine Engineering & Boatbuilding Find out more
Full-time
HNC/FdSc Operational Yacht Science
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/2022/02/FdSc-Operational-Yacht-Science-Programme-Specification-2021-22.pdf
Download HNC Operational Science Specification at https://www.cornwall.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HNC-Operational-Yacht-Science-Programme-Specification-2022-23.pdf
What you will learn
Indicative Modules Year 1:
Yacht Operations
Yacht Theory & Practice
Navigation & Meteorology
Marine Engineering
Personal & Employability Skills Development
Optional Modules:
Reflective Practice
Sail Strategy
Entry requirements
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.
Assessment
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.
Progression
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
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.
Yacht Operations
Yacht Theory & Practice
Navigation & Meteorology
Marine Engineering
Personal & Employability Skills Development
Optional Modules:
Reflective Practice
Sail Strategy

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.
Related Topics
Dates & Locations
- Location - Falmouth Marine School
- Start Date - 29 September 2024
- UCAS Code - H3K1
- Apply Now
In partnership with

Course Code 12573-FMS-24
Fees apply to adults and HE students only. Only the most common fees scenario is shown. Actual fees may vary depending on your personal situation. Please contact us for further information.
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.