Study online with the ICS Online Academy
Our Online Academy offers a broad range of study programmes in preparation for Institute examinations leading to globally recognised maritime qualifications. The academy is available to all students worldwide, taught by expert-tutors who have significant industry experience.
Each subject is taught every second week and covered over several classes from January – May each academic year. All classes are recorded and stored on our online-platform, giving you to the flexibility to fit your studies around your busy schedule wherever you are located.
Academy students will be able to enrol for all 28 Institute Diploma’s (including all 16 PQE subjects).
*New classes* For May 2026 examinations:
All classes will be recorded therefore any classes students miss, they can catch up on-demand.
We encourage you to register as soon as possible to give yourself more time to revise for your exams. You can find the registration form linked on the right hand side of this page.
>Learn more about the subjects and qualifications offered by the Online Academy.
| Subject (A to Z) | Dates | Times (UK) |
| Dry Cargo Chartering | 15 January – 27 April | 17:30 |
| Economics of Sea Transport and International Trade | 15 January – 7 May | 17:30 (Class 07/05 at 16:00) |
| Introduction to Shipping | 12 January – 5 May | 17:30 |
| Legal Principles in Shipping Business | 14 January – 6 May | 17:30 |
| Liner Trades | 16 January – 1 May | 17:30 |
| Logistics and Multi-Modal Transport | 12 January – 27 April | 17:30 |
| Marine Insurance | 16 January – 7 May | 17:30 |
| Offshore Support Industry | 21 January – 6 May | 17:30 |
| Port Agency | 29 January – 6 May | 17:30 |
| Port and Terminal Management | 15 January – 30 April | 17:30 |
| Tanker Chartering | 13 January – 28 April | 17:30 |
| Shipping Business | 12 January – 27 April | 17:30 (Class 27/04 at 16:00) |
| Shipping Finance | tbc | |
| Shipping Law | 20 January – 5 May | 17:30 |
| Ship Operations and Management | 23 January – 1 May | 17:30 |
| Ship Sale & Purchase | tbc |
Please note, all examinations are taken in person. Please review our exam centre list to see which centre is located closest to you. If there is not an exam centre within a reasonable distance to where you are located, you may request an exceptional exam centre until the 8th January 2026 by emailing education@ics.org.uk
How to register:
Please download and complete our registration form
Email your completed form to shipping-school@ics.org.uk
What’s included?
The cost of studying with the Online Academy is £1,195 for your first subject. Any additional subjects are priced at £1,095 per subject. This fee includes the annual student registation fee (£145) and examination entry (£185).
| 12 live classes and tutorials | Text book and course materials | 10 Assignment assessments | Dedicated tutor |
| Masterclass & Workshop | Student registration & Examination fee | Mock Exams | Professional certification |
A breakdown of all our costings can be found here.
Hear testimonies from our students…
For further information on our qualifications, please read our blog or speak to one of our educational advisors at shipping-school@ics.org.uk | +44(0)207 357 9722
