Around the world, there is a shortage of young, qualified and enthusiastic marine engineers and naval architects. Consequently, the employment prospects within marine engineering are extremely good. Studying a graduate course in marine engineering can only enhance your employability further. There are many specialist consultancy firms providing design and support services for the marine industry as well as the opportunities that exist within the naval services. Studying a graduate marine engineering program is a wise investment in your future, whether you want a desk-based job, shore job or be out at sea, studying a graduate course will help you obtain the job of your dreams.

What is Marine Engineering?

If you already have a first degree in marine engineering you will know that marine engineering is a branch of engineering specialising in machinery for ships or offshore structures. Marine engineering has strong connections with mechanical engineering and in some universities and colleges, graduate courses in marine engineering will be offered in mechanical engineering departments. In other universities and colleges, graduate marine engineering programs will be closely linked with naval architecture. Marine engineering covers a whole range of subjects including, gas turbines, corrosion, gear boxes, fresh water production and control to DC power. Increasingly electrical power systems are also becoming the realm of the Marine Engineer as cruise ships and warships move towards the 'All Electric Ship' concept. Unique to marine engineering is the skills acquired in system integration. And not any system integration, but integration into a compact steel structure where weight and volume are critical, the whole thing can often move quite violently and then it is all placed in a corrosive fluid – sea water.

Admission Requirements

To gain admission to a graduate marine engineering course, a good first degree in mechanical engineering, marine engineering or related discipline is required. However, university and college programs differ in their requirements so be sure to check before applying. If you have qualifications in other subjects such as Physics or Mechatronics then you may be able to get onto a graduate program in marine engineering. Knowledge of fluids and thermodynamics is essential and at least an understanding of basic electrical engineering. Some experience ins the marine environment is desirable but not essential.

Career Prospects in Marine Engineering

You need to think ahead to where you envisage your career path taking you. Graduate marine engineering courses will vary in their objectives and focus of research. Upon completion of a graduate program, you should have the skills and knowledge to enter industry; consequently, graduate marine engineering courses have strong links with their target industrial sector. Once you have graduated, you should have no problem finding a job, often graduates are snapped up as soon as possible. Large (and small) companies in the marine industry are very keen to recruit students who have studied a graduate course in marine engineering. For example, companies such as Lloyds Register, BMT (British Maritime Technology), VT Shipbuilding, BAE systems, Shell and MOD are often involved in the graduate course itself, getting directly involved in the design and project work of students. An advantage of working so closely with leading companies in the sector is that you will have the opportunity to undertake your own projects with them and gain valuable experience by spending time on site. This gives you great potential for obtaining a job afterwards or just to experience the work of the marine engineering industry first-hand. However, your job opportunities extend further than this, you could work in the offshore power industry, consultancy, surveying, or the design of 'conventional' merchant ships, cruise ships or luxury yachts. Either way, the list is endless as to the opportunities open to you after studying a graduate marine engineering course. Good luck with your application and future career!

With thanks to:
Dr Alistair Greig
Senior Lecturer and MSc Admissions Tutor
Department of Mechanical Engineering
University College London