Previously known as Ship Science, this course has changed its name to Maritime Engineering for applicants starting in September 2024
Southampton has been one of Britain's most important naval and shipbuilding centres since the Middle Ages. This course combines mechanical engineering skills with a specialist knowledge of naval architecture and marine engineering.
It is ideal for those who want to work in the varied and exciting field of Maritime Engineering, Maritime Engineering looks at the design, construction and testing of ships and ocean structures. These could be for transport, recreation or harnessing marine resources.
You'll get a broad mechanical engineering degree, with a focus on maritime engineering.
You’ll study:
In your final year, you can study advanced naval architecture and you'll complete an individual research project.
As part of this course you can:
Enhance your employability by taking this course with a paid industrial placement year.
Apply using:
You'll spend this extra year at an engineering firm, applying the skills and knowledge you've learned so far.
The fee is 20% of the standard annual tuition fee.
We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.
Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).
This course is accredited by the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA), the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) as meeting the academic requirement, in part, for Chartered Engineer registration.
This course is accredited by:
This course is based at Highfield and Boldrewood.
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
AAB including mathematics (minimum grade A) and either physics, chemistry or further mathematics
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: ABB including mathematics (minimum grade A) and either physics, chemistry or further mathematics plus grade A in the EPQ
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme as follows:
ABC including Grades A/B in Mathematics and either Physics, Chemistry or Further Mathematics, or BBB including Mathematics and either Physics, Chemistry or Further Mathematics.
Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches) or 7 at Higher Level in Mathematics (Applications and Interpretation), and 5 at Higher Level in Chemistry or Physics
Applicants who have not studied the required subject can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grades AA from 2 A-levels including mathematics and either physics, chemistry or further mathematics.
We will consider the BTEC National Extended Diploma in Engineering if studied alongside A-level mathematics.
We will consider the BTEC National Diploma if studied alongside mathematics and either physics, chemistry or further mathematics at A-level.
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades AA from two A-levels including mathematics and either physics, chemistry or further mathematics.
We will consider the BTEC Extended Diploma in Engineering if studied alongside A-level mathematics.
We will consider the BTEC Diploma if studied alongside mathematics and either physics, chemistry or further mathematics at A-level.
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Not accepted for this course. Applicants with an Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject should apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 including mathematics, applied mathematics and either chemistry, physics or physics-chemistry
Applicants who have not studied the required subject can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.
Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
AAB including mathematics (minimum grade A) and either physics, chemistry or further mathematics or AA from 2 A levels including mathematics and either physics, chemistry or further mathematics, and B from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales.
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
T level in Science at Distinction overall with A in Core and Distinction in the Occupational Specialism, and grade A in A-level Mathematics
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
If English is not your first language, you must show that you can use English to the level we require. Visit our English language pages to find out which qualifications we accept and how you can meet our requirements.
If you are taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), you must get at least the following scores:
If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before your course starts.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
A foundation year will give you the skills and knowledge to progress to this course if you don't have the right qualifications for direct entry.
It could be the right option if you:
You'll also need to show that you have strong maths skills.
Find full details on our Engineering, Maths, Physics, Geophysics Foundation Year page.
A foundation programme will give you the language skills and subject knowledge you need if you're not qualified for direct entry to your chosen undergraduate course.
You'll progress to your chosen course after successfully completing the foundation programme.
Find out more about undergraduate foundation programmes for international students.
We welcome applications from learners of all ages. Students who are aged 21 and over at the start of their undergraduate course are defined as mature by the University of Southampton. We take a holistic assessment of the application looking for academic ability and commitment to study. Typical entry requirements, which may vary from discipline to discipline, includes for example, evidence of recent formal academic qualifications or professional qualifications, relevant work experience or volunteering. You may also be invited to attend an interview with an Admissions Tutor. For some degree programmes, there may also be a Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) requirement. We accept many different academic qualifications. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team.
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
The first 2 years provide the fundamentals in engineering and science. As you progress, you'll study more discipline-specific subjects and can take optional modules.
You'll get mandatory workshop training, and hands-on experience of key skills, like machining and welding. There are design elements throughout the course to make sure that you can apply your theoretical understanding to real design problems.
You’ll take part in an induction programme and work as a team to design, build and test a bulk carrier.
You’ll take a core module in engineering mathematics and further compulsory modules in:
You'll take part in a challenging design project, for example, to design a range of ship system components with interacting parts.
Your compulsory modules will cover:
You’ll carry out an individual research project, using many of the skills you’ve learnt over the previous 2 years. For example, students have looked at how to improve the speed measurements of sailing yachts, and the use of composite materials for propellers.
You will also take part in a marine craft design challenge and have the chance to share your project with industry professionals.
The other, discipline-specific core modules for this year are:
You may also select 1 optional module per semester that include:
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.
You must study the following modules in year 1:
You must study the following modules in year 2:
You must study the following modules in year 3:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 3:
The learning activities for this course include the following:
How you'll spend your course time:
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
Year 1:
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 2:
Year 2:
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 3:
Year 3:
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Georgina Keane is the course leader.
The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.
Download skills overview
Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.
Fees for a year's study:
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and standard exams.
Find out how to:
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.
Explore:
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £36,200 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
Get in touch for advice about student money matters.
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant to help fund your studies.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.
The Student Hub offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Maritime Engineering (BEng) is a course in the Maritime engineering subject area. Here are some other courses within this subject area:
