MLA College

15/06/2026

Dr Paul Folan reflects on a challenge many engineers encounter as their careers progress: building the confidence to move beyond technical expertise and step into leadership.

"For most engineers, it is about gaining the confidence to make the jump from the technical side of things."

In conversation with Arjun Sekhon, Partnerships & Alliances Manager at MLA College, Dr Folan discusses why career progression in engineering is not simply about gaining more technical knowledge. As responsibilities grow, engineers are often required to manage people, navigate complex organisational dynamics and make strategic decisions that influence wider business outcomes.

Drawing on experience across engineering, industry and academia, he explores the importance of developing the practical leadership and management skills needed to succeed in these evolving roles.

Watch the full webinar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txWXqQtk4z0

As engineering careers progress, technical expertise alone is often...

12/06/2026

Three members of the MLA College community have been named winners at the International Sustainability Awards 2026.

🥇 Ashley Lashley – Gold Award, Best CSR
🥈 Emma-Lee Knape – Silver Award, Best Community Development
🥉 Josefa Zaro Huerta – Bronze Award, Best Circular Economy

Judged by an international panel of sustainability experts, these awards recognise individuals creating meaningful impact in their communities, organisations and industries.

As a distance learning institution working with students and professionals from more than 75 countries worldwide, we're proud to see members of our global community recognised on the international stage.

From Barbados, Ashley was recognised for her climate leadership and youth advocacy. From Kenya, Emma was recognised for her contribution to community development and innovation. Josefa, an Associate Tutor within MLA College's sustainability portfolio, was recognised for her innovative Circular Learning Ecosystem approach, applying circular economy principles to education and student support.

Congratulations to Ashley, Emma-Lee and Josefa on this well-deserved recognition. 👏

10/06/2026

September intake applications are now open.

Whether you're looking to advance your career, deepen your expertise or take the next step in your professional journey, flexible higher education can help you achieve your goals without putting life on hold.

With part-time study, dedicated tutor support and programmes validated by the University of Plymouth, you can learn from anywhere while balancing work and personal commitments.
Benefits include:

• Flexible study around work and life
• Access to globally recognised higher education
• University validated industry led learning
• Flexible payment options, scholarships and bursaries
• Academic support throughout your studies

Your next step could start this September.

Learn more and apply: https://tinyurl.com/yrmmj8ff

09/06/2026

Sustainability is increasingly becoming a key consideration for organisations across sectors. But how do professionals move from understanding sustainability to implementing meaningful change?

In this video, Dr Mary Hale, Programme Lead for Sustainable Development at MLA College, explains how the MSc Sustainability in Practice is designed for professionals and leaders who want to apply sustainability principles within their own organisations.

Through a year-long participatory action research project, students develop and implement a sustainability initiative in their workplace while receiving academic guidance and support throughout the process.

Learn more about the programme: https://tinyurl.com/3jr228vy

08/06/2026

This year's World Oceans Day theme, Reimagine Our Relationship with the Ocean, encourages us to think differently about how we value, protect and learn from the marine environment.

At MLA College, we are proud to lead on SDG 14: Life Below Water, recognising the importance of oceans for climate, biodiversity and livelihoods, and the need to protect and restore marine ecosystems for future generations.

Through education, research and professional development, we are committed to advancing understanding of the challenges facing our oceans and supporting a more sustainable future.

07/06/2026

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a shared framework for addressing some of the most important challenges facing our world today, from climate change and inequality to sustainable communities and environmental protection.

Understanding these challenges is the first step towards meaningful action.

MLA College's ByteSize series explores all 17 SDGs through short, CPD-accredited courses designed to build knowledge and encourage informed discussion. Each course can be completed in around 30 minutes and offers practical insight into the systems, issues and solutions shaping our future.

Explore the full ByteSize course collection and learn more about the 17 SDGs here: https://www.mla.ac.uk/programmes/bytesize-short-courses/

07/06/2026

How do you access your teaching and learning materials when studying with MLA College?

The Total Learning Package (TLP) is MLA College’s award-winning, bespoke learning environment, designed to provide learners with access to module content, study resources and essential learning tools throughout their studies.

Explore how the TLP supports flexible, distance learning and helps learners study from anywhere in the world while staying connected to their academic journey.

05/06/2026

We’re always proud to see the achievements of our graduates, and this week we were delighted to receive a copy of Mastery of Maritime Compliance from MLA College graduate Captain Timothy Adeyemo. AFNI .

Timothy completed his BSc (Hons) Sustainable Maritime Operations with MLA College and has built an impressive career as a Master Mariner, Marine Superintendent and Marine Consultant, combining extensive sea-going command experience with strategic maritime leadership ashore.

Drawing on his wealth of industry knowledge, Timothy has authored Mastery of Maritime Compliance, a practical guide designed to support Masters, senior officers and maritime leaders in navigating today’s complex compliance landscape.

Timothy has also shared his expertise in our latest blog, From Compliance to Leadership: Bridging the Gap Between Regulations and Real-World Shipboard Practice, exploring how maritime professionals can move beyond regulatory compliance to create stronger leadership cultures onboard. You can read Timothy’s blog here: https://www.mla.ac.uk/blog/from-compliance-to-leadership-bridging-the-gap-between-regulations-and-real-world-shipboard-practice/

Congratulations, Timothy, and thank you for continuing to contribute to the maritime profession through your writing and leadership.

02/06/2026

Shipping is no longer just about moving cargo. It is about leading change across sustainability, regulation, digital systems and global strategy.

MLA College’s BSc Sustainable Maritime Operations, awarded by the University of Plymouth, is designed for maritime professionals looking to build on their experience and progress within the modern global maritime industry, without pausing their careers.

Apply now for the Sep 2026 intake and take the next step in your maritime career.

🔗 https://tinyurl.com/yc637j96

01/06/2026

Victor Rujano Bautista is an environmental lawyer and advocate working across criminal law, human rights and environmental justice.

Currently serving as Spanish Coordinator, Victor’s work focuses on advancing the recognition of ecocide as a serious crime and promoting the right to a healthy environment.

As an MSc Global Sustainable Development student at MLA College, in partnership with the University of Plymouth, his journey reflects how education can support professionals working to create meaningful change, from local advocacy to international action.

Explore the MSc Global Sustainable Development.

🔗 https://tinyurl.com/4n9dedym