Ship Science (MEng)

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:

• 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.

• 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.

• Naval Architecture - core naval architecture topics and computer design methods. This pathway covers the design, manufacture and operation of commercial ships.

• 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).

• 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.

• 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:

• Basic Naval Architecture

• Design and Computing

• Electrical and Electronic Systems

• Mechanics, Structures and Materials

• 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:

• Engineering Management and Law

• Hydrodynamics and Seakeeping

• Materials and Structures

• Ship Design and Economics

• 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:

• Marine Engineering

• Marine Hydrodynamics

• Marine Structures

• Ship Manoeuvring and Control

You may also select 1 optional module per semester that include:

• Accounting and Finance for Engineers

• Manufacturing and Materials

• 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:

• Design Search and Optimisation

• Marine Safety: Risk, Environment and Law

• Project Risk Management

For your remaining modules, you’ll choose from:

• Failure of Materials and Components

• Maritime Robotics

• Offshore Engineering and Analysis

• Renewable Energy From Environmental Flows

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

The learning activities for this course include the following:

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

How you'll spend your course time:

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.

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:

• BAE Systems

• BMT Group

• Gurit

• Lloyd’s Register

• Ministry of Defence

• Princess Yachts

• 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.

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK/EU students pay £9,250.
• International students pay £21,580.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.

Find out how to:

• pay your tuition fees

• calculate your student finances

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:

• accommodation costs

• living costs

• budgeting advice

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 international students

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

When you apply use:

• UCAS course code: J641
• UCAS institution code: S27

Apply for 2020 entry now

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?

If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.