Marine engineer

You can complete a foundation degree or degree to become a marine engineer.

Courses include:

• marine engineering
• marine technology
• naval architecture
• offshore engineering

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science

• 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and a science for a degree

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You could apply to do a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, with an engineering company, for example:

• Marine Engineer
• Maritime Mechanical Fitter
• Maritime Electrical Fitter
• Marine Electrician

These can take between 3 and 4 years to complete and combine workplace training with off-site study.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

You could start by training as a marine engineering technician or engineering officer, with the Merchant Navy or Royal Navy .

You could then study for a marine engineering degree while working.

Career Tips

You may be able to apply for courses and training if you have experience and qualifications in science or engineering from different sectors.

Further Information

You can find more advice about careers in engineering from the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology and British Marine .

As a marine engineer, you could:

• work with naval architects to design and build ships, boats and submarines
• service and repair vessels in shipyards and docks
• install engines, navigation equipement and safety systems
• inspect and test electrical and electronic instruments
• refurbish and maintain offshore energy platforms and wind turbines
• assist with marine surveys for buying and insurance purposes
• keep technical documents for jobs up to date
• manage a team of technicians

You could work at a shipyard, in an office, on a ship or underwater.

Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers, physically demanding and you may spend nights away from home.

You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.