MSc Marine Engineering

Programme Overview

The Master of Science in Marine Engineering at Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) is a full-time postgraduate programme designed to develop advanced engineering knowledge and professional competence for the international maritime industry. The programme provides students with an in-depth understanding of the design, construction, and materials of floating structures, with particular emphasis on new small craft, marine structures, and the retrofitting of existing ships.

The programme also addresses the rapidly developing challenges of the maritime sector and the transition towards more sustainable technologies. Students develop the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to projects involving sustainable marine structures, climate-neutral fuels, vessel refitting, and floating offshore wind turbines.

Study Duration and Structure

The programme has a nominal duration of 2 years and consists of 120 ECTS. It is offered as a full-time postgraduate programme and leads to the degree of Master of Science (MSc) in Engineering.

The programme is delivered across two TalTech locations. Courses during the two autumn semesters, from September to January, take place at TalTech Kuressaare College on Saaremaa. During the first spring semester, from February to June, studies continue at the TalTech main campus in Tallinn.

The spring semester of the second academic year is dedicated to completing the master’s thesis. The actual location during this period depends largely on the subject of the thesis. The completed thesis is defended in Kuressaare.

Programme Content

The MSc in Marine Engineering provides comprehensive knowledge of the marine engineering sector and its current development trends. Students develop advanced competence in the engineering processes required to design and construct floating structures and gain knowledge of materials used in marine applications.

The programme focuses particularly on:

• Design of floating structures
• Construction of marine structures
• Marine engineering materials
• Construction of new small craft
• Development of other marine structures
• Ship retrofit and modification
• Ship stability and hydrodynamics
• Electrical engineering
• Mechatronics
• Electronics and smart systems

Special Studies and Elective Areas

As part of the Special Studies module, students can select elective courses from three main areas:

Complex Marine Structures

Students can develop their knowledge of complex marine structures and the engineering principles involved in their design and construction.

Stability and Hydrodynamics of Ships

This area focuses on the stability and hydrodynamic characteristics of ships, providing students with specialist knowledge relevant to marine vessel design and performance.

Electrical Engineering and Mechatronics

Students can also specialise in electrical engineering and mechatronics, supporting the development of modern and technologically advanced marine systems.

Students may additionally choose internships and supplementary subject courses related to electronics and smart systems.

Connection to the Blue Economy

The programme is directly or indirectly connected with the focus areas of the Blue Economy Development and Competence Centre of TalTech Kuressaare College.

These areas include:

• Marine technology
• Hydrodynamics and structures
• Smart sea and smart technology

This connection provides an academic context focused on the development of modern marine technologies and engineering solutions.

Green Transition and Sustainable Marine Engineering

A significant aspect of the programme is its relevance to the changing needs of the maritime industry. Graduates are prepared to respond to challenges associated with the green transition in marine engineering.

The programme addresses areas such as the development of marine structures using sustainable materials, the retrofitting of vessels for climate-neutral fuels, and the construction of floating offshore wind turbines.

This gives students an opportunity to develop engineering competence relevant to the evolving requirements of the maritime sector.

Career Opportunities

Graduates with a Master’s degree in Marine Engineering can pursue professional opportunities in the international marine industry or work with companies providing engineering solutions.

The programme prepares graduates for roles involving marine engineering and the design and construction of ships or other marine structures.

Graduates may also choose an academic or research-oriented career path. Those interested in research and development can continue their studies at the doctoral level, either at Tallinn University of Technology or another institution, including institutions outside Estonia.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in a related speciality.

To qualify for studies at Tallinn University of Technology, applicants must normally have achieved at least 60% of the highest possible CGPA.

If the average grade from the Bachelor’s degree is below 60%, the requirement may be considered fulfilled upon the programme manager’s proposal if the applicant’s average grade from previous Master’s studies is at least 60% of the maximum possible grade. This principle can only be applied if the Bachelor’s CGPA is not below 50%.

Applicants should also meet the university’s country-specific requirements and provide the required educational documents.

GRE General Test Requirement

A GRE General Test result is required as a preliminary requirement for applying to the programme.

The programme information states that the required threshold score, exemption criteria, and other relevant GRE information are provided by Tallinn University of Technology.

English Language Requirements

The programme is taught in English, and applicants must provide adequate proof of English language proficiency.

The university specifies the accepted English-language certificates and required results on its application information page.

The English-language requirement may only be waived when a candidate has completed on-site secondary education, Bachelor’s studies, or Master’s studies fully taught in English in one of the countries specified by the university:

• EU/EEA member states
• United States
• Canada
• Australia
• New Zealand
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom

Applicants who completed English-taught studies remotely or outside the specified country are required to provide an internationally recognised English-language test indicated by the university.

Educational Documents

Entry qualification documents are accepted in English or Estonian.

Applicants whose original educational documents are in another language must upload official translations together with the original education documents through the online application system.

Motivation Letter

Applicants are required to submit a motivation letter for the programme.

Each programme application requires an individual motivation letter or statement of purpose. The letter should address the applicant’s:

• Education and work history
• Previous studies, activities, and experience relevant to Marine Engineering
• Willingness to acquire professional competences
• Expectations for Master’s studies
• Vision for their professional career

Applicants are also required to properly cite and reference sources used in their motivation letter, including quotations, publications, and ideas that are not their own.

The programme information specifically states that AI-generated text is not acceptable for the motivation letter because the purpose of the document is to demonstrate the applicant’s genuine motivation. Failure to follow these requirements can result in disqualification of the application.

Online Interview

An online interview is also included in the admission process.

Tuition Fees

The tuition fee for the MSc in Marine Engineering is €6,000 per year.

The programme information states that the programme is free for EU/EEA citizens.

An additional €100 non-refundable application fee is required per applicant. This fee allows an applicant to apply for two programmes.

Scholarship opportunities are also available through Tallinn University of Technology.

Study Locations

The programme is delivered at two TalTech locations:

TalTech Kuressaare College, Saaremaa
The two autumn semesters take place at Kuressaare College.

TalTech Main Campus, Tallinn
The first spring semester is held at the main campus in Tallinn.

The second-year spring semester is dedicated to the Master’s thesis, with the actual study location depending on the thesis topic. The thesis is defended in Kuressaare.

Degree Awarded

Successful completion of the programme leads to the award of:

Master of Science (MSc) in Engineering

Programme Information

• University: Tallinn University of Technology
• School: School of Engineering
• Programme: MSc Marine Engineering
• Study level: Postgraduate / Master’s
• Study type: Full-time
• Duration: 2 years
• Credits: 120 ECTS
• Teaching language: English
• Study locations: Kuressaare (Saaremaa) and Tallinn, Estonia
• Tuition: €6,000 per year
• EU/EEA tuition: Free
• Application fee: €100 one-time and non-refundable
• Degree: MSc (Master of Science in Engineering)
• Course codes: 238662, EAHM

Intake and Application Status

The provided programme information states that the application period has ended.

Studies commence: 31 August.