MLA College

MSc Advanced Hydrography for Professionals

MLA College is a specialist in global education, earning acclaim as an award-winning higher education provider. Specialising in UK distance learning degrees, which can be studied from anywhere in the world, our focus extends beyond boundaries, particularly within the dynamic marine and maritime sector. Established in 2012, MLA College, formerly Marine Learning Alliance Ltd, has transcended its origins at the University of Plymouth and now proudly stands as a registered higher education institution in England.
What sets them apart is their robust collaboration with the United Nations Institute for training and Research (UNITAR), a partnership that amplifies our commitment to delivering cutting-edge sustainability programs. These initiatives are designed to resonate across all sectors of industry, making a lasting impact on global education.

Course details

  • Year 1

  • This qualification is available for industry professionals who have a postgraduate award already but wish to upgrade this to a full masters. This can be achieved simply by the completion of:

    • A short period of distance learning study in Applied Research Methods.
    • A workplace focused research project in an appropriate area.

    Core modules

    • Research Project (Advanced Hydrography for Professionals) (MLA713)

      You will begin this module with learning about 'Applied Research Methods' before embarking on a 12-month independent research project in an appropriate area of study. The project is usually workplace focused.

The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry.

Entry requirements
Likely to be a postgraduate qualification such as PG Diploma but will depend on your existing qualifications and professional experience. Flexibility exists to be considered by the Admissions Tutor, for example membership of professional bodies such as IMarEST will count favourably.

Fees, costs and funding
For the latest information regarding programme fees please visit: https://www.mla.ac.uk/programmes/fees-finance/.
MLA offer a number of bursaries and discounts, including Women in Maritime Bursary Scheme and Professional Membership Discount. Check the MLA website for more details.

How to apply

If you would like to register your interest in studying this programme please contact us.

Our partnership with MLA College
The University of Plymouth has developed partnerships with institutions around the world with the sole purpose of making higher education more accessible to those people who need something just a little different.

Our Academic Partnerships enable students to enrol for a degree at a partnership institution closer to home, or engage in distance learning – even when they’re in the middle of the ocean. They are there for those people looking to return to education, or enhance their professional development. Full- or part-time; foundation degree to masters-level – we cater for a huge variety of needs and aspirations.

Many of our partners offer specialist degrees, unique facilities, and smaller class sizes at a competitive price. And as a student of two institutions, you get the best of both worlds; a supportive learning environment as part of a close-knit community, and a university-level qualification awarded by the University of Plymouth. You’ll enjoy not only the facilities and services your partnership institution provides, but also all of the additional support and resources you need from us, and you’ll automatically become a member of our Students’ Union, too.

We are continuing to grow the number of partner institutions and expand our academic community to new locations around the UK and overseas. Why not visit the Academic Partnerships page on our website for a full list of partners and for more details on studying with us?

One of our partners delivers this particular course – so please visit their website for full course details, entry requirements, tuition fees and information on what student life is like there. 

If you would like to register your interest in studying this programme please contact us.

Open days

Partner college open days

This course is run at one of our partner colleges. Open days are held at the college and more details of these can be found on the college website. You'll find contact details below, on this page.

University of Plymouth open days

You are also very welcome to attend a University of Plymouth open day, to get a flavour of the courses you can progress to from a partner college. There will however be limited information on this specific course and college.

MLA College

The MLA College has developed blended distance e-learning programmes that are perfectly suited to marine professionals seeking advancement of skills and qualifications without having to attend university full time.
We have developed a flexible syllabus that meets the growing market need for part time study that fits around your working patterns.