Access to Boatyards SCQF Level 4

What is special about this course?

This hands-on course will let you develop some of the basic skills required to work in a boatyard, boat repair or marina.

This course is perfect for anyone considering an Apprenticeship in Boatbuilding and Repair.

Coursework and practical activities lead to recognised SQA and RYA qualifications useful for getting started in the boatbuilding and repair, boat maintenance, and port and marinas sectors.
 

Entry requirements

There are no academic entry requirements for this course.

To give you an introduction to the many types of work carried out in boatyards you will learn a range of skills based on the following topics:

• Boatyards – Boatbuilding Repair and Maintenance
• An introduction to Carpentry and Bench Joinery 
• Engineering Fabrication Skills 
• Basic Fibreglass Techniques    

To give you experiences in the water-based activities normally taking place in and around ports and marinas you will also study the following:

• Maritime Skills
• Seamanship: An Introduction (National 5)
• RYA Powerboat 2
• RYA VHF SRC
• RYA Essential Navigation
• RYA Diesel Engine
• Boat Electrics - An Introduction

There will also be opportunities to visit boatyards and local marinas to see the types of day-to-day work that takes place, and a chance to speak to the employers and craftsmen.
 

Fees

Scottish resident full-time students will automatically have their course fees paid for this course.   

If you have recently moved to, or do not normally live in Scotland, you may need to pay £5,970 in course fees, these can be paid in instalments. Families of Armed Services personnel are subject to different fees regulations and may also have to pay course fees. If you think this may apply to you, please contact us and we can advise you. 

This course is not available to students who require a Tier 4 Home Office visa to study in Scotland (international or EU). 

Part-time FE students who are on low incomes or in receipt of certain benefits may also have their course fees paid for them. Please refer to page 2 of our Fees and Funding Guide to see if you are eligible.  

Funding

Bursary for Living Costs 

If you are 18 years of age or over on the start date of your course, and will be studying full-time you may be eligible for bursary funding, depending on your household income. Our bursary fund is finite and is allocated on a ‘first come, first served’ basis so it’s important to make your application for bursary as soon as the application process opens in July. You will need to have accepted our offer before you apply. 

If you are under 18 you may be eligible for EMA. EMA is paid at a rate of £30 per week dependent on your total household income.  

Please see page 2 of our Fees and Funding Guide for full details of Bursary and EMA.  

You may also be eligible for assistance with travel and childcare, and we have discretionary funds for those students in need. You can find all the information you need in our funding pages. 

Additional costs

Students wishing to obtain the full VHF (SRC) licence should be aware that there is a fee of £65 payable to RYA / Ofcom for the exam and licence. This exam is optional, and not required as part of the course and is not covered by your bursary.