Marine Engineering

Bachelor of Engineering

Two marine engineering students working on a project
Two marine engineering students working on a project
Type of Programme
Full-time
Number of Places
40
Duration
3 Years
Course Code
MT 764
Entry Requirements
223 Points in 2023 and meet minimum entry requirements as listed below.
Application Deadline
See CAO for details
Location(s)
National Maritime College of Ireland, Cork
Course NFQ Level
Level 7

Capt. Sinéad Reen

T: +353 (0)21 433 5600

Email: (email)

Overview

The function of the marine engineer is to operate and maintain the engines, boilers, generators and other systems of ships. Most of the mechanical equipment aboard ship is operated and maintained by marine engineers. This course aims to provide a sound knowledge base of marine engineering.

As well as lectures, training is provided in marine, electrical, welding and mechanical workshops, supplemented with practical work in the College engine room, and simulation exercises in the machinery and cargo handling simulation suites.

Students who successfully complete year 1 and 2 are expected to be placed in a commercial ship, for practical training experience, and to gain the necessary ‘seatime’ for the Department of Transport Certificate of Competency, in their third year. In addition, while at sea, students must complete a comprehensive workplace training programme including training records, journals and other documents associated with the training programme, as specified from time to time. 

It should be noted that while every endeavour will be made to secure a suitable sea training berth, this is outside the control of MTU/NMCI and the College cannot accept responsibility for difficulties in securing such a berth.

What will I study?

First year at a glance

  • Introduction to Marine Engineering: the principles and practical aspects of marine engineering systems found on board ship
  • Physics for Marine Engineers: giving an enhanced understanding of the physics principles underlying all engineering practice
  • Mechanics: basic principles of forces and movements that are fundamental to engineering design and understanding why certain materials are chosen for different engineering applications
  • Mechanical Workshop: a practical workshop module which gives a fundamental understanding of materials and the fabrication of designed components
  • Technological Mathematics
  • Introduction to Thermodynamics: learn how to apply the First Law of Thermodynamics and distinguish between the concepts of heat and temperature
  • Electrical and Electronic Principles: gives students an understanding of the principles of basic electrical and electronic components and circuits
  • Marine Power Systems: gives students an understanding of ships’ power generation and distribution systems as well as a practical understanding of wiring basic control systems

Modules

What is a Module?

A module is a standalone unit of learning and assessment and is completed within one semester. A full-time student will normally study six modules in each semester; part-time and ACCS (Accumulation of Credits and Certification of Subjects) students will have flexibility as to the number of modules taken.

The button below provides a link to all of the University's approved modules for this programme.

View Modules

Entry Requirements

Entry 2024

For admission to a programme, standard applicants must

  • score the necessary CAO points and
  • meet the minimum entry requirements:
    Leaving Certificate in five subjects i.e. O6/H7 in five subjects. The five must include Mathematics and either English or Irish grade O6/H7.
  • pass the approved medical fitness and eyesight tests as specified by the Irish Maritime Administration of the Department of Transport. Applicants are strongly advised to attend a career advisory session.

 

For Non-EU International Entry Requirements please visit https://www.mtu.ie/international/non-eu/.

 

Please Note:

  1. The programme is normally available only to Irish citizens and EU citizens who are ordinarily resident in Ireland.
  2. Applicants must pass the approved medical fitness and eyesight tests as specified by the Irish Maritime Administration of the Department of Transport. Offer of a place on the course will be subject to passing the medical and eyesight tests at the time of offer.
  3. Applicants, other than those indicated in Note 1, will need to be sponsored by an approved internationally trading shipping company, provide an IELTS score of 6.5, and also meet the medical and eyesight requirements for a sea going career.
  4. Applicants should note that to qualify for an Officer of the Watch Certificate of Competency (CoC), the Department of Transport has set additional criteria with respect to minimum pass marks, academic progression, and students with dyslexia. Download Marine Notice No. 65 of 2013.
  5. Applicants who are non-Irish citizens should ensure that they qualify for the issuance of a Seafarer's Discharge Book in their home country.

Career options

Employment Opportunities

Qualified marine engineers are highly sought after both at sea and ashore. Seagoing roles can include work as marine engineers on oil and gas offshore support vessels, super and mega yachts, cruise ships, and offshore wind farm support vessels. Shore roles include engineering surveyor, engineering management roles in the ports sector, the energy sector and in facility engineering for the pharmaceutical, power stations, refinery, dairy and hospital sectors.

Progression

Further Studies

There are opportunities for further study in order that cadets will progress from the Officer of the Watch Level on to the Second Engineer Officer Certificate of Competency (CoC), and in due course to the Chief Engineer Officer Certificate of Competency with a combination of sea service, further study, and examinations.

Question Time

Securing sponsorship is a competitive process managed by NMCI, with shipping companies. The number of sponsorships varies each year, depending on shipping company requirements. NMCI has a strong track record in securing sponsorships, however they are not guaranteed.

The commitment from the sponsoring company usually ends upon graduation. However, a significant number of graduates go on to work as an officer with their sponsors.

The minimum is three years on suitable vessels and voyages.

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