Do you want to work with the latest electrical engineering technology? Training as an marine electro-technical officer cadet in the UK’s Merchant Navy will offer you the chance to gain valuable academic and practical electrical engineering knowledge and put your specialist skills into practice whilst away at sea on a fully sponsored three-year marine electro-technical officer cadet programme at the world-renowned Warsash Maritime Academy.
Officer cadet training schemes typically last for around three years and are split into five phases which alternate between academic studies, practical experience and safety training at Warsash Maritime Academy and seagoing periods to gain practical shipboard experience.
To enrol on an officer cadet training scheme, candidates apply directly to shipping companies, not through UCAS. This is because officer cadet training is fully sponsored by the shipping company, covering course fees and also providing the means for gaining the mandatory work-based learning on board ship. Cadets will often also receive a small salary or living allowance while they are training.
Marine electro-technical officers take particular responsibility for the maintenance of on board control engineering and electronic systems, including propulsion control, radio communications and electronic navigation aids. During their training at Warsash, METO cadets are taught the necessary academic underpinning knowledge, as well as gaining practical training, providing them with the confidence and know how to maintain a wide range of electrical and electronic equipment to maximise the operational safety and efficiency of the vessel.
What does this course lead to?
This course will lead you to employment as a certified watchkeeping marine electro-technical officer on board a commercial (merchant) ship.
Who is this course for?
This fully-sponsored training programme is a must for those who wish to become a marine electro-technical officer in the Merchant Navy. The course is suited to those who are looking for an interesting and varied career, and is ideal for those with a strong interest in electrical engineering and technology.
Application procedure
To apply for a foundation degree in marine electrical and electronic engineering, you must undertake a three year electro-technical officer cadet training programme (officer cadetship) approved by the Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB), and meet the academic entry requirements as stated.
The next step is to find a company to sponsor you so that you can complete the sea service elements of the training programme. You should apply direct to the sponsoring companies for details of their recruitment policies and the availability of sponsorship.
There are a number of UK sponsoring companies that recruit UK/EU nationals as officer cadets to work in the various shipping sectors of the merchant navy (eg, cargo, container, cruise, tanker etc.), either individual shipping companies recruiting to fulfil their own staffing needs or training organisations that recruit on behalf of their clients.
Companies normally start the recruitment process around January each year for entry in the following September or January.
Grant opportunities
Solent University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships that provide financial assistance or waive fees for tuition or accommodation. Each bursary or scholarship has specific eligibility criteria. Check out our bursaries and scholarships pages to find out more.
Prerequisites
- Numerate subject or National Engineering Award at Level 3.
- GCSE grade 4 or above in at least mathematics, English and science, plus one other (previously grade C).
- Entry to this course is through a sponsored cadetship; see the Warsash Maritime Academy website for details.
- For further information about UK, EU and international qualifications, please refer to our course entry requirement statement.
English language requirements
Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are:
- IELTS minimum 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each individual component
- TOEFL IBT minimum 80 with a minimum of 19 in each individual component
- or equivalent.
Qualifications are checked before enrolment, and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies when coming to study at the University.
The University also offers a pre-sessional English programme for international students who wish to improve their level of English before starting a degree course.
ISCED Categories
