About this course

On this Marine Engineering and Autonomy MSc degree you'll learn about component and systems engineering for ships. You’ll also gain an understanding of the fixed and offshore structures that help them to function. Learn the skills you need to become a specialist in the marine sector. You'll graduate with the design and analysis skills for a maritime sector career, or for continued study at PhD level.

This Maritime Engineering Science: Marine Engineering and Autonomy MSc is one of 5 maritime engineering science specialisms you can study at the University of Southampton.

On this UK master’s course you’ll gain an advanced understanding of the fundamental principles, methods and applications of maritime engineering science.

This pathway focuses on the analysis and specification of marine engineering and autonomous systems used on board ships and other marine structures. You’ll study topics like electrical theory, thermodynamics, and engine and machine tribology.

You’ll explore the marine engineering systems found on board merchant and naval vessels and their importance to ship design. This includes performance characteristics of diesel engines, steam and gas turbines and electric propulsion. The course covers the dynamic response of the main shaft and associated components.

An introduction to auxiliary systems includes:

heating
ventilation and air-conditioning
refrigeration
the main fuel system

You’ll also learn about propeller-engine matching and a selection of appropriate machinery configurations.

Your optional study topics include a chance to study the principles of photovoltaics, fuel cells and batteries, where you’ll learn about:

electrochemical routes to energy conversion
the relative merits of batteries, fuel cells and redox flow cells
solar radiation as an energy source
solar cell operation and manufacture
design and operation of a photovoltaic system

Throughout your studies, you’ll learn how to solve engineering problems by taking account of social, technical, economic and environmental constraints.

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).

Course lead

Dr Melike Kurt, an Assistant Professor leads this course.

Related pathways

If you'd prefer to study a different specialism, you can apply for one of our other MSc Maritime Engineering Science pathways:

Accreditations

This master's programme is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA) and the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) as meeting the academic requirement for Further Learning, for Chartered Engineer and Chartered Marine Engineer registration. Candidates must hold a BEng/BSc undergraduate first degree that is accredited for Chartered Engineer (CEng) registration to comply with full CEng registration requirements.

Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)

Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA)

Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST)

Engineering Council

European Accreditation of Engineering Programmes (EAEP)

Using the towing tank in your Ship Science degree

Find out about our 138m long towing tank and how our students use it as part of their Ship Science and Maritime Engineering degree.

Course location

This course is based at Boldrewood.

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Download the Course Description Document

The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.

ODT

Download 2024-25 Course Description Document

Entry requirements

You’ll need a 2:1 degree in:

marine or maritime engineering
naval architecture
ship science
aerospace engineering
mechanical engineering
general engineering
electrical engineering
physics
mathematics

You'll also need a 2:1 in maths and mechanics modules.

We may consider applicants with undergraduate degrees in oceanography or architecture, or applicants from marine academies.

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.

Information for students who have studied in China

This programme only accepts applicants who have studied at an X1, X2, X3 or X4 institution.

View acceptable grades from Chinese universities.

English language requirements

IELTS score requirements

overall score: 6.5
reading: 6.0
writing: 6.0
speaking: 6.0
listening: 6.0

If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Pre-masters

If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus. Learn more about the programmes available.

Recognition of professional experience

If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.

Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Course structure

This is a full-time master’s course, studied over 12 months.

In the first 8 months (semesters 1 and 2) you'll study the taught part of your course.

This is made up of modules that everyone on the course takes, and modules we’ll ask you to choose from a list of options.

For the last 4 months, over the summer, you’ll work independently to research and write your dissertation. You’ll have one-to-one meetings with your supervisor during this time to discuss your progress.

You’ll carry out an experimental or numerical research project, and benefit from our Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute (SMMI) research network and our world-class maritime engineering facilities, including the largest towing tank in any UK university.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Modules

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.

For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026

You must study the following modules :

Advanced Electrical Systems

To provide an introduction to power system analysis and power electronics, and an in-depth coverage of electrical machine operation and design in the context of applications from the fields of renewable energy, marine propulsion, robotics and electric veh...

Advanced Sensors and Condition Monitoring

This module explores from traditional conditioning monitoring of machinery to biomechanical systems (i.e. sensors to monitor body forces and motions). It covers condition monitoring strategies, including international standards, monitoring procedures and...

Fundamentals of Maritime Engineering

This fundamentals module is aimed primarily for the MSc students in Maritime Engineering Science and students on the MECH/Navel Engineering programmes. It provides them with the essential knowledge of Maritime Engineering required for their subsequent stu...

MSc Research Project

Within the context of your programme of study, students will undertake independent, original and critical research on a relevant topic. Students will then communicate the research objectives, methodology, analysis, results and conclusions effectively both...

Marine Engineering

This module introduces the fundamental principles, design and analysis of ship power plants, drive trains and auxiliary systems found on-board marine vehicles. Students will be introduced to the operational principles, machinery configurations, perform...

Maritime Robotics

This module introduces the theoretical and practical design of maritime robotics systems such as autonomous underwater and surface vehicles (AUVs, ASVs). Students will be introduced to the theoretical principles underlying their design including aspect...

Maritime Safety: Risk, Environment and Law

In view of the Engineering Council’s support for the development of engineering degrees that will equip students to become professional engineers, the module follows the European Network for Engineering Accreditation guidelines to contribute to graduate a...

Professional Development for Maritime Engineers

Maritime Engineering is about solving problems; creating, analysing and developing safe, sustainable and smart engineered solutions to improve the world we live in. With the pace of technology and the changing world we live in, practicing as an engineer...

You must also choose from the following modules :

Failure of Materials and Components

In this module, the emphasis moves away from alloy development and design, and focuses on the performance of structural materials in a range of engineering applications. The lectures draw on examples from applications of ceramics, steel, Al, Ti and Ni bas...

Intelligent Mobile Robotics

This module teaches the theory and practice of robotic perception and reasoning needed for mobile autonomous vehicles to operate in dynamic, unstructured environments across land, sea and air. You will learn probabilistic methods so that robots can self-l...

Marine Structures in Fluids

This module extends the fundamentals associated with the structural design of floating maritime vessels to account for the complexity of fluid-structure interactions on ship life and operation. Students will assess the impact of fluid-structure interacti...

Offshore Engineering & Analysis

Offshore infrastructure forms a key part of our global communication, energy generation, material transport and environment monitoring networks. This module examines the general engineering concepts and analytical techniques that are fundamental to design...

Renewable Energy from Wind, Wave and Tide

The atmospheric and gravitational processes present on the earth generate flows of wind and water. This module studies these resources and practical methods/technologies for extracting cost-effective electrical and other energy conversions. The main focu...

Zero Carbon Ship Resistance and Propulsion

Maximising the propulsive efficiency of ships is key to their economic effectiveness and in minimising their emissions of CO2, NOx and SOx. Advances in ship performance require a detailed understanding of the fluid dynamic mechanisms which control the flo...

Learning and assessment

Learning

The learning activities for this course include:

lectures
classes and tutorials
coursework
individual and group projects
independent learning (studying on your own)

Assessment

We’ll assess you through:

coursework, laboratory reports and essays
a dissertation
essays
group essays
individual and group projects
written exams

Dissertation

You’ll carry out an original piece of research, resulting in a dissertation, on a subject of your choice (to be agreed with your supervisor).

The project is a chance for you to develop your research skills and show in-depth knowledge of your chosen subject.

Academic Support

You’ll be assigned a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.

Careers and employability

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

Work experience opportunities

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.

Careers services and support

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:

work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities

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.

More about careers support

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

UK students pay £9,250.
EU and international students pay £31,500.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

Deposit

If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.

Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.

Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

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:

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.

Southampton Engineering Deans Postgraduate International Scholarship

A scholarship of £5,000 is available to international students studying for a postgraduate master’s in Engineering.

Find out more about the Southampton Engineering Deans International Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

How to apply

Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal. .
Search for the course you want to apply for.
Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
Pay the £50 application assessment fee, (there are some exemptions, check terms and conditions).
Submit your application.

For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.

Application deadlines

UK students

The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 9 September 2025, midday UK time.

We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.

International students

The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 26 August 2025, midday UK time.

We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.

Application assessment fee

We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.

This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.

If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.

You’ll need to include information about:

your knowledge of the subject area
why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
how you intend to use your qualification

References are not required for this programme.

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

We will aim to send you a decision 6 weeks after you have submitted your application.

If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.

Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.