Cornwall College

Higher National Certificate in Marine Engineering

Institution code NA
Duration

2 years
Course type

Part-time
Study location Falmouth Marine School
From campuses across Cornwall and Devon, including at the Eden Project and in Newquay, we offer a wide range of university-level specialist courses, designed with employers and delivered by industry professionals, in subjects ranging from counselling, ecology, horticulture and marine biology to zoology. Recognised with a TEF Silver award for teaching and student outcomes, our courses emphasise professional technical skills, and benefit from direct one-to-one access to lecturers and personal wrap around support.

Course details

  • Year 1

  • Core modules

    CORF143
    Analytical Methods

    CORF154
    Work-Based Experience

    CORF160
    Marine Control and Instrumentation Systems

    To develop the learners understanding of the design and implementation of control and instrumentation systems equipment into private and commercial vessels.

  • Final year

  • Core modules

    CORF144
    Engineering Science

    CORF145
    Naval Architecture

    Optional modules

    CORF1012
    Maritime Electrical Systems

    This module builds upon level 3 electrical theories and circuit analysis. It considers the development and use of electrical power with a particular focus on marine applications. It covers generation, storage, distribution and use of electrical power on board ship.

    CORF1013
    Pneumatic and Hydraulic Systems Design and Management

    This module introduces and extends the learners knowledge and understanding of fluid power systems in modern industry. Learners will study pneumatic and hydraulic circuit symbols and diagrams and consider circuit designs. They will also examine the characteristics and selection of components and equipment and evaluate relevant industrial applications of pneumatics and hydraulics.

    CORF1023
    3-D Computer Aided Design

    This module will equip the learner with the necessary advanced CAD parametric modelling skills that industry demands to meet the requirements of current industry standards. Learners should be able to produce and edit 2D shapes prior to starting this unit. Learners will investigate a CAD software package so as to be able to generate complex assemblies of structures.

    CORF1024
    Engineering Business Management Techniques

    This module will introduce learners to the means by which engineering companies and other organisations will apply management processes to the planning of resources, equipment and personnel aligned with business costing techniques with an appreciation of those key functions that underpin effective financial planning and control with due regard to current financial legislation within the United Kingdom.

    CORF1025
    Marine Composite Engineering

    This module will develop the student’s understanding of the materials and structural properties of materials used in the composite industries, and experience a range of common manufacturing/processing methods

    CORF1026
    Project Management Techniques

    The module will enable learners to develop an understanding of what constitutes a project and the role of a project manager. Through study and practical application, they will examine the criteria for the success or failure of a project and review the elements involved in project management, termination and appraisal.

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Fees, costs and funding
As this course is delivered by one of our partner colleges, please contact the college directly for information on fees and funding.

*UK Government announcement on tuition fees

Following an announcement in November, the government has confirmed its intention to increase undergraduate tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year.

Subject to final Parliamentary approval (expected in early March 2025), the tuition fee for UK students is increasing to a maximum of £9,535 from 1 August 2025. This change applies to current and new students at the University of Plymouth. The Student Loans Company (SLC) has confirmed loans for tuition fees will be increased accordingly.

How to apply

For further information and to apply for this course, please contact the college's admissions team directly using the contact details below. 

Our partnership with Cornwall College
The University of Plymouth has developed partnerships with institutions around the world with the sole purpose of making higher education more accessible to those people who need something just a little different.

Our Academic Partnerships enable students to enrol for a degree at a partnership institution closer to home, or engage in distance learning – even when they’re in the middle of the ocean. They are there for those people looking to return to education, or enhance their professional development. Full- or part-time; foundation degree to masters-level – we cater for a huge variety of needs and aspirations.

Many of our partners offer specialist degrees, unique facilities, and smaller class sizes at a competitive price. And as a student of two institutions, you get the best of both worlds; a supportive learning environment as part of a close-knit community, and a university-level qualification awarded by the University of Plymouth. You’ll enjoy not only the facilities and services your partnership institution provides, but also all of the additional support and resources you need from us, and you’ll automatically become a member of our Students’ Union, too.

We are continuing to grow the number of partner institutions and expand our academic community to new locations around the UK and overseas. Why not visit the Academic Partnerships page on our website for a full list of partners and for more details on studying with us?

One of our partners delivers this particular course – so please visit their website for full course details, entry requirements, tuition fees and information on what student life is like there. 

Open days

Partner college open days

This course is run at one of our partner colleges. Open days are held at the college and more details of these can be found on the college website. You'll find contact details below, on this page.

University of Plymouth open days

You are also very welcome to attend a University of Plymouth open day, to get a flavour of the courses you can progress to from a partner college. There will however be limited information on this specific course and college.

Studying with Cornwall College

Looking to study a specialist subject at university level? Want to do it in one of the most beautiful places in the world? Our wide range of courses gives you the chance to pick up the skills and experience you’ll need for your chosen profession.
Plymouth students working on a group project