Marine Electro Technology - Diploma of Higher Education

Start Date	Location	Duration / Fee
7 Sep 2026	Fleetwood Nautical Campus	26 Weeks/ £7,145	Enquire

Course Overview

The Diploma in Higher Education (Dip HE) in Marine Electro Technology provides comprehensive training and essential knowledge for a wide array of career opportunities, with a particular focus on preparing you for electro-technical officer roles within the Merchant Navy. This programme is structured to guide your progression from operational-level knowledge at Level 4 to managerial-level expertise at Level 5, in alignment with the internationally recognised Standard of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) 1978, as amended. The course fulfils the requirements set by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and is accredited by the Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB). The Dip HE in Marine Electro Technology, along with the Cert HE in Marine Electro Technology, provides full academic exemptions for the STCW95 Reg III/2 Electro Technical Officer (ETO) Unlimited Certification.

Throughout the programme, you will acquire a thorough understanding of electro-technical systems, engineering principles and the vital role of Electro-Technical Officers (ETOs) within the maritime industry. The curriculum emphasises the development of problem-solving abilities, where you will learn to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations, thus honing your skills as a professional Electro-Technical Officer (ETO).

In addition to providing a Level 5 academic qualification, this programme is designed to support cadet training for those who require the Electro-Technical Officer Certificate of Competency (CoC). Alongside the academic components, cadets will engage in a practical training programme, which includes mandatory STCW basic training, workshop skills training and essential safety courses such as first aid, firefighting, high voltage scenarios, and rescue boat training. This holistic approach ensures that you are well-prepared both academically and practically for a successful career in the maritime industry.

Entry Requirements

To enrol in the Level 5 Diploma HE (Dip HE) Marine Electro Technology programme you must have completed an Level 4 Certificate in HE (Cert HE) in Marine Electro Technology.

Qualification Obtained

DipHE Marine Electro-Technical

Career Options and Progression

The Dip HE in Marine Electro Technology together with Cert HE in Marine Electro Technology offers full academic exemptions for the STCW95 Reg III/2 Electro Technical Officer (ETO) Unlimited Certification. Students taking this route will find the journey to achieving the ETO CoC 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.

While a career at sea is a rewarding choice, it does not always involve working on the water itself. There are numerous shore-based opportunities within the maritime industry including roles with shipping companies that manage and oversee all aspects of their ship operations or those of other ship owners. Some of these positions may require previous seagoing experience, but they provide valuable career alternatives. Moreover, should you decide not to pursue a career at sea, the skills gained through the programme are highly transferable to a wide range of engineering and management roles. Opportunities exist in fields such as electrical engineering, offshore and petroleum engineering, project management, technical support and more. Ship management roles also include a variety of leadership positions, including Senior Electro Technical Officers, Fleet Director, Personnel Manager, Training Manager, Operations Manager, Marine Electrical Superintendent and Engineering Superintendent. These roles provide ample opportunities for career development both within the maritime industry and beyond.

Assessment Methods

The programme encompasses a wide arrayof modules specifically structured to equip students with both foundational and advanced competencies in marine engineering. By seamlessly integrating theoretical instruction with hands-on practical training, the curriculum ensures students develop a robust understanding of the discipline and are prepared to meet the demands of modern maritime industries.

Core modules such as Power Electronics and Drives lay the groundwork for technical proficiency, introducing students to essential electrical concepts and systems. Building on this, the Power Systems and Electrical Machines module focuses on applying these principles within marine environments, emphasising the role of electrical power in vessel operation and marine infrastructure.

Students will also engage deeply with Marine Navigation Systems, Shipboard Management and related modules that provide real-world exposure to critical onboard technologies. These modules offer practical training in the operation and maintenance of systems such as marine propulsion, fluid power systems and navigation instruments, bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world application.

Advanced topics, including Process Control and Distributed Control Systems and Small Area Network Implementation, further enhance students' technical expertise. These modules foster analytical thinking and practical problem-solving by simulating challenges commonly encountered in complex maritime systems and automation environments.

Assessment methods for the programme are varied and include the following:

Examinations to test foundational knowledge and understanding of core concepts
Analytical and reflective assignments, case studies, and written reports to allow students to examine real-world maritime issues and contextualise their theoretical learning
Individual reports that help develop independent research and writing skills
Presentations to enhance communication, leadership, and management abilities
Portfolio work to support reflective practice and self-evaluation, helping students track their personal and academic progress
These assessments are designed to ensure that students are well-prepared for their future careers by developing a broad range of skills and knowledge that are applicable both academically and professionally.

Assessment	Level 4	Level 5	Level 6
Coursework	0%	40%	0%
Exam	0%	50%	0%
Practical	0%	0%	0%

Teaching and Learning Methods

Not required for FNC

Learning Method	Level 4	Level 5	Level 6
Scheduled (Hours)	0	533	0
Independent (Hours)	0	667	0
Placement (Hours)	0	0	0
Total (Hours)	0	1200	0

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
Communication Systems and Networks	15	MH5MD0023
Power Systems and Electrical Machines	20	MH5MD0024
Process Control	15	MH5MD0025
Shipboard Management	15	MH5MD0026
Distributed Control Systems and Small Area Network Implementation	20	MH5MD0027
Marine Navigation Systems	15	MH5MD0028
Power Electronics and Drives	20	MH5MD0029

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