About this course
We've changed some parts of this course for the 2020 to 2021 academic year due to coronavirus (COVID-19). These changes may affect how we'll teach you and which modules you'll take.
The programme specification addendum (PDF, 1,328 KB) has all the latest details.
Learn to apply your engineering knowledge to the oceans, and design cutting-edge ships and other marine craft. We have collaborated with the Royal Navy to develop this 4-year, integrated master's degree. Here you'll develop mechanical engineering skills, then specialise a marine environment. This naval engineering degree will equip you to work as in engineer in the Navy as well as the private sector.
Naval engineering is both a craft and a science. This course covers both aspects and prepares you for a successful career in this specialised field.
This 4-year degree provides the core topics you need to master mechanical engineering. You'll specialise in:
-
naval engineering
-
ship science
-
marine craft concept design
You'll use our design workshops, studios and facilities including the largest university towing tank in the UK.
As part of this course you can:
-
specialise in areas that interest you, from offshore engineering to advanced management
-
take a work placement to boost your academic performance, and prepare for your career
-
showcase your work in our annual Engineering Design Show
-
visit sites to experience engineering in practice
You can take this course with an additional, year-long, paid placement. Apply with UCAS code H3H5 for the Industrial Placement Year option.
We're a designated university for the Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme (DTUS).
This course is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) as meeting the academic requirement, in full, for Chartered Engineer registration.
Accreditations
Course locations
This course is based at Highfield and Boldrewood.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202021
A-levels
A*AA including grades A*A in mathematics and physics (in any order), with a pass in the physics Practical
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Pass in the associated science Practical is required where applicable.
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
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:
A*AB including grades A*A in mathematics and physics (in any order) with a pass in the physics Practical, plus grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
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, as follows:
AAA including mathematics and physics with a pass in the physics Practical or A*AB including A*A in mathematics and physics (in any order), with a pass in the physics Practical
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 38 points overall with 18 points required at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in Physics and 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or 7 at Higher Level in Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
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.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
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.
BTEC
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus A*A in A-level mathematics and physics (in any order) with a pass in the physics Practical
We do not accept the BTEC Extended Diploma without additional A-levels
We do not accept the BTEC Diploma without additional A-levels
Applicants with a BTEC Extended Diploma or the BTEC Diploma should apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics/Geophysics Foundation Year
BTEC additional information
There are no additional requirements
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Got a question?
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
Course structure
COVID-19: we've made some changes to the structure of the course for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
Modules in the first 2 years explore the fundamentals of mechanical engineering. You’ll gain the skills to apply your theoretical understanding to a wide range of real design problems.
In years 3 and 4 you'll extend your knowledge and skills by taking part in both individual and group projects. You'll take specialist modules that focus on advanced materials and their use.
You'll take specialist modules that focus on marine engineering.
Year 1 overview
You'll take part in our award-winning induction programme and gain practical experience. Teams of new students work together to design and create. For example, you could take apart and put back together a 4 stroke engine.
The first year provides a background in engineering science, emphasising the mechanical engineering aspects. This includes a workshop training course.
Core modules cover topics such as:
-
thermofluids
-
materials
-
solid mechanics
-
electrical and electronics systems
You'll develop your design and programming skills, preparing you to design, build and test engineering systems, components and mechanisms.
Year 2 overview
You'll explore the main mechanical engineering subjects with tailored modules. This includes topics such as:
-
fluid mechanics
-
materials and structures
-
drives and machines
-
electronics, drives and control
You'll also take part in a challenging design project, such as designing an autonomous robot or quadcopter.
You can apply to spend a semester abroad at the end of the year. We have several partner institutions that teach modules in English.
Year 3 overview
You'll undertake an individual project that usually takes the form of a design or research exercise.
You'll specialise in naval engineering and study topics including:
-
ship science
-
marine structures
-
maritime safety
-
the design of marine craft
Year 4 overview
You'll take part in a group design project, these are often linked to current research activities or topics that have practical relevance to industry. You'll apply your conceptual engineering and scientific knowledge to an engineering design problem.
As a team, you'll develop your ideas through detailed design, experimentation, computer modelling and manufacture.
You'll also study:
-
advanced sensors
-
condition monitoring
-
marine engineering
Further optional modules cover topics such as:
-
risk management
-
materials failure
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
Learning and assessment
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
Course time
How you'll spend your course time:
Year 1
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Richard Wills is the course leader.
Careers
Our mechanical engineering courses are fully accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, and offer a route to chartered status.
We're also a designated university for the Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme (DTUS).
Our collaboration with Lloyd's Register at our Boldrewood Innovation Campus allows our students to gain industry experience through projects and placements.
As a mechanical engineer specialising in naval engineering, you'll be well-placed for a career as a Royal Navy Engineering Officer, working on aircraft, ships and submarines.
You'll also have the skills to work within other areas of mechanical engineering. Recent mechanical engineering graduates have gone on to work at organisations including:
-
Aston Martin Lagonda
-
Babcock
-
Dyson
-
ExxonMobil
-
Rolls-Royce
-
Siemens
-
Formula 1 teams
-
Royal Navy
You'll develop transferable skills that are highly sought after in careers outside engineering. These include:
-
problem-solving
-
teamwork
-
communication
-
IT
Careers services at Southampton
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). 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 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.
Work in industry
You can take an Industrial Placement Year as part of this course.
This is an opportunity to apply what you have learned so far on your course, try out a potential career, and develop new skills and experience that will help you stand out to future employers.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £22,760.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
Find out how to:
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
Bursaries, scholarships and other funding
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 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.
Scholarships and grants
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant that's linked to your chosen subject area.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Services Centre 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.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
When you apply use:
- UCAS course code: HH35
- UCAS institution code: S27
What happens after you apply?
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted grades
- academic achievements
- personal statement
- academic reference
We aim to respond to you within 2 to 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 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
