At 16 years old, I entered into an apprenticeship at Portsmouth Naval Base with the MoD (now BAE Systems). Throughout my career, I continued to study part-time. I always regretted that I would not achieve university qualifications and become a professional engineer.

In 2007, BAE Systems gave me a fantastic opportunity to join their team of Naval Architects. To do this, I would need to pursue the academic qualifications required for membership with RINA and to achieve CEng status. MTEC offered the only part-time MSc accredited with both RINA and IMarEST.

It is especially difficult to manage this level of study whilst employed full-time. The structure of the course and the flexibility and support was excellent. It allowed me to complete the course in a time scale that suited my personal and professional commitments.

The breadth and quality of the modules have provided me with interesting and valuable knowledge that I have and will continue to use in my employment with BAE Systems. I will continue to recommend the MTEC programme to any engineers who want to further their academic qualifications.

• Aaron is currently employed at BAE Systems as a Design and Safety Principal Engineer

I enrolled on an MSc in Defence Engineering with MTEC following completion of a BEng Naval Architecture degree at UCL. The MTEC programme provided me with the ideal opportunity to work towards an MSc and Chartership whilst remaining in full time employment with the MOD. There are a number of ‘streams’ and a wide variety of modules to choose between which allowed me to focus on specific areas of interest.

I found all the modules I attended across a range of universities to be very well facilitated and taught. There was always support available for the distance learning aspects of the course. I would definitely recommend the programme for anyone in full time employment looking to continue with higher education.

The programme co-ordinators are very helpful too!

• Simon is currently employed at the Ministry of Defence

The MTEC course was recommended to me by peers and the Institute to which I am a member of as meeting the educational requirements of Professional Registration.

The course fits very well around full time employment. It provides an excellent opportunity to network with the wider industry at each module. One thing I would particularly emphasise for anyone considering the course is to plan long term how you intend to attempt the modules. I completed the eight modules on the Marine Engineering Pathway in four years. I could have completed sooner but I was able to confirm those I needed to attend well in advance. This gave me time to gain approval and re-organise social engagements. After I'd completed a couple of modules, the new friendships I'd made with other students allowed me to discuss areas of difficulty in the course notes and gain a broader understanding of the pre-school material. On the course, students and staff can communicate using Blackboard at the University, or social media.

My employer is very pleased with the administration of the course and recognises it amongst its preferred list of accredited courses for Professional Registration.

• James is currently employed at BAE Surface Ships Limited as a Marine Engineer

I started on the course as part of the Continuing Professional Development scheme within Rolls-Royce.

I chose the MTEC course as I am a Chemical Engineer working in a largely Naval Mechanical Engineering discipline. I wanted to further my knowledge in naval mechanical engineering, rather than gain a specific accreditation. MTEC was perfectly tailored to this, providing flexibility in abundance.

There was good consistency across the different study locations for each of the modules. Interaction between the students was encouraged before and after week-long University modules.

The modules were well taught, and provided a good level of expertise and support throughout. Within my work environment, the MTEC course has provided me with an wider understanding of ship design and architecture. This enables me to interact with my customers with a greater level of understanding of their requirements

• Paul is currently employed at Rolls-Royce Marine

Following my Bachelor’s degree, I needed to get Chartered status to progress my career. To achieve this, a postgraduate qualification was essential.

The MTEC programme offered this opportunity in a distance learning format which, for me, worked very well. The module leaders were incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. The experience has vastly increased my level of understanding and knowledge of the subjects covered. I now believe this is a more worthwhile pursuit than my original goal of obtaining a qualification.

I wholeheartedly recommend the MTEC programme to anyone who wishes to extend their learning, either as part of a course of study, or as individual modules.

• Duncan is currently employed at OSD-IMT as a Naval Architect

I needed an MSc to progress in my career and become a Chartered Engineer. With a full time job and a young family, a distance learning degree was the only way I could achieve my goal.

MTEC offered a flexible and accredited MSc degree programme which suited my needs. I was able to complete my studies (10 modules and a project) within two and a half years, with a good mark on the MSc General degree stream.

The MTEC programme was thoroughly enjoyable. It is conducted in a very professional manner. You get the opportunity to study at the top universities in the UK, and gain valuable information from excellent university lecturers and fellow students. I have and would recommend the programme to anyone who wishes to progress in the field.

I have recently applied to become a Chartered Engineer with the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). MTEC has opened up so many avenues for my career progression. I am extremely grateful to all those involved with its management and delivery.

• Simon is currently employed at Babcock International Group

The part-time module-based study model provided by MTEC is excellent for combining with a full time job. It’s a complete programme taught by a wide variety of experienced and attentive professionals. The selection of modules and material taught makes this Master's degree unique and highly beneficial.

It has been a fantastic experience. I have benefited both professionally and personally. The programme has participants from all over the world with varying age, status and experience. This has facilitated the establishment of strong networks within the marine industry on a global scale. The programme has definitely expanded my horizons and career opportunities. It has offered flexibility to specialise in several fields.

I would highly recommend the MTEC course to anyone wishing to expand their knowledge, network and qualifications in the marine industry.

• Kristian is currently employed at Technip UK Limited as an Engineering/Naval Architect Lead

I joined the MTEC programme to complete a couple of modules so I could meet the educational requirements to apply for engineering chartership.

The first modules I attended were very well organised, enjoyable and applicable to my role as a marine engineer at BAE Systems. It wasn’t long before I had signed up to study the entire Masters course.

Studying whilst working full time is challenging. The flexible nature of the MTEC degree programme provides the best opportunity to balance work, life and study.

Fellow students came from a variety of different countries and industries. Their experience really added to the intensive schools. These schools often felt more like a discussion amongst peers than a series of lectures.

Technology made it easy to study together outside of university. Although the majority of the course is distance learning, there are always lecturers or other students available to help.

I would definitely recommend this programme as a way to continue studying part time. A big thank you to all at MTEC for facilitating the course.

• Louise is currently employed at BAE Systems Surface Ships Limited as a Principal Engineer - Wholeship Detail Design

I Joined the MTEC programme as part of my career progress plan that my employer encouraged me to pursue.

I had a solid start and was planning to finish Naval Architecture within two years. After I did two modules I had an opportunity to move to another country with a new job. This is where the flexibility of the MTEC program was most helpful. While I was changing career and adjusting to a new life abroad, I continued my studies at a pace that suited me. I have now completed a postgraduate certificate in marine technology.

I decided to take the ‘general’ stream so I could study the modules that were more related to my work and interests. The structure of the MTEC programme was very well-tailored for full-time professional dads like me.

Distance learning is the major plus for the MTEC programme. But it was the week long intensive school that I found the most fruitful, with lectures and discussion taking place. I had the pleasure of meeting other professionals from different sectors of the Marine Industry.

The MTEC programme is very flexible yet very well organised and professionally executed. Support is provided from registration to graduation.

• Nik is currently employed at ABS Dubai Port as a Senior Surveyor

I graduated from the University of Cambridge with a Masters in Engineering Sciences (specialism Mechanical). So I had already obtained the Master’s degree qualification necessary to work towards Chartered Engineer status.

My motivation for doing the MTEC course was to gain more familiarity with the wider Marine Industry in which I was working. I also saw the programme as a useful method of demonstrating Continuing Professional Development (CPD). I knew this was a requirement for gaining Chartered Engineer status with my chosen institution (RINA).

The MTEC scheme has fulfilled these aims. I have gained Chartered Engineer status well before completing the programme. The programme has also provided me with a thorough background in the Marine Industry from a technical and regulatory perspective. As the course is part-time and distance-learning, it is ideally suited to those with full-time jobs. During the intensive schools, I also made useful contacts and good friendships, which I hope will continue after having completed the course. I highly recommend the programme to anyone considering taking it on.

• Zahidur is currently employed at DNV GL-Oil & Gas as a Senior Engineer, Jack Up and Geotechnical Group

I can wholeheartedly recommend the MTEC degree programme to anyone working or wishing to work in or with the maritime industry.

The course has challenged me and allowed me to grow within my job. It has provided a solid and wide base with which to plan my future career.

It is one of the most challenging but rewarding things I have done. The benefits of the MTEC programme are numerous. It offers the flexibility to carry on a day job whilst studying. The diverse range of subjects is taught by a team of experienced knowledgeable lecturers. The administrative team provide excellent support.

I would encourage anyone considering a move into the maritime industry or wanting to gain further experience and marine qualifications to seriously consider this programme.

• Oliver is currently employed at Maritime & Coastguard Agency

Having spent three years working through the MTEC course, there is a small part of me that wishes I was still on the course. The friends and contacts I made will stay with me for a long time to come.

