The Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) has approved an accreditation for two degree programmes offered by Dalian Maritime University (DMU), China, highlighting the Institute's commitment to championing the best providers of marine-related education, and supporting the next generation of marine engineers, scientists and technologists around the world.  

 

The accreditations in question relate to the BEng Marine Engineering and BEng Marine Electrical and Electronic Engineering courses, both of which are 4-year Bachelor degrees.  

 

Having previously had courses accredited by the IMarEST in 2003, DMU applied to renew accreditation for the two programmes in 2019. Last year, with the COVID-19 pandemic making on-site visits impossible, the awarding panel switched to a digital-only approach. 

 

The IMarEST conducted a five-day digital accreditation process, meeting with faculty and students through Zoom web-conferencing sessions that scrutinised the respective academic programmes. The meetings covered a range of topics, such as course design, assessment, QA procedure, staff development, and student development. These virtual meetings were also augmented with additional, more interactive sessions with DMU's students and graduates.  

 

Following the completion of the accreditation process, the IMarEST's Professional Affairs & Education Committee (PAEC) reflected on the feedback and recommendations from the review panel before awarding the accreditations, which each last five years. 

 

Within their report, the review panel noted that DMU is a highly-organised institution, with a strong focus on maritime education and exemplary teaching facilities. The panel also commented on the high degree of commitment exhibited by faculty members, working in both Chinese and English to suit the capabilities and interests of students, and enhancing outcomes across learning, communication and employment. 

 

The students themselves demonstrated excellent communication skills and high levels of interest in the programme. The review panel also heard about students' experience in terms of the support they receive from teachers and senior students, as well as activities and university life in general. DMU graduates shared their experience of the world of work since graduating and how the two programmes had helped to prepare them for joining industry.  

 

'Accreditation helps the two courses to be more internationally recognised, benefiting hundreds of graduates in terms of career and professional development. Being an institutional member of the IMarEST also helps both students and teachers to obtain more industry-oriented knowledge, and to be connected to the maritime industry at a global level. DMU looks forward to strengthening the partnership with IMarEST in the near future for continuously enhancing the quality of education and research.' Professor WANG Baojun, Vice Dean – Marine Engineering College, DMU.

 

Founded in 1909, DMU is located in the Liaoning region and is a key maritime institution, recognised as a Chinese Ministry of Education Double First Class Discipline University, with Double First Class status in specific disciplines. Its maritime faculties employ around 200 faculty members, supporting over 2,600 students. 

 

DMU rejoins an expanding number of higher education institutions within China and the wider APAC region that have sought the IMarEST accreditation for their courses. Existing accredited institutions include Ningbo University (NBU), the Ocean University of China, IPB University (Indonesia), and UniKL MIMET (Malaysia).