School of Maritime Science

About

Maritime activity has played a vital role in shaping Gibraltar’s economy, serving as a key driver of growth, international trade and global connectivity. Positioned at the junction of four major shipping lanes, linking the Mediterranean Sea to the world’s oceans, Gibraltar has become one of the busiest and most strategic maritime hubs globally. As the largest bunkering port in the Mediterranean and with over 10,000 ship calls and 20,000 crew changes annually, Gibraltar offers unmatched exposure to real-world maritime operations. Direct air links to the UK and a vibrant port environment create a dynamic setting for hands-on learning. With constantly changing sea conditions and weather, Gibraltar serves as a natural simulator for ports and maritime environments across the globe.

Recognised as a Centre of Maritime Excellence, Gibraltar is the ideal place to launch your maritime education and set sail toward a successful career in the global maritime industry.

Contact the school of maritime science team
School Of Maritime Science Quick Facts V3 (1)

BSc (Hons) Maritime Science with Cadetship programme

This 3-year programme combines academic qualifications with practical training through MNTB-aligned, MCA-approved, guaranteed placements. As a student you can choose your pathway, be that at sea (nautical or engineering) or shore side, and graduate with the necessary skills and knowledge to enter the maritime industry and succeed.

The cadetship is totally optional meaning that students who already have technical training have the freedom to complete the academic BSc (Hons) Maritime Science programme without the cadetship.

BSc (Hons) Maritime Science (Nautical) BSc (Hons) Maritime Science (Engineering)

Key Features

1 Guaranteed Placements

We collaborate with the Gibraltar Port Authority and the Gibraltar Maritime Administration to arrange placements with reputable and well-regulated organisations. This ensures that our students benefit from guaranteed cadetship placements with major operators (e.g. GibOil, Peninsula Petroleum, Grimaldi Group, Minerva Bunkering etc).

2 MCA Approved

Our programme has obtained UK Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) Approval with reduced sea time of 12 months. This means that our qualification has met the requirements of the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) Code (II/1 and II/2 – Deck and III/1 and III/2 – Engineering).

3 Fully Qualified in Just Over 3 Years

Become a qualified seafarer, and achieve your BSc and Officer of the Watch (OOW) qualifications in just over 3 years. This includes the required 12-month sea time for the Cadetship, available thanks to our guaranteed placements, and STCW training courses.

“Even after 25 years in the maritime industry, embarking on the Maritime Science programme at the University of Gibraltar was a transformative experience that reignited my passion for this field. As a mature student, this journey afforded me the unique opportunity to revisit my profession with a fresh perspective, fostering a newfound appreciation for the science underpinning the practices I have relied upon throughout my career. This programme has revitalised my resolve and ambitions by equipping me with both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the modern maritime industry. Now, as I prepare to embark on the next leg of my voyage, I do so as an industry-ready individual, inspired and confident to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead with a renewed sense of purpose and broadened horizons.”

Thomas Barry Peñalver, BSc (Hons) in Maritime Science (Nautical) Valedictorian 2024

Useful links

International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Gibraltar Ship Registry Gibraltar Yacht Registry Gibraltar Port Authority Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA)

Head of School

Lecturers

Meet the Students

Swipe through to take a look at our Marine Science student profiles:

Our Programmes