What can you study?

A world of choice at hand

All PQE subjects

Advanced Diplomas

Foundation Diplomas

If you are interested in enrolling with ICS and would like some advice from the education team, please register your interest by completing our course enquiry form.

Study towards a recognised qualification

ICS Online Academy offers courses in support of students preparing to undertake the Institute examinations and get qualified with a Diploma or the Institute's Professional Qualifying Examinations (PQEs) leading to membership.

The Institute's Professional Qualifying Examinations (PQE) forms the pinnacle of the Institute's qualification leading to membership. It comprises seven exams, including all four complusory subjects (see below), which can be taken over a maximum of five years. Exemptions may be available to candidates with prior qualifications or industry experience.

You can study whichever PQE subject you want in any order or preferred combination.

Candidates could technically take one… or seven exams in one single exam session, if brave enough!

However, it is recommended that candidates study for two to three exams per session.

If unsure about the ambitious journey of the PQEs, candidates should consider gaining a 'recognized qualification' with one of Institute's Diplomas.

The flexible learning system offered by the Institute allows candidates to start their PQE journey with any of the Diplomas on offer. Any credit gained with a diploma counts towards the top ICS qualification leading to membership.

The Foundation Diploma is ideal for people who have little industry experience and would like to gain practical knowledge and a sound qualification. It involves taking two exams: Introduction to Shipping plus one other optional paper.

The Advanced Diploma has been designed as a stepping stone into full professional qualification and suits those who have some industry knowledge. It involves taking two exams: the Institute's benchmark paper Shipping Business plus one other subject from the list of optional papers from the Institute's syllabus.

The ICS Online Academy Courses offer a great structured programme to study part-time and flexibly around existing commitments wherever you are located.

Details of all our Diplomas can be found on our qualifications page.