University profile

MLA College

Edition
2025/26 edition

About MLA College

MLA College is a UK Higher Education provider offering award-winning global distance learning, with particular expertise in the marine and maritime sectors. Established in 2012 and now a registered institution in England, MLA delivers flexible UK University degrees, validated by the University of Plymouth, that can be studied from anywhere in the world. In partnership with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), we offer cutting-edge sustainability programmes impacting all sectors. Our core values—educational excellence, integrity, creativity, academic freedom, equality, diversity, and accessibility—place learners at the centre of everything we do as we shape a sustainable global future.

Programmes available

MLA offers postgraduate degrees focused on sustainability, management, and maritime sectors:

Undergraduate and Postgraduate

  • Sustainable Maritime Operations Access Course
  • Global Sustainable Development Access Course
  • BSc Sustainable Maritime Operations
  • BSc (Hons) Global Sustainable Development
  • BSc (Hons) Sustainable Maritime Operations
  • PgDip Engineering Management
  • MSc Global Sustainable Development (Part-Time)
  • MSc Global Sustainable Development (Full-Time)
  • MSc Sustainable Maritime Operations

MBA By Research Project

  • MBA Entrepreneurship & Innovation
  • MBA Maritime Operations
  • MBA Financial Technology (FinTech)
  • MBA Marketing
  • MBA Capital Markets & Finance

MSC By Research Project

  • MSc Sustainability in Practice
  • MSc Sustainable Maritime Operations
  • MSc Advanced Hydrography for Professionals
  • MSc Advanced Meteorology for Professionals
  • MSc Advanced Navigation for Professionals
  • MSc Engineering for Marine Professionals
  • MSc Advanced Oceanography for Professionals

Department Information

MLA College delivers specialist programmes designed to meet the evolving needs of global industries, with academic focus areas including:

  • Marine and Maritime Operations
  • Sustainability and Environmental Studies
  • Business Innovation and Leadership
  • Engineering and Digital Technologies

Each programme is developed in close collaboration with academic leaders and industry professionals, ensuring both academic excellence and real-world relevance. Our curriculum is shaped by the demands of today’s global workforce, empowering learners with the knowledge and skills to lead and innovate across diverse sectors.

Future Career Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½

MLA College programmes are designed to enhance professional capability and career progression on a global scale. Graduates are equipped with industry-relevant skills that support advancement across a wide range of sectors, including:

  • Marine operations and logistics
  • Environmental and sustainability consultancy
  • Engineering and technology leadership
  • International business and entrepreneurship

Strong links with industry partners ensure academic learning is closely aligned with real-world demands, significantly boosting employability and job readiness in competitive global markets.

English Language Support

At MLA College, all of our programmes are taught in English. To help you succeed in your studies, we ask that students show a suitable level of English—usually something like an IELTS score of 6.0 or above, in line with UK university standards.

We’re proud to welcome students from all over the world and are here to make sure you feel supported every step of the way. If English isn’t your first language, don’t worry—we simply ask for proof of your language skills, so we know you’re ready to thrive in your course.

Accepted Qualifications: We accept a wide range of internationally recognised English language certificates, including IELTS and many others. .

How we deliver

MLA College’s award-winning Total Learning Package (TLP) is a fully flexible online learning environment designed to support busy professionals worldwide. Through the TLP, students benefit from:

  • Engaging pre-recorded video lectures, comprehensive readings, and structured assignments
  • 24/7 access to all course materials, available both online and offline
  • Ongoing support from experienced academic tutors and global industry-based associate lecturers
  • A dedicated personal tutor assigned to guide each student throughout their studies

As a digital-first institution, MLA focuses on delivering exceptional academic and technical support, ensuring every student receives a seamless and enriching learning experience—wherever they are in the world.

Fees, Funding and Costs

Tuition fees at MLA College vary by programme, with postgraduate degrees typically ranging from £6,500 to £9,750. Flexible payment plans are available to help students manage costs effectively.

