The Master of Maritime Engineering is a postgraduate qualification designed for engineers seeking advanced expertise in the design, construction, operation, maintenance, and sustainment of marine vessels and maritime infrastructure. The program covers a broad range of disciplines including naval architecture, submarine engineering, marine propulsion systems, ship structures, systems engineering, hydrodynamics, ocean engineering, and marine acoustics. Students typically specialise in one of two streams — surface ships or submarines — and develop deep technical competency across the entire lifecycle of maritime assets, from concept design through to decommissioning. The degree is typically completed in 18 months to 2 years of full-time study and is structured to combine intensive coursework with a significant research project and, in many cases, industry placement hours.

This course is designed for practising engineers and recent engineering graduates who wish to pivot into or advance within Australia's maritime and naval defence sectors. It suits those with a background in mechanical, electrical, systems, or civil engineering who want to apply their existing skills in the unique and highly specialised context of maritime operations. Employers of graduates include the Royal Australian Navy, defence contractors such as ASC and BAE Systems, shipbuilders like Austal, offshore energy companies, port authorities, maritime consultancies, the Australian Border Force, and government bodies including the Department of Defence and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). The course is also highly valued by engineers already embedded in the defence supply chain who need formal postgraduate credentials to advance their careers.

The standard entry requirement for a Master of Maritime Engineering in Australia is a completed Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) degree — typically an AQF Level 8 qualification — in a relevant discipline such as mechanical, electrical, systems, civil, mechatronic, or marine engineering. Some programs accept a four-year bachelor's degree (AQF Level 7) in science, engineering, technology, or a related field from a recognised higher education institution, provided applicants can demonstrate equivalent learning outcomes. Applicants without an honours degree in engineering may be considered if they can provide evidence of relevant professional work experience and formal qualifications that together provide equivalent academic preparation. Depending on prior qualifications and professional experience, students may be eligible to receive advanced standing or credit for prior learning, allowing entry directly into the second year of some programs.

For international applicants, English language proficiency is required and is typically demonstrated through an IELTS score of 6.5 overall (with no band below 6.0), or equivalent scores in TOEFL, PTE Academic, or other accepted tests. Some maritime engineering programs — particularly those with seafaring or shipboard components — may additionally require a medical certificate confirming fitness for maritime duties in line with AMSA or STCW standards. Applicants for programmes that include a defence-sector placement or collaboration may require Australian citizenship and the ability to obtain a security clearance. Prospective students are strongly advised to contact their chosen institution directly, as specific prerequisites, assumed knowledge in mathematics and physics, and additional documentation requirements vary between providers.