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University of Tasmania

  • 17% international / 83% domestic

Advanced Diploma of Applied Science (Nautical Science)

  • Diploma

This program of study is provided for students who intend to embark on a career in the maritime industry as navigating (Deck) Officers and Masters on commercial vessels. It provides the knowledge and skills required to safely manage and operate vessels.

Key details

Degree Type
Diploma
Duration
3.5 - 8 years full-time
Course Code
22Q, 093278M

About this course

This program of study is provided for students who intend to embark on a career in the maritime industry as navigating (Deck) Officers and Masters on commercial vessels. It provides the knowledge and skills required to safely manage and operate vessels.

Course content includes navigation and vessel handling, cargo and passenger transport, vessel management, marine legislation and shipboard safety. The program is designed to integrate with professional short courses and training at sea so that successful students will not only obtain an Advanced Diploma or Bachelor Degree but also a Certificate of Competency issued by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).

The program is fully compliant with the training and educational requirements of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW Convention, as amended in 2010).

Course Coordinator: Neil Pereira
Email contact: N.Pereira@utas.edu.au

Entry requirements

All international students will need to meet the minimum English Language Requirements, University General Entry Requirements and any course specific requirements such as pre-requisite subjects, if applicable.

English Language Requirements

This degree requires an IELTS (Academic) of 5.5, with no individual band less than 5.0, or a PTE Academic score of 43, with no score lower than 36 or equivalent.

For students who do not meet the English Language Requirement through citizenship or prior studies in English in an approved country, evidence of an approved English language test completed within the last 2 years must be provided. See the English Language Requirements page for more information.

General Entry Requirements

Admission to undergraduate courses at the University of Tasmania requires the completion of qualifications equivalent to a 12th year of education in Australia.

We anticipate the lowest ATAR that will receive an offer for this course in 2022 will be 60.

Please review the equivalent undergraduate entry requirements to see the minimum requirement relevant to your country.

You can also meet the General Entry Requirement for this course with the following qualifications or prior studies:

  • Completion of an equivalent AQF Certificate IV or above
  • Complete or incomplete (minimum 25 credit points) of previous tertiary study at Bachelor level or higher

If you do not meet the minimum requirements, we offer the Foundation Studies Program.

Course Specific Requirements

The following course specific requirements must be met to be eligible to study this degree.

To be an eligible for an offer, you must have studies or experience equivalent to a satisfactory achievement in the following Tasmanian Senior Secondary subjects:

  • Mathematics General (MTG315123) or equivalent, and
  • Physical Sciences (PSC315109) or equivalent (equivalency includes CHM415115 Chemistry OR PHY415115 Physics)

If you have not met a required pre-requisite, you will need to complete a University of Tasmania Foundation Studies Program before you start your course.

A range of admission pathways are available to students with relevant prior studies in nautical science. These are outlined in the "Alternative entry pathways" section on this page.

COURSE PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS

This course includes compulsory Work Integrated Learning (professional experience placements). In order to participate in placements, all students must:

  • Complete a Safe to Practice Agreement declaring they have the medical, physical or psychological capacity to safely participate in professional experience practice.

What you will learn

  • 1 Plan and conduct ship navigation and facilitate cargo handling and storage using nautical concepts and principles to ensure ship safety.
  • 2 Assess nautical problems in standard-operational and emergency scenarios by analysing and interpreting a range of data sources to meet stakeholder requirements.
  • 3 Support the safe operation of a ship, and care for its people by using management theories and leadership skills required as a deck officer.
  • 4 Demonstrate Professional stewardship through the use of ethical codes and regulatory frameworks to maintain the safety of persons and the protection of the environment.
  • Career pathways

    The Advanced Diploma of Applied Science (Nautical Science) is the recognised pathway to becoming an AMSA certified deck officer. This degree provides additional knowledge and skills that will be of benefit to students seeking a career ashore. The degree will also equip professional deck officers with the additional knowledge and skills that they are likely to require to take up senior shore-based professional positions such as:

    • Senior position in a shipyard
    • Fleet manager in a shipping company
    • Crew manager / shipping agent
    • Marine superintendent or safety manager in a shipping company
    • Product, R&D, sales and service managers in companies supplying maritime equipment
    • Surveyor in a Classification Society
    • Marine Surveyor with a Port State Control authority such as AMSA
    • Work in Marine insurance companies
    • Mediators / Arbitrators
    • Maritime Education and Training, research and teaching positions
    Professional Accreditation

    The Advanced Diploma of Applied Science (Nautical Science) is approved by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) for eligibility towards the following Certificates of Competency: Watchkeeper Deck, Mate/Master Less than 500GT.

    The Advanced Diploma of Applied Science (Nautical Science) is approved by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) for eligibility towards the following Certificates of Competency: Watchkeeper Deck, Mate/Master Less than 500GT.

    Course structure

    The Advanced Diploma of Applied Science (Nautical Science) requires the completion of 200 credit points as follows:

    Year 1 (Pre Sea - Deck) - 56.25 credit points. Comprises core units (31.25 credit points), short course units (25 credit points) and At Sea units totaling (12.5 credit points).

    Year 2 (Watchkeeper (Deck), Mate/Master <500GT and Yachts - 131.25 credit points. Comprises core units (93.75 credit points) and short course units (37.5 credit points).

    Alternative Entry points

    A number of defined entry pathways are available into this course. These pathways recognise that students may be commencing the course with existing experience and/or qualifications or intending to apply for specific professional licences or Certificates of Competency. Students entering the course via alternative pathway entry points should contact a Student Adviser via U.Connect@utas.edu.au for individual enrolment advice.

    When Does My Course Start?

    Launceston (On-campus)

    Intake 1 (AMC MT Main Block 1)

    • Admission closing date: 3 February 2023
    • Short course induction: tba
    • Short course commencement: tba
    • Orientation week: 13-17 February 2023
    • Semester 1 commences: Monday 20 February 2023

    Intake 2 (AMC MT Main Block 3)

    • Admission closing date: 16 June 2023
    • Short course induction: tba
    • Short course commencement: tba
    • Orientation week: 3-7 July 2023
    • Semester 2 commences: Monday 10 July 2023

    Credit for prior study or work

    Passes in subjects or units in other courses (completed or otherwise) in this university or another approved tertiary institution (or other approved professional learning body) may be credited towards the degree provided that the College may specify what more a candidate so credited shall be required to do to qualify for the degree. The maximum credit granted will be in accordance with the limits as stated in the Student Participation and Attainment Ordinance.

    Graduate outcomes

    Graduate satisfaction and employment outcomes for Science & Mathematics courses at University of Tasmania.
    80.9%
    Overall satisfaction
    87.8%
    Skill scale
    74.3%
    Teaching scale
    58.4%
    Employed full-time
    $60k
    Average salary