Study plan - Bachelor of Nautical Science

The Bachelorprogram in Nautical Science at Western Norway University of Applied Sciences are well anchored in one of the strongest maritime clusters in Norway. Having a Bachelor of Nautical Science makes you an attractive maritime employee both on board and on shore.

Learning outcomes

A candidate with completed qualifications should have the following total learning outcomes:
 

Knowledge

The candidate:

• Has thorough knowledge within the nautical subjects in accordance with STCW 78 as Amended, Regulation II/1 and II/2 and the STCW Code Sections A-II/1 and A-II/2, and tables A-II/1 and A-II/2.
• Has an overall perspective within the nautical subject area, including knowledge of nautical history and traditions, distinctive character and place in society.
• Has broad knowledge of national and international maritime rules and regulations related to operation of ships.
• Has broad knowledge of different methods, theoretical perspectives and problems related to maritime safety and management.
• Has knowledge of mathematics, natural science and maritime English related to operation of ships.
• Has thorough knowledge of obtaining relevant information and solve problems by using subjects such as mathematics, physics, chemistry and methodology in combination with the nautical subjects.
• Has thorough knowledge of the deck officer¿s role in society.
• Is familiar with relevant research and developmental work, scientific method, tools and procedures within the maritime field.
• Is able to update his/her knowledge through e.g. literature searches, contact with different academic, technical or specialist environments and revise own practice.
• Has basic knowledge of innovation processes which contributes to development of the maritime industry.

 

Skills

The candidate:

• Is able to see different subject areas contextualized in order to use knowledge and skills from multiple subjects on one specific problem.
• Can with the knowledge acquired during the study program and relevant research and development work reflect on and assess theoretical, practical and technical problems related to operation of ships, and are able to make well-founded choices.
• Can use the knowledge from the basic subjects on a wide specter of maritime problems.
• Are able to use different methods, techniques and tools, including simulators, to operate ships in a safe and efficient manner.
• Can lead onboard operations, both in Norwegian and English
• Can work both independently and in teams.
• Has insight in and can reflect upon own practice and adjust it under supervision.
• Can relate to and communicate with personnel from other subject areas and different nationality.
• Can use relevant terminology and other maritime forms of expression.
• Can find, evaluate, use and refer to relevant information, literature and scholarly subject matter and present and discuss this in a manner that sheds light on a problem.

 

General competence

The candidate:

• Has the theoretical foundation in accordance with STCW 78 as Amended, Regulation II/1 and II/2 to complete practical training as Cadet.
• Has a broad understanding within navigation, cargo handling, safety and management.
• Is conscious of social, environmental and ethical challenges related to the maritime industry in a local, national and global perspective, and are able to realize this knowledge through his/her role onboard or within his/her job in the shore based maritime industry.
• Can plan and carry out various assignments and projects, alone or in cooperation, and in accordance with ethical requirements and principles.
• Can communicate maritime professional knowledge to different groups in writing and orally, both in Norwegian and English.
• Can contribute in multidisciplinary work and can adjust own behavior and team skills to the specific work situation and conditions of work.
• Contributes actively in discussions and are able to share his/her knowledge and experiences with others, and thereby contributes to development of good practice.
• Is familiar with new thinking and innovation processes within the maritime field.
• Has developed a foundation for development of analytical abilities and will, in addition to theoretical knowledge sufficient to study on a master level.

Content

The three year Bachelor of Nautical Science is an education aimed towards the future occupation of a seaman meeting the requirements in STCW A-II/1 and A-II/2, and it also qualifies for a bachelor degree in Nautical Science. This education provides insight in and knowledge of the maritime activity in regional, national and global perspectives, and contributes to safeguarding the cooperation between maritime technology, environment and society.

Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL) is responsible for the education meeting the requirements from the Norwegian Maritime Authority. The education is subject to the Norwegian Maritime Authority's requirements for quality assurances. The bachelor degree should meet the requirements in STCW Regulation II/1 and II/2.

In addition to regular subjects, the following courses are mandatory:

• STCW Basic safety training (as specified in STCW A-VI/1-1, A-VI/1-2, A-VI/1-3 og A-VI/1-4)
• STCW Advanced Safety Training (as specified in STCW A-VI/2-1, A-VI/3 og A-VI/4-1)
• Medical Care (STCW A-VI/4-2)
• Maritime Radio Communication (GMDSS, STCW IV)

Some of these courses are offered in cooperation with external resources. HVL reserves the right to charge a course fee for such courses. If so, this will be specified before the course starts. The students will receive course diplomas for the safety training, ARPA, ECDIS, AIS and BRM and Medical Care. Based on passed exams in relevant courses, Telenor issues a GOC certificate. These courses are offered to students who have a reasonable progression within the study program, and who have not done this or similar before starting their studies and thereby have valid course diplomas. There can also be qualification requirements.

Courses are only offered once to each student. If a student is registered for a course but does not complete the course without a valid reason, he/she will not be offered a new course on HVL's expense. Note that valid courses can be a prerequisite for other subjects. Normal course validity is 5 years. If a student have an expired course when making the registration for a subject, the student are responsible for making sure a new course is completed on his/her expense before registration is possible.

Students with admission to the Bachelor program of Nautical Science are offered a course in Security-related training for seafarers with designated security duties in accordance with STCW A-VI/6(4) and table A-VI/6-2. A certificate will be issued when course is completed. The course is not mandatory to obtain the Bachelor Degree of Nautical Science, and has a fee.

Through completion of voluntary subjects, students may also qualify for the following Course Diplomas:

Tankerman, lowest grad Chemicals and oil, as well as highest grade oil (STCW section A-V/1-1, table: A-V/1-1-1 and A-V/1-1-2)

Cadet Pilot Exemption Course, 48 hrs. (Completed in accordance to the model course "Cadet Pilot Exemption Course")

These subjects or Course Diplomas are not mandatory to obtain the Bachelor Degree of Nautical Science, and have a fee.

Teaching

Research based teaching and with an analytical approach towards the subjects are the most common forms of teaching, e.g. case studies, literature etc. The different forms of dissemination are varied and can be e.g. lectures, practical exercises on simulator, group work and problem based learning. It is expected that the students show up for class well prepared, as the lecturers place a significant amount of work in preparing for the classes.

Group work is in addition to individual work most frequent. The students should expect to work at least 30 hours per credit per semester.

Digital tools are an important part of the professional and pedagogical work.

Assessment

 The forms of assessment have two goals:

1. To give the students feedback to which level they are at, and thereby facilitate improvement.
2. To say something about the students' learning outcomes.

The grade scales consists of the grades A-F and passed/not passed. The grades A-E indicates that the student has passed the exam and the grade E indicates that all minimum requirements within STCW are met. The grade F indicates that the student has failed the exam. The grade C reflects a good and solid academic performance.

Internationalization

The study programme  enables you to become an exchange student at educational institutions abroad . More information will be given at study start,