Thanks to our fully remote learning model, students can earn a UK university degree without the additional expenses associated with relocation or on-campus living—making MLA a financially accessible and globally convenient option for professionals seeking to advance their education.

Location

MLA College is based in Plymouth, UK, but all programmes are delivered entirely online. This flexible model allows students to study from anywhere in the world, removing the need for relocation and eliminating concerns around travel, accommodation, or personal safety. Our digital-first approach ensures global accessibility while maintaining the quality and integrity of a UK Higher Education experience.

Accommodation

As MLA College delivers all programmes remotely, there is no requirement for campus attendance. Students can complete their studies entirely from their home country, eliminating the need for student accommodation and associated relocation costs.

Community

Although MLA College operates without a physical campus, students become part of a vibrant and supportive online learning community. Our digital environment fosters:

  • Connection with a global network of peers, academics, and industry experts
  • Opportunities for collaborative projects and group learning
  • Meaningful interaction through dedicated online platforms

This inclusive and internationally connected culture ensures students feel engaged, supported, and part of something bigger—wherever they are in the world.

How to Apply

MLA College offers three intake periods each year—in January, May, and September—providing flexibility to suit your schedule.

Applications can be submitted , and early submission is recommended to ensure timely tutor allocation and a smooth enrolment process.

Join a global community of learners and take the next step toward your academic and professional goals.

Mission and vision

At MLA College, our mission is to make high-quality UK Higher Education accessible to learners across the globe. Through innovative distance learning, we deliver undergraduate and postgraduate degrees—validated by the University of Plymouth—to professionals wherever they are in the world.

Our vision is to empower a global community of learners with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to lead in their industries and contribute to a more sustainable future.

We are guided by core values that place the learner at the heart of everything we do: educational excellence, integrity, creativity, academic freedom, accessibility, and a deep commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Undergraduate Degrees

  • Sustainable Maritime Operations Access Course
  • Global Sustainable Development Access Course
  • BSc Sustainable Maritime Operations
  • BSc (Hons) Global Sustainable Development
  • BSc (Hons) Sustainable Maritime Operations

Postgraduate Degrees

  • PgDip Engineering Management
  • MSc Global Sustainable Development (Part-Time)
  • MSc Global Sustainable Development (Full-Time)
  • MSc Sustainable Maritime Operations

MBAs

  • MBA Entrepreneurship & Innovation
  • MBA Maritime Operations
  • MBA Financial Technology (FinTech)
  • MBA Marketing
  • MBA Capital Markets & Finance

Masters By Research Project

  • MSc Sustainability in Practice
  • MSc Sustainable Maritime Operations
  • MSc Advanced Hydrography for Professionals
  • MSc Advanced Meteorology for Professionals
  • MSc Advanced Navigation for Professionals
  • MSc Engineering for Marine Professionals
  • MSc Advanced Oceanography for Professionals

Partnerships and credentials

MLA College is proud to be associated with a range of esteemed academic, professional, and international organisations. We work in collaboration with the University of Plymouth, which validates our degree programmes, and partner with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and CIFAL City of London to deliver impactful sustainability-focused education.

We also maintain strong ties with leading global maritime and industry bodies, including BIMCO and WISTA, ensuring our programmes remain relevant and forward-thinking.

As a registered Higher Education Institution in England, MLA College is recognised by the Office for Students (OfS), holds Independent Research Organisation (IRO) status, and is a proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant—demonstrating our ongoing commitment to quality, research, and inclusive access to education.

Fees & Finance

Flexible payment plans are available to help manage costs. Eligible UK undergraduates and some postgraduate students can apply for loans through the Student Loans Company (up to £4,625 for undergraduates and £12,167 for postgraduate master’s courses) A range of bursaries, scholarships, and discounts—including income-based awards, Women in Maritime, sporting achievement, BIMCO members, professional association, Alumni Society, UN/CIFAL, and Armed Forces schemes—can reduce fees by up to 20%.

For more details

Contact details

Email
info@mla.ac.uk
Telephone
+44 (0)20 3997 7555
Address
The Merchant
St Andrew Street
Plymouth
PL1 2AX