SQA Advanced Diploma Marine Electro-Technology

SQA Advanced Certificate and SQA Advanced Diploma qualifications provide practical skills and theoretical knowledge that meet the needs of employers.

The SQA Advanced Diploma Marine Electro-Technology (SCQF 8) covers areas such as legislation and leadership, management, strength of materials, applied mechanics, heat engine principles, naval architecture, ship construction and survey, electrical distribution systems, electrical power, process control, pneumatics, and hydraulic systems.

This qualification is available through a growing number of colleges, training providers and universities around the world. Typically, an SQA Advanced Certificate takes one year to complete and an SQA Advanced Diploma takes two years.

Withdrawal of Maritime qualifications

SQA have been informed by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) that the listed qualifications will not be recognised as part of their certificate of competency (CoC) from 31 August 2025. You should not make any new entries for these qualifications after that date if they are required to be part of MCA CoC recognition.

  • HNC Marine Engineering (GM1K 15)
  • HND Marine Engineering (GM1J 16)
  • SQA Advanced Certificate Marine Engineering (GN1Y 47)
  • SQA Advanced Diploma Marine Engineering (GN20 48)
  • HNC Nautical Science (GM7P 15)
  • HND Nautical Science (GM7N 16)
  • SQA Advanced Certificate Nautical Science (GN21 47)
  • SQA Advanced Diploma Nautical Science (GN22 48)
  • HND Marine Electro-Technology (GF98 16)
  • SQA Advanced Diploma Marine Electro-Technology (GR5H 48)

SQA have been informed by the MCA that all currently enrolled candidates who wish to use the qualifications listed as part of MCA CoC recognition, must complete these qualifications by 31 August 2030.

Any questions related to MCA recognition of SQA qualifications should be directed to your MCA contact.

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Why deliver this qualification

SQA Advanced Diplomas have been developed by SQA in partnership with colleges, universities, and the industry — so employers recognise that they provide sound evidence of ability.

The unit-based structure supports flexible delivery. A unit is typically 40 hours of timetabled learning.

There is a wide choice of optional Units which will enable centres to offer courses tailored to meet local needs.

The SQA Advanced Diploma provides progression routes to further study (see Progression).

Who does this qualification suit

The SQA Advanced Diploma Marine Electro-Technology is suitable for a wide range of candidates including:

  • school leavers
  • adult returners to education
  • individuals in employment who wish to enhance their career prospects
  • people who wish to start their own business

Entry requirements

As with all SQA qualifications, entry is decided by the college or learning provider. As a guide, the college or learning provider will look for:

  • school-leaving qualifications equivalent to SCQF Level 6
  • a centre-devised test that shows the student’s ability to study at SQA Advanced Diploma level
  • relevant work experience

Progression

The SQA Advanced Diploma in Marine Electro-Technology can provide advanced entry to degree-level study.

What approvals are needed?

Centres with devolved authority for approval should use their own internal approval process.

Centres without devolved authority will need to come forward for approval and should contact SQA’s Business Development Team for guidance.

Assessors and verifiers must be able to meet SQA’s general requirements for technical/occupational competence as outlined in the Systems and Qualification Approval Guide.

How to assess

Each individual unit specification gives detailed information on the Evidence Requirements and approaches to assessment for each unit.

There will be ongoing course assessment.

Assessment and e-assessment support packs are available for this qualification.

Qualification structure

The SQA Advanced Diploma in Marine Electro-Technology

Group Award code: GR5H 48 (240 SCQF credit points)

SQA Advanced Diploma Marine Electro-Technology at SCQF level 8 consists of 27 mandatory units.

Group award specification

For further information on the structures and units of these qualifications please refer to the Group Award Specification document (712 KB).

Unit Specifications