The support and encouragement from fellow MTEC students and lecturers helped me stay focused, even when assignment deadlines and work commitments loomed. The various modules related well to my current job. This has put me in good stead for the future.

The lecturers offer good insight into the marine industry. They shared their experiences of the industry with everyone which helped put the theory into practice. I would highly recommend MTEC course to anyone wishing to expand their knowledge and qualifications in the marine industry.

• Vicki is currently employed at Technip UK Limited as an Engineering/Naval Architect Lead

Submarines have been sponsoring Engineering staff on the MTEC programme since its inception in 2003. The modular approach to the programme is ideally suited to our needs. It develops Masters qualified engineers in a variety of marine specialist disciplines, whilst still being fully employed within the business.

The ability to take the individual modules as Continuing Professional Development, without embarking on the full Masters Programme, has also been an advantage to some of our Engineers.

Nine of our engineers have graduated through MTEC, and 14 engineers are currently enhancing their academic development on the programme.

BAE Systems Maritime - Submarines support this programme. It is an ideal vehicle for our young Engineers to achieve their Chartered Engineer status; an independent accreditation that we value greatly. We would recommend the MTEC Programme to any marine related business wishing to develop its Engineering staff.

• Brian Hetherington, Head of Engineering Capability, BAE Maritime Submarines

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• ASRANet Ltd
• Assosciated British Ports
• Athlone Institute of Technology
• Azure Naval Architects
• Babcock
• BAE Systems
• Blohm + Voss Shipyards
• BMT
• BP
• British Energy Existing Nuclear
• British Gas
• Burgess Crew Services
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• Carnival Corporation
• Castle Insurance
• CFT
• Chase Marine Ltd
• CISD
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• CMA CGM
• Cygnus Narrowboats Ltd
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• Department of Defence (Australia)
• Devonport Royal Dockyard
• DML
• DNV
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• EMP Coposites
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• European Investment Bank
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• ExxonMobil
• Falmouth Marine School
• Fednav Ltd
• Foreland Shipping Ltd
• Forth Ports PLC
• G.M.S Ltd
• Gardline Surveys
• Gemini Dawn Ent
• GL Noble Denton
• Glasgow City Council
• Global Marine Systems
• Great Eastern Shipping
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• Hellas
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• IMF Technical Services Limited
• Integrity Yachting
• International Tanker Management
• James Fisher Defence Ltd
• John Winterbotham & Partners
• Kenya Revenue Authority
• KND Naval Design
• Lamnalco Group
• Le Boat Shop
• Lloyds Register
• M/Y Shoshanna
• Macduff Shipyards Limited
• Macs Marine
• Maritime Constructions
• Masouras Bros. Shipping Company Ltd
• Mayhill Technology (UK) Ltd
• MCA
• Miacle Ltd
• MoD
• MOD (Army)
• MOL Tankship Management
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• MPIC
• National Bunkering Co
• National Inland Waterways Authority
• Navarone SA
• Neda Maritime Agency
• Nigeria LNG
• Nordic Tankers Marine AS
• Norfield Offshore AS
• North Ayrshire Council
• Norweigan Maritime Directorate
• NPCC
• Ocean Risk Management
• Oceandro
• Olympic R.I.B.'s
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• Osprey Marine
• Pacific Steel and Machinery
• PCE Management
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• Ramboll Oil & Gas
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• Resort Municipality of Whistler
• Ribs Marine Services LLP
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• Rolls Royce
• Royal National Lifeboat Institution
• Russian Maritime Register of Shipping, Branch office Finland
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• Saipem
• SAMSA
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• Seatec Services
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• Sharpes Marine Services Ltd
• Shell
• Shoreham Port Authority
• Sileby Mill Boatyard
• SMIT Marine Canada
• SOAS
• Solas Marine Lanka (Pvt) Ltd
• Speciality Yacht Sales Ltd
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• Subsea 7
• Sunseeker International
• Svitzer Marine Ltd
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• Symaltese Falcon
• Targe Towing
• Technip
• Teekay
• Thales Underwater Systems at Brest
• The Master Group LP
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• Tidal Generation Ltd
• Tolvil Marine Ltd
• Tough Surveys Ltd
• Tower Marine Ltd
• Trafalgar Management Services
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