CPUT launches new programmes in maritime studies

Set sail with an exciting maritime career

Students who are eager to kick-start their maritime careers can now apply for exciting new qualifications at the Cape Peninsula university of Technology (CPUT). A maritime career offers the perfect balance between a love for the marine environment and flair for science and engineering.

The new programmes consist of extended Curriculum Programmes (ECP) for a Bachelor of Marine engineering (BPMARX), Bachelor of Nautical Science (BGNSCX) and Bachelor of engineering Technology in Chemical engineering, respectively.

With the theme “building South Africa’s future by creating yours”, the Bachelor of engineering Technology in chemical engineering and the two ECPs of nautical science and marine engineering will provide a unique opportunity to enter the faculty of engineering and the built environment at CPUT.

The courses are the latest additions to the more than 80 internationally recognised qualifications offered at CPUT and will start from March 2021.

Department of chemical engineering lecturer, Ashleen Marshall says those who attain the three-year Bachelor of engineering Technology in chemical engineering will provide companies with skills that include troubleshooting in chemical plants, process plant optimisation, process development and process design. The qualification will commence in January 2021.

Head of maritime studies and survival centre, Theresa Williams says the courses will be offered at Granger Bay campus for full-time students (1st year intake). Williams adds that the ECP foundation programme of one year, is ideally suited for students who require a bridge in order to gain entry into the mainstream three-year Bachelor’s degree.

This foundation year is for applicants who achieved between 40% – 49 % in physical science and mathematics or between 50% – 59% in technical science or technical mathematics.

“The foundation year prepares students for higher education by inducting them into the conceptual and technical knowledge in their chosen field of study,” she explains.

Department of Maritime Studies lecturer, Ekaterina Rzyankina further adds that the department designed the one-year foundation programmes bearing in mind how the Covid- 19 pandemic may adversely impact high school learners’ potential in mathematics and science, and particularly Grade 12 learners.

This intervention involves a dedicated second semester during which students are formally taken for a field trip to visit maritime industry partners. This opportunity enables the student to visualise the job that nautical scientists or marine engineers do on-board boats, in the port environment as well as the greater transport and logistics sector globally. Career opportunities include ship management – education, training and development – ship navigating officer, marine pilot, tug master, vessel traffic services operator and port operations.

After successfully completing ECP, the students will have an opportunity to enrol for the first year of Bachelor of Nautical Science or Bachelor of Marine Engineering.

“We are strongly encouraging you to apply for ECP nautical science or ECP marine engineering, which will start from March 2021; applications are now open.”

Applicants must submit their applications before the closing date for online applications on December 2, 2020 and they must verify the entrance requirements for the programme before applying by visiting the CPUT website: https://www.cput.ac.za/study/apply/