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, 933 KB) has all the latest details.
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:
-
Advanced Computational Engineering
-
Marine Engineering and Autonomy
-
Naval Architecture
-
International Naval Architecture
-
Ocean Energy and Offshore Engineering
-
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:
-
learn computational design and modelling techniques
-
use our state-of-the-art facilities, including the largest university towing tank in the UK
-
learn from internationally-renowned engineers from the Wolfson Unit and Lloyd’s Register
-
showcase your work in our annual Engineering Design Show
-
visit sites to experience engineering in practice
-
join our Hydro Team to help design and build innovative marine vehicles
-
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.
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.
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
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 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 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
Required A-level subjects include mathematics and either physics, chemistry or further mathematics. Pass in the associated science Practical is required where applicable.
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.
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.
Modules
Your chosen pathway will dictate the modules you study in years 3 and 4. You can download the programme specification from the 'About this course' section to find out more about your module options for these years.
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
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:
-
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.
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: 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
