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Master’s degree · Machinery and electrics

Master's in Marine Electrical Systems and Automation

This master's programme gives you command of electrical power systems and automation on board modern ships. You will work on ship power networks, generators, electric drives and protection schemes, with control systems, sensors and fault finding as the second focus.

100% online1,500 hours11 modulesTaught in EnglishEnrol any time

What is this programme?

This master's programme prepares you to lead the technological transformation of the maritime industry. It covers electrical power systems, advanced automation and the control networks of modern ships. You will learn to diagnose, maintain and repair critical equipment, including electric propulsion, distributed generation and energy management, with the aim of improving the efficiency, safety and sustainability of maritime operations.

Its strengths are advanced simulation, with modelling and simulation of marine electrical systems using specialised software; integrated automation, designing and implementing control systems for a range of marine applications; marine renewable energy, integrating renewable sources into the ship's electrical network; and maritime cybersecurity, protecting electrical and automated systems against cyber threats.

Programme highlights

  • Marine technology: in-depth study of the sector's most advanced electrical and automation systems.
  • Intelligent automation: learn to design, implement and maintain control systems that improve the efficiency and safety of vessels.
  • Renewable energy at sea: study the integration of clean energy and energy management on ships and platforms.
  • Simulation and modelling: use leading-edge tools to analyse complex marine electrical systems.
  • Career prospects: oriented towards marine electrification and automation.

Study plan

01Advanced Fundamentals of Marine Electrical Systems, On-Board Energy Architecture and Principles of Automation136 h
The marine electrical system compared with land-based systems. Architecture of generation, distribution and consumption on commercial, offshore and naval vessels. AC and DC systems. Low, medium and high voltage networks with segmentation by essential services. Relationship with propulsion and automation. Robustness, redundancy and selectivity. Effects of the marine environment: corrosion, vibration, humidity, salinity and electromagnetic compatibility. The move towards electrified ships, distributed control and digitalisation.
02Electrical Generation, Energy Storage and Power Management136 h
Generating sets, alternators and shaft generators. Main and emergency power plants. Synchronisation and load sharing. Transformers and power electronics. Batteries and hybrid systems. Dynamic power management during manoeuvring, navigation and dynamic positioning. Power quality: harmonics, imbalance and flicker. Backup systems and black start. Supervision through power management systems (PMS). Assessment of robustness and sustainability.
03Marine Electrical Distribution, Protection and Switchboards136 h
Design criteria for radial, ring, zonal and distributed systems. Main and secondary switchboards. Selection of cables, busbars and cable routing. Load calculations, voltage drop and sizing. Protection devices and selective coordination. Short circuits, overloads and earth faults. Distribution for propulsion, hotel loads and bridge systems. AC, DC and hybrid networks. Functional safety and continuity of service. Design validation.
04Electrical Machines and Marine Drives136 h
Rotating machines: synchronous, asynchronous and permanent magnet. Motors for pumps, compressors, winches, cranes and transverse thrusters. Variable frequency drives and soft starters. Diesel-electric, hybrid and fully electric propulsion. Integration with propellers, azimuth thrusters and dynamic positioning. Thermal management and protection. Diagnosis through electrical, thermal and vibration monitoring. Speed, torque and braking control. Technology selection and assessment.
05Advanced Fundamentals of Marine Automation136 h
Differences between plant, process and mission automation. Architecture: sensors, actuators, PLCs, distributed controllers, HMI and supervision. Typical variables: pressure, temperature, level, flow, position and speed. PID loops and sequential logic. Automation of propulsion, steering, ballast, water and deck systems. Local, remote and distributed control philosophies. Interaction with functional safety. Redundancy, fail-safe design and degraded modes. The evolution towards smart ships.
06Instrumentation, Sensors and Actuators136 h
Selecting sensors according to variable, environment and criticality. Pressure, temperature, level, flow, vibration and position sensors. Transmitters, signal conditioning and real-time data acquisition. Electric, pneumatic, hydraulic and electro-hydraulic actuators. Instrumentation for engines, generators and fuel systems. Integration with navigation sensors. Calibration and data quality. Diagnosis of instrument faults. Robustness and maintenance. Design of reliable instrumented systems.
07Industrial Networks, Integration and Cybersecurity136 h
Industrial communication on board and shipboard protocols. Integration of PLC, SCADA, DCS, PMS, IAS and AMS systems. Synchronisation and interoperability between manufacturers. Redundant networks and resilient design. Remote supervision, data historians and analytics. Management of alarms, events and trends. Diagnosis of latency, loss of communication and saturation. Cybersecurity in OT networks. Secure, scalable digital architecture.
08Functional Safety, Regulation and Risk Management136 h
Principles of functional safety in highly critical systems. Electrical and automation risk analysis. Classification society requirements and regulatory frameworks. Alarms, trips, shutdowns and emergency logic. Redundancy, segregation and functional independence. Degraded modes and recovery. Electromagnetic compatibility and surge protection. Validation through FAT/SAT testing and commissioning. Technical file and traceability of modifications.
09Maintenance, Advanced Diagnostics and Digital Transformation136 h
Preventive, corrective and predictive maintenance of switchboards, cables, machines, sensors and controllers. Diagnosis through electrical analysis, thermography, vibration and event logs. Spare parts and obsolescence management. Energy efficiency in hotel, propulsion and auxiliary loads. Data analytics and condition-based maintenance. The link between power quality and equipment condition. Digital twins and intelligent diagnostics. Continuous improvement and technical support models.
10Navigation Systems, Integrated Bridge and Dynamic Positioning136 h
Integrated bridge architecture (IBS/INS). Radar, ECDIS and AIS on the ship's network. Autopilot and steering systems. Gyrocompass and heading and speed sensors. Dynamic positioning (DP) systems, their classes and redundancy requirements. Power supply to navigation equipment. Alarm integration (BNWAS). FMEA testing of DP systems. Maintenance of bridge electronic equipment.
11Final Master's Project136 h
Definition of the case study: ship type, mission profile and scope. General architecture of generation, distribution, automation and instrumentation. Selection of equipment and networks. Design of control, protection, supervision and alarms. Load, continuity and functional safety analysis. Regulatory, cybersecurity and environmental robustness criteria. Installation, testing, commissioning and maintenance plan. Performance assessment. Technical report. Presentation and defence before a panel.

