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Bachelor of Applied Science (Marine Engineering) (23R)

Overview (2027)

Duration

Minimum 4 years, up to a maximum of 9 years.

This course is available to study as both part-time or full-time
Duration
Duration refers to the minimum and maximum amounts of time in which this course can be completed. It will be affected by whether you choose to study full or part time, noting that some programs are only available part time.

Location

Launceston
AMC MT Main Block 1, AMC MT Main Block 3, Semester 1
Online
Semester 1, Semester 2

“AMC offers a great study environment; the facilities are really good, and everyone here is really supportive. My course is very practical and well delivered. I have learned lots of different things in my first two years of study. My highlights were welding and machining, I also really enjoyed pre-sea"

Meloney Gibbs, Bachelor of Applied Science (Marine Engineering)

If you're aiming for a career as a Marine Engineering Officer, this course combines engineering knowledge with practical maritime training to prepare you for work on commercial vessels.

Throughout your studies, you'll learn how to operate, maintain and manage the complex engineering systems that keep ships running safely and efficiently. You'll build knowledge in areas such as:

  • marine engineering systems
  • ship operations and vessel structure
  • maintenance and fault finding
  • shipboard safety and emergency response
  • marine legislation and regulatory requirements
  • vessel and engineering management
  • marine survey and inspection processes.

This course combines classroom learning, practical training and industry experience.

In your first year, you'll complete your pre-sea training on campus at the Australian Maritime College (AMC) in Launceston. You'll develop core engineering skills through practical workshops, simulation training and hands-on learning in specialist maritime facilities.

As you progress through your course, you’ll gain knowledge and practice the skills required of engineering officers working at sea. You'll learn how marine propulsion systems operate, how to manage engineering operations onboard a vessel, and how to respond to operational and emergency situations.

Many units include practical learning experiences that replicate real shipboard environments, helping you build confidence before heading to sea.

This course is designed to align with the requirements to receive an Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) Certificate of Competency (subject to meeting AMSA requirements) and to meet the training and educational standards of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, ensuring your qualification aligns with internationally recognised maritime industry requirements.

Industry experience at sea

A key part of your course is gaining professional sea-time experience.

During your studies, you'll complete 36 weeks of sea service while employed with a shipping company as a trainee engineering officer.

This industry experience allows you to apply what you've learned in real operating environments, work with experienced maritime professionals, and develop the practical competencies required for certification.

Sea-time is an essential step towards obtaining an AMSA Certificate of Competency and becoming a qualified Marine Engineering Officer.

Study location

The on-campus components of this course are delivered at the Australian Maritime College in Launceston, Australia's national centre for maritime education, training and research and a specialist institute of the University of Tasmania. Here you'll have access to specialist maritime teaching facilities and learn together with students preparing for careers across the maritime industry.

Launceston offers a welcoming student experience, combining city convenience with access to Tasmania's renowned outdoor lifestyle, food culture and natural environments. Learn more about living and studying in Launceston.

There are a number of entry pathways available into this course, please view the course structure section for more information.

Course Intake and Commencement Dates:

Please note, all courses are based on campus at the Australian Maritime College, Launceston unless otherwise stated.

Pathway

On Campus

Online

Pre-Sea – Engine (Year 1)

22 February (Semester 1)

n/a

Engineer Watchkeeper –

(Year 2)

1 February (AMC MT Main Block 1)

14 June AMC MT Main Block 3

n/a

Class 2/Class 1 Chief Engineer (Year 3)

1 February (AMC MT Main Block 1)

14 June AMC MT Main Block 3

n/a

Conversion

 

23 February (Semester 1)

6 July (Semester 2)

ETO (Non-Award Enrolment Only)

1 February (AMC MT Main Block 1)

14 June AMC MT Main Block 3

n/a


Watch our course information webinar

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Career outcomes

“AMC has a good reputation, which is one of the main reasons I chose to study here. My qualification has given me a kick start in the industry as an Engineer Watchkeeper. After completing my initial course and working at sea for 9 years, I decided to return to AMC to further my career prospects and obtain my Class 2 Engineer qualification”

Rohan Luckie, Marine Engineer

Employment opportunities for seafarers are growing across a range of industries, with demand for maritime professionals projected to increase by a further 2.16% by 2028. Industry Skills Australia reports indicate that adverts for Marine Transport Professional jobs have tripled since 2020.

Engineer Class 1/Class 2 (Motor)

AMC’s Bachelor of Applied Science (Marine Engineering) is the recognised pathway to becoming an AMSA Certified Class 1 and 2 Marine Engineer. Upon graduating from this degree, you will be competent with advanced industry knowledge and a sought-after skill set which will prove to be advantageous as you seek a career at sea.

