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.
This is a specialised integrated master's course, which covers a number of advanced naval architecture topics. Here you'll get a broad mechanical engineering degree with a focus on maritime engineering. You'll study topics like design, mechanics and hydrodynamics as you prepare for a range of science careers.
On this MEng Ship Science degree, you'll look at the design, construction and testing of ships and ocean structures. These could be for transport, recreation or harnessing marine resources.
You’ll learn the core principles of naval architecture and marine vehicles. Later you can choose to specialise your programme through one of 6 pathways:
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Advanced Computational Engineering
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Marine Engineering and Autonomy
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Naval Architecture
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International Naval Architecture
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Ocean Energy and Offshore Engineering
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Yacht and High Performance Craft
In year 3 you will complete an individual research project and in year 4 you’ll take part in a group design project.
As part of this course you can:
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learn computational design and modelling techniques
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use our state-of-the-art facilities, including the largest university towing tank in the UK
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learn from internationally-renowned engineers from the Wolfson Unit and Lloyd’s Register
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showcase your work in our annual Engineering Design Show
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visit sites to experience engineering in practice
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join our Hydro Team to help design and build innovative marine vehicles
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take a work placement during the summer holidays
You can take this course with an additional, year-long, paid placement. Apply with UCAS code H52H for the Industrial Placement Year option.
Accreditations
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 full, for Chartered Engineer registration.
This course is accredited by:
Course locations
This course is based at Highfield and 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.
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 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202223
A-levels
AAA including mathematics and an additional required subject
A-levels additional information
Required A-Level subjects include mathematics and either physics, chemistry or further mathematics. Pass in the associated science Practical is required where applicable. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
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: AAB, including mathematics (minimum grade A) and an additional required subject (minimum grade A) 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: AAB including mathematics (minimum grade A) and an additional required subject (minimum grade A)
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 36 points overall with 18 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 6 at Higher Level in Chemistry or Physics
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 National Extended Certificate plus A in A-level mathematics and A in an additional required A-level subject We do not accept the BTEC National Extended Diploma without A-level mathematics. We do not accept the BTEC National Diploma without additional A-levels in required subjects. Applicants with a BTEC National Extended Diploma or the BTEC Diploma can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics/Geophysics Foundation Year
RQF BTEC
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.
Additional information
Required A-level subjects include mathematics and either physics, chemistry or further mathematics. Pass in the associated science Practical is required where applicable.
QCF BTEC
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus A in A-level mathematics and A in an additional required A-level subject We do not accept the BTEC Extended Diploma without A-level mathematics We do not accept the BTEC Diploma without additional A-levels in required subjects Applicants with a BTEC Extended Diploma or the BTEC Diploma can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics/Geophysics 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.
Access to HE Diploma
Applicants with an Access to HE Diploma should apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics/Geophysics Foundation Year
Access to HE additional information
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 including mathematics at H1 and either chemistry or physics at H1
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
A1 A1 A2 A2 A2 A2 including mathematics at A1 and an additional required subject at A1
Scottish Qualification
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.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3, D3, D3 in three Principal subjects including mathematics and an additional required subject
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Required subjects include mathematics and either physics, chemistry or further mathematics. Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D2 can be used in lieu of A-level grade A* or grade D3 can be used in lieu of A-level grade A.
Welsh Baccalaureate
AAA from 3 A levels including mathematics and an additional required subject or AA from 2 A levels including mathematics and an additional required subject and A from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate.
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
Required A-Level subjects include mathematics and either physics, chemistry or further mathematics. Pass in the associated science Practical is required where applicable.
Welsh 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.
European Baccalaureate
82% overall including grade 8.5/10 in mathematics (level 5 or Advanced) and grade 8.5/10 in an additional required subject. Required subjects include mathematics and either physics, chemistry or further mathematics.
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
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.
