Marine Engineering - Diploma of Higher Education


  

Course Code: MH1HE0005

  

Maritime & Nautical


Next course dates

Start DateLocationDuration / Fee
6 Jan 2026Fleetwood Nautical Campus26 Weeks/ £7,145Enquire  
5 Jan 2027Fleetwood Nautical Campus26 Weeks/ £7,145Enquire  

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Course Overview

The Diploma in Higher Education (DipHE) in Marine Engineering is designed to provide you with the comprehensive skills and expertise required to thrive in the maritime industry. This programme is carefully aligned with industry standards and professional bodies, ensuring that you meet all necessary outcomes for a successful career at sea. 

Combined with additional vocational training, the DipHE will also make you eligible for key roles in Marine Engineering and it will grant you the academic exemptions needed for the STCW95 Reg III/2 Chief Engineer Unlimited Engineering Certification. Structured to facilitate your progression from operational to managerial levels, this programme adheres to the requirements outlined in the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) 1978, as amended in 2012. By meeting the rigorous standards set by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and receiving approval from the Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB), this programme ensures you are well-prepared for a successful career in Marine Engineering.

Entry Requirements

To enrol in the Level 5 Diploma HE (Dip HE)  programme, you must have completed a Level 4 Certificate in  HE (Cert HE) in Marine Engineering or hold an MCA-recognised Engineering Officer of the Watch (EOOW) Certificate of Competency (CoC), which is equivalent to the 120 credits of the Cert HE award. If you hold the EOOW CoC, the College will conduct a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) assessment. RPL is a process that acknowledges prior learning gained through informal, formal, or non-formal experiences, such as work experience or life skills. Once your prior learning is recognised, it can be used to gain credits or exemptions for qualifications.

Qualification Obtained

DipHE Marine Engineering

Career Options and Progression

The Dip HE in Marine Engineering offers full academic exemptions for the STCW95 Reg III/2 Management Level Engineer Unlimited Engineering Certification, streamlining the path for students who pursue this qualification after completing their Certificate in Higher Education (Cert HE) in Marine Engineering. Students taking this route will find the journey to achieving the Chief Engineer qualification much more straightforward, as they will only need to complete relevant industrial exams and short courses, reducing the time and effort required to advance in their careers.
 

Assessment Methods

The Level 5 curriculum in marine engineering provides a comprehensive and integrated approach to developing core technical and professional competencies. Modules such as Power Systems and Electrical Machines, Maritime Applied Mechanics, Maritime Applied Thermodynamics, Stability and Stress and Process Control build upon foundational engineering knowledge to explore advanced concepts critical to ship operations. Through lectures, simulations, and practical lab sessions, students deepen their understanding of these systems. Real-world case studies and design-based projects support applied learning, while formative assessments like quizzes, group work, and lab tasks ensure continuous engagement. Summative evaluations consist of written exams, technical reports and project submissions that test both theoretical understanding and practical application.

Complementing the technical modules, Law and Business and Shipboard Management introduce students to the legal, commercial, and managerial aspects of the maritime industry. These modules provide essential knowledge of maritime law, international regulations, business strategy, and operational leadership. Teaching includes lectures, case studies, guest speakers and role-playing exercises to encourage critical thinking and real-world decision-making. Together, this curriculum ensures that graduates are not only technically proficient but also capable of navigating the complex regulatory and operational challenges of the maritime sector.

Summative assessments evaluate students' achievements at key points in the programme and use a diverse range of methods to accommodate various learning styles and ensure inclusivity. These include academic reports, technical essays, case-based problem-solving, simulations, presentations and traditional exams. This range allows students to demonstrate both their understanding of fundamental engineering principles and their ability to apply knowledge in complex, real-world contexts. Emphasis is placed on the development of transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving and digital literacy—key competencies for marine engineering careers. Assessment tasks are intentionally designed to mirror professional challenges, often incorporating technologies such as simulation software and, where appropriate, artificial intelligence tools. Overall, the strategy ensures students are not only academically successful but also well-prepared for the technical and collaborative demands of the maritime industry.

Assessment Level 4 Level 5 Level 6
Coursework0%40%0%
Exam0%60%0%
Practical0%0%0%

Teaching and Learning Methods

There is no work placement included in this course. You will however likely progress to industry settings on completion, and prior to your next career steps. This will include activities such as shipboard inductions, familiarisation with marine operations and will the undertaking of tasks forming part of your continuous professional development

Learning Method Level 4 Level 5 Level 6
Scheduled (Hours)010660
Independent (Hours)013340
Placement (Hours)000
Total (Hours)024000

Industry Placement and Field Trips

There is no work placement included in this course. You will however likely progress to industry settings on completion, and prior to your next career steps. This will include activities such as shipboard inductions, familiarisation with marine operations and will the undertaking of tasks forming part of your continuous professional development

Other Costs and Equipment Needed

In some cases, coursework and/or projects may be submitted electronically. Where it is not possible to submit electronically you will be liable for printing costs. There may be opportunities for field trips to conferences, exhibitions or for other interests. This is done through negotiation as new venues/locations/trips must be risk assessed and approved.

What you will learn

At Level 5
Module Title Credits Code
Maritime Applied Mechanics 15 MH5MD0015
Power Systems and Electrical Machines 15 MH5MD0016
Process Control 15 MH5MD0017
Shipboard Management 15 MH5MD0018
Law and Management 15 MH5MD0019
Maritime Applied Thermodynamics 15 MH5MD0020
Stability and Stresses 15 MH5MD0022
Maritime Applied Mechanics 15 MH5MD0030
Power Systems and Electrical Machines 15 MH5MD0031
Process Control 15 MH5MD0032
Shipboard Management 15 MH5MD0033
Law and Management 15 MH5MD0034
Maritime Applied Thermodynamics 15 MH5MD0035
Stability and Stresses 15 MH5MD0037

Expert Tutors

All staff involved in the delivery of any courses within the College are approved to teach and/or assess the subjects and modules they deliver. The approval process ensures that staff delivering and/or assessing a given programme are appropriately qualified, with relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice.

Regulation and Accreditation

Accrediting Institution: N/A

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