Course Overview

The course covers many different aspects of marine engineering and provides an excellent basis for anyone wishing to become an engineer. It forms the second year of the Merchant Navy Cadet Programme for engineering officers and runs over three years.

As a cadet, you will be sponsored throughout your training by a shipping company and receive an allowance and support at college, as well as spending a portion of your time onboard ships gaining hands-on marine training.

It is also possible to undertake the HNC as a one-year stand-alone course for which there would be no requirement to spend time at sea.

Special features

• You will gain all the hands-on experience you need to become an engineer cadet

• You will have financial support throughout your course by way of sponsorship from a shipping company

• Engineering officer cadets spend a total of at least 8 months on-board a Merchant Navy vessel during their 3-year cadetship

• Highly qualified professional staff with experience afloat and ashore

• State-of-the-art simulation equipment, engineering workshops, and training vessels 

• High-quality support infrastructure within modern facilities

• Small class sizes provide an opportunity for one-to-one teaching

• Ship and local company visits are undertaken during the course to enable you to see engineering in action

General Eligibility

• You should normally have a minimum of four National 5, Standard Grade or GCSE passes at Grade C/3 or above, including English, Mathematics, and a science-based subject

• Other relevant qualifications or experience will be considered on an individual basis

• You will be required to undergo a medical and fitness test.

• You must be sponsored by the industry (Merchant Navy), be resident and have had residency in the UK for at least 36 months, be a national of the UK or an EU member state, and hold a UK or EU member state passport.

Direct access to the HNC:

• You should normally have a National Certificate in Engineering (SCQF level 6) or at least two Higher passes at Grade C or above, one of which should be Mathematics or a Physical Science

• Other equivalent qualifications and/or relevant experience may also be accepted

Part Time Work Details

20 hours work permit for international students

Language Requirement

• • Overall score of 5.5 with no element below 5.0

  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic3-Min 50

  • TOEFL-Min 69 or above with min 17 in each section