Duration and format

1,500hours in total
11modules of 136 hours
100%online, at your own pace
Openenrolment all year round

At 10 hours a week you would finish in about 150 weeks; at 20 hours a week, in about 75.

What you will learn

  • Manage automation and control projects in marine systems.
  • Supervise the maintenance and repair of marine electrical equipment.
  • Design and implement electrical and automation systems for ships.
  • Optimise energy efficiency in marine electrical installations.
  • Diagnose and resolve faults in electrical and automation systems.
  • Comply with current regulations on electrical safety and marine automation.

Career outcomes

  • Marine electrical design engineer: designing and optimising electrical systems from generation to distribution.
  • Marine automation engineer: implementing and maintaining control systems for machinery and equipment.
  • Electrical and automation maintenance manager: managing preventive and corrective maintenance on board.
  • Electrical and automation systems inspector or auditor: assessing regulatory compliance on ships and in port facilities.
  • Technical consultant in marine electrification and automation: advising on ship modernisation and energy efficiency.
  • Control and monitoring systems integration manager: coordinating the installation and commissioning of complex systems.
  • Testing and commissioning engineer: verifying the operation of electrical and automation systems.
  • Researcher and developer in marine electrification and automation: innovation projects for efficiency and sustainability.
  • Lecturer or trainer in marine electrical systems and automation.

Entry requirements

  • Academic or professional profile: degree in Electrical, Electronic, Control or Naval Engineering or a related field; accredited professional experience in the maritime or industrial sector with knowledge of electrical systems and automation is also accepted.
  • Recommended prior knowledge: basic notions of electricity, electronics, programming and control systems. Experience in industrial or maritime environments is valued.
  • Documentation: up-to-date CV, copy of your degree or certificate of experience, identity document or passport, and a letter of motivation.
  • Technical requirements (online): a computer with camera and microphone, a stable internet connection and software for viewing electrical drawings and diagrams.
  • You do not need to be a merchant navy officer if you hold a related qualification or have experience in maritime or port operations; an admission interview confirms the fit. A working level of English (SMCP) is recommended.

How to enrol

Enrol online

Complete your enrolment on this page, or apply through admissions if you prefer to talk to us first.

Receive your access

We send you the details to enter the virtual campus and start the programme.

Study at your pace

Work through the modules when it suits you and complete the programme from anywhere in the world.

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