English language requirements
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:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 5.5
- writing
- 5.5
- speaking
- 5.5
- listening
- 5.5
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
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our Access to Southampton scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
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skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Foundation year for engineering, physics, maths and geophysics
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:
- have A levels, or equivalent international qualifications, in subjects other than the ones needed for direct entry
- have international qualifications in relevant subjects but not at A level equivalent
- have a BTEC Extended Diploma in a relevant subject
- are studying an Access course in a relevant subject
- are a mature student with relevant experience or study
You'll also need to show that you have strong maths skills.
Find full details on our Engineering, Maths, Physics, Geophysics Foundation Year page.
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
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 so you can apply your theoretical understanding to real design problems.
In the second year, you can choose to either keep to a broad-based degree structure, or take one of our more specialised pathways. These are:
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Advanced Computational Engineering - computing tools that can predict the behaviour and interactions of fluids and marine structures. These models are used to help design large commercial ships and high-performance craft.
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Marine Engineering and Autonomy - analysis and study of the engineering and autonomy systems used on ships and other marine structures. These can include innovative sensor systems, to help with environmental regulations and improve fuel efficiency.
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Naval Architecture - core naval architecture topics and computer design methods. This pathway covers the design, manufacture and operation of commercial ships.
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International Naval Architecture - this is the same as the naval architecture pathway with the option to spend a semester at one of our partner institutions. These include the Webb Institute (USA), Norwegian University of Science and Technology, and KTH Royal Institute of Technology (Sweden).
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Ocean Energy and Offshore Engineering - focuses on the search and use of sustainable energy sources in the ocean environment. You'll study the structural and hydrodynamic design of fixed and floating offshore platforms.
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Yacht and High Performance Craft - the analysis, design and engineering of yachts, small craft and other high-performance vessels. You'll examine the materials and methods used in yacht manufacture.
Year 1 overview
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:
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Basic Naval Architecture
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Design and Computing
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Electrical and Electronic Systems
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Mechanics, Structures and Materials
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Thermofluids
Year 2 overview
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:
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Engineering Management and Law
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Hydrodynamics and Seakeeping
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Materials and Structures
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Ship Design and Economics
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Ship Resistance and Propulsion
Year 3 overview
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:
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Marine Engineering
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Marine Hydrodynamics
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Marine Structures
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Ship Manoeuvring and Control
You may also select 1 optional module per semester that include:
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Accounting and Finance for Engineers
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Manufacturing and Materials
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Yacht and High Performance Craft
Year 4 overview
You’ll take part in a group design project. This will give you a chance to apply your engineering and scientific knowledge to an engineering design problem. Projects are often linked to current research or topics that have real relevance to industry.
Compulsory modules will teach you:
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Design Search and Optimisation
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Marine Safety: Risk, Environment and Law
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Project Risk Management
For your remaining modules, you’ll choose from:
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Failure of Materials and Components
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Maritime Robotics
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Offshore Engineering and Analysis
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Renewable Energy From Environmental Flows
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
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 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
This module will provide you with an introduction to the fundamental properties of floating bodies, covering those areas conventionally treated by hydrostatic methods and will provide students with an early insight into a range of tasks involved in the de...
This course develops your skills in design and computing with practical hands-on engineering to enable you to design, build and test artefacts relevant to your discipline. From the design component of the module you will be introduced to modern comput...
It is difficult to imagine what the world would be like without electricity: homes without electric light, without television or radio, without motors to drive the washing machine, the refrigerator and the vacuum cleaner; offices without computers, word p...
These weekly workshops are designed to help engineering students with their Mathematics work. Although designed for engineering students, these workshops are open to all students who are studying a Mathematics MATH module, but who are not studying a degre...
This course lays the mathematical foundation for all engineering degrees. Its structure allows students with different levels of previous knowledge to work at their own pace. Pre-requisite for MATH2048 One of the pre-requisites for MATH3081 and MATH...
This module covers the fundamentals of mechanics, statics, dynamics and materials. Providing a firm basis for all subsequent modules in these areas in later Parts and a further career in engineering. This module consists of five inter-dependent, to some e...
