Marine Learning Alliance

HISTORY

MLA College is a provider of online and distance learning degrees in a range of Maritime and Marine based subjects. They offer both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees which are taught by distance learning, both online and offline, allowing students to obtain a relevant degree in Maritime and Marine subjects whilst balancing their careers and other life commitments. They are an award winning educational provider with all their degree programmes being fully accredited by Plymouth University. Currently they offer fully tutor-supported undergraduate and postgraduate distance learning courses in Hydrography through their Hydrographic Academy. The Hydrographic Academy provides educational qualifications designed specifically to meet the needs of marine industry professionals and employers working in the field of hydrographic surveying.

For those interested in marine and maritime business and management they offer distance learning undergraduate and postgraduate degree qualifications in Sustainable Maritime Operations, these e-learning degrees are perfect for all types of seafarers. Both the MSc and BSc in Sustainable Maritime Operations (SMO) are designed to give world class qualifications and provide the student with a wide array of both maritime subject-specific and transferable business and managerial skills. In addition to their educational programmes, they also offer technology-enhanced education and training to a number of large organisations both within and outside the marine and maritime sectors.

COURSES

MLA College offers Higher Education degree qualifications in Partnership with Plymouth University. Adding to the established Hydrographic Academy courses, new programmes include undergraduate and postgraduate degree qualifications in Sustainable Maritime Operations for Seafarers (Deck and Engineer), and Master’s programmes in Hydrography, Meteorology, Oceanography and Navigation.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

GCSE: all applicants must have GCSE (or equivalent) Mathematics and English at grade C or above.

Students are admitted to the MSc on the basis of one of the following:

• A diploma/foundation degree (FdSc/HND) in Marine Engineering/Navigation Science (or equivalent) plus at least two years work experience as a senior officer (2nd officer and above).
• A relevant undergraduate degree.
• Portfolio accreditation of Accredited Prior Learning (APL) and relevant work experience.

Students are admitted to the BSc on the basis of one of the following:

• An equivalent to year two of a British degree in a relevant subject.
• Portfolio accreditation of Accredited Prior Learning (APL) and relevant work experience.

ACADEMIC STRENGTHS

They are a Partner College of Plymouth University and the University is the awarding body for all of their degree qualifications. By studying their distance e-learning degree with them, when the student graduate it will receive a full degree or Master’s award from Plymouth University exactly the same as if it had attended a full time on a campus degree course.

In the UK, Plymouth has a strong record of excellence, enterprise and innovation across its teaching, learning and research activities. Plymouth is ranked within the top 50 research universities in the UK and one of the top 10 modern UK universities as detailed in the Times Higher Top 100 Under 50 world rankings. It is within the top 5 global green universities and 2nd greenest university in the UK demonstrating its commitment to embedding sustainability into the curriculum. MLA College is part of Academic Partnerships within Plymouth University, which houses over 15,000 students studying across the region and beyond. Academic Partnerships works closely to support MLA College in development and review of the programme to ensure the highest quality of teaching and learning is offered. The majority of provision delivered is at HE Level 4, 5 and 6 comprising of HNCs, HNDs, Foundation Degrees and Bachelors Awards however some Masters level study is also delivered.

TEACHING STANDARDS

Students benefit from research ongoing in these areas through various means, including specific expert knowledge of tutors, physical facility availability, opportunities for project work and opportunities for technical consultation with subject experts.

At the Marine Learning Alliance College all students receive individual attention, from initial enquiry and enrolment through their dedicated admissions team, having their own Academic Personal Tutor on call throughout their studies.

CAREERS GUIDANCE

As a student studying Higher Education their programme has been designed to help them to succeed in their career aspirations and has been designed with the involvement of employers. Many of these are prepared to come to the college/Institution to give talks to students about their working environment and the qualities that they expect in potential employees. Many of their teaching staff will also be able to give the student helpful career advice. The College/Institution Careers Service offers information, advice and guidance to students at all stages of their course. Further advice is available from the Plymouth University Careers and Employability Service. As a graduate the student will have a wide choice of career opportunities throughout the private and public sectors, both in the United Kingdom and abroad.