Ship Propulsion Plant and Offshore Construction Operation (Mechanical Engineering)
Level of Study:
Bachelor's (First-Cycle)
Intake:
Oct 2026 (admissions May-Sept)
Faculty:
Marine Engineering
Language of instruction:
English
Duration:
8 semesters
Mode of study:
Full-time
Degree Awarded:
Bachelor of Engineering (Inżynier)
Degree description
The programme provides students with up-to-date knowledge and practical skills in the operation and basic design of marine propulsion plants and offshore structures. At the same time, it offers a broader engineering foundation in the construction, manufacture, assembly and operation of machines and technical systems, including ships, offshore structures, port and shipyard equipment, and industrial installations, supported by modern technologies, engineering methods and computational tools. This combination of theory and practice ensures that graduates are well prepared for technical and managerial responsibilities in a ship’s engine department, including work as a marine engineering officer.
Specialisations/areas of study
A distinctive strength of the programme is its strong focus on practical preparation. Students take part in a high number of hands-on classes, including workshops, laboratory sessions, and simulator-based training, which help them develop the professional competencies required in modern engineering practice. They also gain skills in technical diagnostics, operational decision-making, engineering materials, manufacturing and assembly processes, and engineering design support. The programme is especially well-suited to candidates with technical interests, strong analytical abilities, and a genuine enthusiasm for engineering problem-solving.
Requirements
- Applicants for bachelor’s degree programmes must hold a secondary school leaving certificate that entitles them to apply for higher education in the country where it was issued.
This may include:- a Polish Matura certificate (or other European equivalent)
another recognised secondary school leaving certificate (or equivalent qualification) entitling the applicant to apply for higher education in their own country
If your certificate was issued outside Poland, it must:
- be legalised or bear an apostille (except for documents issued in EU countries or International Baccalaureate and European Baccalaureate diplomas);
- be translated into Polish by a sworn translator; and
- if required, be accompanied by a statement* from the Director of NAWA (Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange) confirming that it is recognised for further study in Poland.
A detailed list of countries whose certificates require a NAWA statement is available on the NAWA website:
https://nawa.gov.pl/en/recognition/recognition-for-academic-purposes/applying-for-admission-to-first-long-cycle-studie
- English Language proficiency certificate.
Selected modules
- Ship Power Plants
- Marine Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines
- Marine Machinery and Auxiliary Equipment
- Strength of Materials
- Technical Thermodynamics
- Marine Electrical Engineering and High Voltage Technology
- Marine Automation Systems
- Ship Theory and Construction
- Drilling Platform Equipment
- Maritime English
Graduate skills
Graduates of the programme acquire a comprehensive combination of engineering knowledge, technical skills, and operational seafaring competencies aligned with international STCW standards:
1. Thermal, Mechanical & Marine Systems Engineering
- Power Plant Operation & Maintenance: Skilled in starting, supervising, maintaining, and troubleshooting main marine diesel engines, gas and steam turbines, auxiliary machinery, boilers, and refrigeration, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
- Engineering & Structural Analysis: Capable of applying fundamental principles of technical mechanics, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and strength of materials to diagnose stresses, pressure drops, and heat transfer in complex marine hardware.
- Technical Diagnostics: Proficient in condition monitoring and non-destructive testing (NDT) – including vibroacoustic, endoscopic, and ultrasonic techniques – to assess engine health and prevent failures.
2. Automation, Electrical & CAD Design
- Marine Automation & Control: Competent in testing, setting, and maintaining automated systems, PID controllers, PLC controllers, and integrated power distribution networks.
- Electrical Engineering & High Voltage: Equipped to safely operate, maintain, and troubleshoot marine electrical systems, switchboards, electric drives, and high-voltage shipboard installations.
- Computer-Aided Engineering: Proficient in reading complex engineering blueprints, generating 2D/3D CAD models, and performing Finite Element Method (FEM) structural stress analyses.
3. Manufacturing, Repair & Seagoing Practice
- Workshop & Repair Technologies: Trained in fitting, machining (turning, milling, grinding), gas/arc welding, and applying advanced resin/composite repair methods onboard.
- Watchkeeping & Shipboard Safety: Proficient in engine room watchkeeping (both manned and periodically unmanned), fuel management, risk assessment, and emergency procedures.
- Communication, Environmental & Legal Compliance: Thoroughly trained specialised maritime English for effective shipboard communication, as well maritime legal frameworks, environmental protection standards (MARPOL, SOLAS), and international safety management codes (ISM, ISPS).
Professional qualifications
The degree programme in Ship Propulsion Plant and Offshore Construction Operation meets the standards of the International STCW Convention (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers), established by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), which guarantees recognition of the qualification worldwide. The diploma, together with the required sea service, forms the basis for obtaining professional qualifications for work as a watchkeeping officer in the engine department.
Internships
Practical sea training is an integral part of the programme. Students complete two periods of on-board training during their studies: the first on the training vessels Dar Młodzieży or Horyzont II, and the second as a semester-long operational placement on merchant vessels operated by shipowners from the global shipping market. Thanks to long-standing cooperation with numerous industry partners, the Faculty effectively supports students in gaining the practical experience required for a successful start in the profession.
Career opporunities
Graduates of the programme are highly valued by employers around the world. Equipped with strong technical expertise and well-developed soft skills, including leadership, teamwork, and communication, they are ready to take on responsible roles early in their careers. Many graduates work on merchant vessels operated by shipowners worldwide, often on highly competitive contracts. At the same time, the programme also opens opportunities ashore, in the wider maritime economy and in other engineering sectors of the global labour market. Graduates may pursue careers in shipyards, ports, offshore installations, and companies responsible for the operation, supervision, and maintenance of complex technical systems, as well as in roles related to production processes, innovation implementation, cost management, and team supervision.