Core Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics for all Engineering Themes. Students should be aware that this module requires pre requisites of Mathematics and Physics A Level
Year 2 modules
You must study the following modules in year 2:
This module provides students with an introduction to management, accounting and law applicable to the operations of an engineering-based organisation. Emphasis is placed upon introducing managerial knowledge and skills required to apply effective managem...
In this module the fundamental concepts of hydrodynamics are introduced. The main focus is on inviscid, incompressible flow, but viscous effects including boundary layers and separated flow are introduced as well. The lectures are complemented by laborato...
This second year module continues to develop the links between structures and materials, building on the fundamentals established in the first year course on mechanics, structures and materials. The relationship between composition, microstructure and pro...
The module aims to teach mathematical methods relevant for engineering. The first part is about differential equations and how solve them, from ordinary differential equations to partial differential equations. The second part is about either vector calcu...
A module in which students will learn the basis of ship design whilst considering the economic implications. In parallel the students will undertake the general arrangement of a given ship which will enhance their understanding of some design implications...
This module provides the fundamental aspects as well as practical considerations for ship resistance and associated powering requirements, propeller design and engine selection. To support the understanding of the concepts and their applications taught in...
This module aims to examine aspects of design relevant to the longitudinal and transverse strength of a ship. This is conducted through both first principles design and the use of classification society rules. In addition the production technology applica...
This module follows on from the Part 1 Design and Computing Module where students focus on the design of a functional part. In this Part 2 module students address the design of a ship’s steering system consisting of a number of interacting parts.
Year 3 modules
You must study the following modules in year 3:
The Individual Project is a learning experience that enables you to carry out research and bring together many of the concepts that you have learnt over the first two years of the course as well as the knowledge and skills learnt during part III. You w...
Developing the overall design of a marine craft to meet owner’s requirements together with relevant statutory regulations is fundamental to the practice of naval architecture. This module entails the development of a marine craft design to concept stage, ...
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...
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 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...
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...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 3:
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...
Management Science for Engineers introduces the building blocks of Management Science as a discipline, which is at the heart of decision-making. The module introduces the history and the context along with the general Management Science approach to decis...
This module manufacturing and materials is intended to develop a deeper understanding of the relationship between design, manufacturing processing and materials properties. This module discusses various manufacturing methods including casting, forming, we...
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...
Year 4 modules
You must study the following modules in year 4:
This group project enables you to apply your conceptual engineering and science knowledge to an engineering design problem. The ideas are developed through detailed design, experimentation, computer modelling and/or manufacture. You will also consider and...
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...
Project risk management has evolved significantly over many years, but there are conflicting views about what constitutes best practice. This course provides an overview of best practice as outlined in the course text with a critical comparison of alterna...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 4:
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- design and problem-solving exercises
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Year 2
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 2:
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- design and problem-solving exercises
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 2:
Year 3
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 3:
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- design and problem-solving exercises
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 3:
Year 4
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 4:
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- design and problem-solving exercises
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 4:
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Stephen Boyd is the course leader.
Careers
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).
Worldwide, the maritime sector is buoyant with many and varied career opportunities in engineering and beyond. Because this course is accredited by 3 professional bodies, you'll have a range of options for a future naval engineering career.
Recent graduates have gone on to work at organisations including:
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BAE Systems
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BMT Group
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Gurit
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Lloyd’s Register
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Ministry of Defence
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Princess Yachts
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Qinetiq
We are also a designated university for the Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme.
This degree also provides a great foundation to continue your studies at PhD level.
You can work as a paid student ambassador with our Marine Headstart summer school. This is a residential course for Year 12 students interested in the subject.
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
This course is also available with an industrial placement year in an engineering organisation. During your placement, you can apply the knowledge and skills you’ve developed during your degree, and gain vital professional engineering experience.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £23,720.
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: J641
- 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