Our professional engineering graduates are also qualified with additional knowledge and skills that they are likely to require to take up senior shore-based professional positions such as:

  • Governmental or intergovernmental regulators and organisations such as AMSA, EMSA (European Maritime Safety Agency), IMO (International Maritime Organization)
  • Senior position in a shipyard, technical manager in a shipping company
  • Marine superintendent or safety manager in a shipping company
  • Product, R&D, sales and service managers in companies manufacturing marine engines and equipment
  • Surveyor in a Classification Society
  • Marine Surveyor with a Port State Control authority such as AMSA
  • Work in Marine insurance companies
  • Maritime Education and Training, research and teaching positions

Engineer Watchkeeper (Motor/Steam)

For those wanting to to embark on a career as an Engineer Watchkeeper, you can exit the degree after two years of study with an Advanced Diploma.

To exit after the second year, you will need to show evidence of an additional 10 week of workshop training completed in an AMC recognized training facility. For further details please contact the Years 1 & 2 coordinator Rabiul Islam.

Postgraduate study

If you successfully complete this course, you may be also be eligible to apply for a range of other postgraduate courses including Graduate Certificates and Graduate Diplomas and Masters by coursework and research. Visit our Postgraduate courses page view the current courses available.

Course structure

The Bachelor of Applied Science (Marine Engineering) requires the completion of 300 credit points:

Year 1 (Pre Sea – Engine) - 93.75 credit points.  Comprises core units (22 credit points), short course units (21.75 credit points) and practical units (50 credit points).

Year 2 (Watchkeeper – Engine) - 106.25 credit points.  Comprises core units (81.25 credit points), short course units (25 credit points) and an At Sea unit (6.25 credit points).

Year 3 (Class2 Class1 Chief Engineer) - 100 credit points, consisting of all core units

We have a team of Student Advisers available to help you structure your studies to meet your desired outcomes. For enrolment assistance please contact us via U Connect today.

Alternative Entry points

A number of defined entry pathways are available into this course which recognise that students may be commencing the course with existing experience and/or qualifications or intending to apply for specific professional licenses or Certificates of Competency. If entering the course via alternative pathway entry points please contact a Student Adviser via U.Connect@utas.edu.au for individual enrolment advice.

Electro Technical Officer (ETO) Qualification*

Students completing 23R can also achieve an ETO qualification by enrolling in additional units from the list of short courses (not required for award).    

If you intend to qualify with an ETO CoC only, please contact the Course Coordinator for further details.

* Note, if you wish to complete these units you do so in addition to the requirements of 23R.  You will enrol in these units as non-award.  

 

Entry requirements

Fees & scholarships

Domestic students

Commonwealth supported places (CSP) are available for this course. For eligible domestic students, this means your fees will be subsidised by the Australian Government. You’ll only need to pay the student contribution amount for each unit you study within the course.

Commonwealth Supported Place indicative annual fee: $9,685

How is this calculated?

This is an estimate. The calculation is based on the average full-time enrolment for this course in 2026. All figures are indicative only for 2027. Actual tuition fees will depend on specific unit enrolment, and are subject to annual increases each year. You can find the complete fee details for each unit of study on the individual unit pages. The units for this course are found in the course structure section of this page.

These figures do not include other costs such as the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). For further information, please visit Scholarships, fees and costs.

HECS-HELP loans

You may be able to defer payment of the student contribution amount by accessing a HECS-HELP loan from the Government. If eligible, you’ll only have to pay your tuition fees once you start earning above a specific amount.

Further information on student loans and a CSP eligibility checker can be found at Australian Government Study Assist.

International students

2027 annual international student tuition fee: $20,438 AUD

The standard year of study for this course is 75 credit points.

Indicative total tuition fee for international students: $ 85,906 AUD.

This total tuition fee is indicative only. Please visit fees and costs for further information on how this is calculated.

International students are charged the Student Services and Amenities Fee but this fee is incorporated in the annual rate. International students do not have to make any additional SSAF payments.

Domestic scholarships

Scholarships for domestic students

Each year, the University offers more than 900 awards to students from all walks of life, including: those who have achieved high academic results, those from low socio-economic backgrounds, students with sporting ability, students undertaking overseas study, and students with a disability.

Many of the scholarships listed below are made available through generous sponsorship from our industry partners. These scholarships are specifically for AMC students however there are many other University scholarships available for which AMC students can apply.

For information on all scholarships available at the University of Tasmania, please visit the scholarships website.

Applications for most awards commencing in Semester 1 open at the beginning of August and close strictly on 31 October in the year prior to study.

Scholarships for international students

There are a huge range of scholarships, bursaries and fee discounts available for international students studying at the University of Tasmania. For more information on these, visit International Scholarships.

International scholarships

The University of Tasmania offers a range of scholarships for full fee-paying international students, designed to recognise academic merit and support access to university study.

For many of our international scholarships you will be automatically assessed when you submit your International Student Application, meaning no separate scholarship application is required. Some scholarships may require additional application steps. Explore our International Scholarships to learn more about available opportunities and application requirements.

Additional costs

Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) Fees (not included in tuition fees)

Sea time Assessment / Oral Examination / Optional Short Courses / Sea Safety Certificate.
Find out more at the AMSA website.

How can we help?

Do you have any questions about choosing a course or applying? Get in touch.