University wins award for maritime off-shore learning programme

A one-of-a-kind educational programme that enables professional mariners in the off-shore sector to study for a degree even when they are in the middle of the ocean has won a national award for Plymouth University.

The Hydrographic Academy, which was launched in 2012 in partnership with global geosciences company Fugro, scooped the Outstanding Employer Engagement Initiative at the annual Times Higher Education Awards – the higher education sector’s equivalent to the Oscars.

Dr Richard Thain, Director of the Academy, received the award from guest host Jack Dee at the gala event at London’s Grosvenor Hotel. Plymouth was the only university in the region to come away with a THE Award on the night.

Professor David Coslett, Interim Chief Executive, said: “For more than 150 years, our University has proudly served the marine and maritime community: it’s an intrinsic part of who we are. And while we have grown and developed into a modern and vibrant university with expertise across the academic spectrum, this award is testament to both that heritage and our innovative approach, working in partnership with others to open up new pathways into education.”

The Academy provides professional development in subjects such as hydrography, oceanography and meteorology, and has been tailored to accommodate the realities of life at sea, with all of the course content housed on a single memory stick.

More than 430 students have enrolled in the first two years from 38 countries, and they access to tutors through web-based channels and via telephone, and that’s supplemented by intensive residential sessions during their shore-leave.

“It’s about meeting the needs of professional mariners, regardless of their location, and providing opportunities for career development and lifelong learning,” said Dr Richard Thain. “We’ve worked closely with Fugro, who’ve taken it forward on behalf of the industry, and we’re now looking to develop new programmes for the marine sector and look at other distance-learning opportunities.”

The University was also shortlisted in the Outstanding Contribution to Local Community category, for its management of the Innovation Centres in Cornwall (on behalf of Cornwall Council), which have created hundreds of jobs and helped to grow scores of businesses in Truro, Pool and Penryn.

Now in their tenth year, the Times Higher Education Awards are a highlight of the academic calendar, shining a spotlight on the outstanding achievements of institutions, teams and individuals in the UK higher education sector. The Minister for Universities, Science and Cities, Greg Clark, was also a guest speaker.