Course Description

If you are a First Engineer, Chief Engineer or Superintendent in the marine sector then the MSc Engineering for Maritime Professionals Degree programme is for you.

As a professional with several years senior marine engineering experience you will already have the skills, knowledge and expertise required to undertake a stand-alone 12-month independent research project which will progress you through your marine engineering career.  

During the 12 months you will plan, execute and report on a programme of research that is aligned with your aspirations and your current or chosen field of work within the maritime sphere.  This flexible, distance learning programme poses a good opportunity to continue studying even whilst at sea. 

You will be encouraged to discover your own research subject for investigation. However, your assigned tutor, who is there to support you through your studies, can assist you in developing an interesting subject to take forward.

Following successful completion of the research project you will graduate and be awarded the MSc Engineering for Marine Professionals by the University of Plymouth.

This Masters qualification has been utilised by a number of graduates as a route to demonstrate the ‘knowledge and understanding’ competency for those seeking Chartered Marine Engineer/Chartered Engineer status. Please note, if you intend to make an application for Chartered status, you will need to be able to demonstrate you meet all other competencies outlined here.

Key Programme Information

  • Degree MSc Engineering for Marine Professionals
  • Language English
  • Awarding Body University of Plymouth
  • Start January, May or September Next start date is 29th September 2025
  • Cost £7,200
  • Duration 12 Months
  • Apply now

How To Apply

  • A copy of your CV
  • A suitable English language certificate, for example an IELTS. A full list of certificates accepted can be found here. (For International students only)
  • Copies of academic certificates and/or transcripts
  • A copy of your passport (photo page only)
  • A 200-300 word personal statement explaining your motivation for wanting to join this programme. You may find our Guidance document helpful.

Entry Requirements

Typically, eligible candidates will have one of the following: 

  • Postgraduate Diploma in Marine Engineering or similar, related qualification 
  • Combination of higher education and a First/Chief Engineer Certificate of Competency, along with several years’ experience sailing at that level or above 
  • Chartered Marine Engineer status or another recognised chartered registration 
  • If you do not possess a Postgraduate Diploma in Marine Engineering, you may need to complete and return the Entry Criteria Form. The Admissions Panel will assess your skills, knowledge, and experience, with particular focus on seniority in people and project management. The form can be found here. 

And 

  • English language GCSE Grade C or above, or international equivalent 

There are multiple pathways onto the programme, and our Admissions Team is here to help. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, get in touch—we’ll be happy to discuss your experience and explore the best route for you. admissions@mla.ac.uk 

Coursework Submissions

Peer Review Forum TaskWeeks 4-6 (S)
Annotated BibliographyWeek 7 (F)
Ethical ApprovalWeek 10 (F)
Project ProposalWeek 10 (S)
DissertationWeek 49 (S)
PresentationWeeks 50-52 (S)
(S) Summative (F) Formative

Suggested Pre-Reading List

Bell, J. and Water, S. (2018). Doing Your Research Project: a Guide for First-Time Researchers (7th Ed.)   McGraw Hill. Maidenhead.

Creswell, J.W. and Creswell, J.D. (2018). Research Design. Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods Approaches. (5th Ed.) Sage. London.

Denscombe, M. (2021). The Good Research Guide. (7th Ed.). Open University Press. London.

MLA College and the University of Plymouth use Harvard style referencing and it is advisable to pre-study on the importance of referencing on all academic coursework and how to do it, which is available here.

University Degrees validated by the University of Plymouth

Graduate Testimonials

Chief MAKOi
Chief MAKOi
MSc Engineering for Marine Professionals

Lectures are in the form of offline videos, so no problem getting access to them , even without internet

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