About this course

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.

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.

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:

Accreditations

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)

“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.”
Hongseok (Elvis) Bae, 2019 graduate

Course location

This course is based at Boldrewood.

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Modules

For entry in Academic Year 2021-22

You must study the following modules:

Advances in 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 flow...

Fundamentals of Ship Science

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...

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 Hydrodynamics

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 ...

Marine Structures in Fluids

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...

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...

You must also choose from the following modules:

Applications of CFD

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...

Design Search and Optimisation (DSO) - Principles, Methods, Parameterizations and Case Studies

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.

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...

Finite Element Analysis in Solid Mechanics

This module is aimed at providing the requisite background in solid mechanics and structural vibration. Then, the module concentrates on solving this problem by introducing the Finite Element Method, aiming at providing an understanding of fundamental kn...

Introduction to Machine Learning

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...

Marine Structures

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 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 Environmental Flows: 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...

Ship Manoeuvring and Control

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...

Yacht and High Performance Craft

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...

How to apply

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

Applications must be received no later than 4 weeks before the start of the course. You must supply all supporting documentation at least 2 weeks before starting your course.

International students

We recommend you apply at least 6 weeks before the start of the course to ensure you're able to meet our requirements and apply for a visa in time.

We cannot guarantee students who do not meet these deadlines will be able to begin their course.

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.

Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.

What happens after you apply

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

We'll assess your application on the strength of your:

academic achievements
relevant professional experience
personal statement
academic references

We'll get back to you within 6 weeks with a decision about your application.

Equality and diversity

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

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

Maritime Engineering Science: Naval Architecture (MSc)