Develop in-depth knowledge of maritime engineering science on this master’s course at the University of Southampton. You’ll learn about the design and analysis of marine craft and structures in the marine environment, and gain specialist understanding of the key areas of naval architecture. You'll graduate with the skills to become a naval architect or to continue your studies at PhD level.
This Maritime Engineering Science: Naval Architecture MSc is one of 5 maritime engineering science specialisms you can study at the University of Southampton.
Each one gives a broad overview of the key concepts of maritime engineering science while allowing you to pursue your own interests or career plans by focusing on a particular area.
It's ideal if you have an engineering, science or maths background and want a career in the maritime sector. You don’t need to have specialist knowledge of ship science already – we'll teach you what you need to know.
On this course you’ll take specialist modules allowing you to explore the key concepts of naval architecture, such as:
resistance and propulsion
maritime structure
manoeuvring
hydrodynamics
materials
You’ll also undertake an experimental or numerical research project, and benefit from our Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute research network and our world-class maritime engineering facilities, including the largest towing tank in a UK university.
Course lead
Your course leader is Dr Gabriel Weymouth, an associate professor for the Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute at the University of Southampton. His main areas of interest are mechanics and maths. He is currently working on unsteady fluid dynamics and nonlinear fluid/structure interaction. Read Dr Weymouth’s staff profile to find out more about his work.
Related pathways
If you'd prefer to study a different specialism, you can apply for one of our other MSc Maritime Engineering Science pathways:
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.
“While I was working in the shipbuilding industry, I decided to study for a master’s to strengthen my theoretical expertise. Learning from industry experts from Lloyd’s Register and the Wolfson Unit has been especially useful, providing advice and current skills needed in industry.”
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.
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.
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2022 to 2023. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
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.
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.
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2022 to 2023. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
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 Ship Science required for their subsequent studies. Th...
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...
This module will develop the fundamentals of fluid mechanics in the context of naval architecture and ocean engineering including water waves and the fluid loading and motion of maritime structures and vessels in waves. The module continues from the more ...
This module provides the fundamental aspects of advanced concepts associated with structural integrity and fluid-structure interactions for ships and ship like floating offshore vessels such as FPSO and FLNG, hitherto referred to as floating vessels.
The...
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...
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...
The basic concept of Computational Fluid Dynamics and numerical procedures (FVM/FDM) are introduced. The major focus is practical applications, including geometry and grid generation, using solvers and turbulence models in CFD packages, and interpretation...
This module introduces students to formal design search and optimization (DSO) approaches using a mixture of lectures covering theory and practice and a series of worked case studies with student participation.
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...
Many real-world engineering structures are too complex for their behaviour to be understood using an ‘exact’ analytical or theoretical method alone. Therefore, in practice we often use approximate numerical or simulation-based tools for structural analysi...
Machine Learning advances are revolutionising our world. At a fundamental level, Machine Learning deals with the extraction of useful information from large and complex datasets. There are now many applications, from the automatic understanding and proces...
This module provides an awareness of structural principles and their application to marine related problems. This is undertaken by developing a fundamental understanding of the methods for the design and analysis of maritime structures and structural comp...
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...
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...
This module provides the fundamental concepts associated with the principles of manoeuvring and control theory, with a focus on vehicles operating on or below the air water interface. There is one assignment which integrates manoeuvring hydrodynamic data...
This module covers the performance and design of a variety of high performance small craft: namely planing craft, sailing yachts, hydrofoils and hovercraft. It will examine the basic mechanics and fluid dynamics associated with their performance and allow...
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 research and write 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
We'll assign you a personal academic tutor, and you'll have access to a senior tutor.
Careers
With this degree you'll be in strong demand as a naval architect or marine architect. Jobs in this area have good starting salaries and excellent career progression opportunities.
Our graduates work across many different organisations. The Solent region around Southampton is the main UK hub for the maritime sector, home to employers such as:
Lloyd’s Register
Carnival
BMT
Nigel Gee
the Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Organisations such BAE Systems, QinetiQ and Babcock support the defence sector and employ a number of our graduates. The offshore and marine renewable development industries offer excellent prospects both to work in the UK or globally in locations such as Singapore, Houston or Perth.
Careers services at Southampton
We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
work experience schemes
CV/resume and interview skills workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get 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.
Funding your postgraduate studies
A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.
Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
Search for the course you want to apply for.
Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
Submit your application.
Application deadlines
UK students
Make sure we receive your application at least 4 weeks before the start of the course. This gives us time to consider your application, if there are still places available.
International students
Make sure we receive your application at least 6 weeks before the start of the course.
This gives us time to consider your application, if there are still places available. It will also give you time to apply for a visa if we offer you a place.
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for any postgraduate taught course that starts in or after September 2021.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees. 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, if you're applying for a Master of Research (MRes) degree, or if you're applying for a PGCE course via UCAS, you will not need to pay the fee. 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
You'll also need to send 2 academic references.
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.
Maritime Engineering Science: Naval Architecture (MSc) is a course in the
Civil and Maritime Engineering
subject area.
Here are some other courses within
this subject area:
