About this course

Previously known as Ship Science, this course has changed its name to Maritime Engineering for applicants starting in September 2024

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.

This is a specialised integrated masters 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 such as design, mechanics and hydrodynamics as you prepare for a range of engineering careers.

On this MEng Maritime Engineering 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 engineering, applying them to a wide range ofmarine 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
take a work placement during the summer holidays

Year in industry

Enhance your employability by taking this course with a paid industrial placement year.

Apply using:

Course name: Maritime Engineering with Industrial Placement Year
UCAS code: H52H

You'll spend this extra year at an engineering firm, applying the skills and knowledge you've learned so far.

The fee is 20% of the standard annual tuition fee.

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

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:

Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA)

Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)

Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST)

Engineering Council

European Accreditation of Engineering Programmes (EAEP)

Using the towing tank in your maritime engineering degree

Find out about our 138m long towing tank and how our students use it as part of their Maritime Engineering degree.

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.

Download

ODT

Download 2025-26 Course Description Document

Entry requirements

Academic year filter options

A-levels

AAA including mathematics and either physics, chemistry or further mathematics

A-levels additional information

A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Applicants who have not studied the required A-levels can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

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 and either physics, chemistry or further mathematics (minimum grade A) plus grade A in the EPQ

A-levels 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.

or

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 Diploma additional information

Applicants who have not studied the required subject can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

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.

or

BTEC

RQF BTEC

D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grades AA from two A-levels including mathematics and either physics, chemistry or further mathematics.

We will consider the BTEC National Extended Diploma in Engineering if studied alongside A-level mathematics.

We will consider the BTEC National Diploma if studied alongside mathematics and either physics, chemistry or further mathematics at A-level.

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

A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Applicants who have not studied the required A-levels can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

QCF BTEC

D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades AA from 2 A-levels including mathematics and either physics, chemistry or further mathematics.

We will consider the BTEC Extended Diploma in Engineering if studied alongside A-level mathematics.

We will consider the BTEC Diploma if studied alongside A-level mathematics and either physics, chemistry or further mathematics.

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.

or

Entry requirements filter options

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)

You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:

our Ignite your Journey scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
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.

Mature applicants

We welcome applications from learners of all ages. Students who are aged 21 and over at the start of their undergraduate course are defined as mature by the University of Southampton. We take a holistic assessment of the application looking for academic ability and commitment to study. Typical entry requirements, which may vary from discipline to discipline, includes for example, evidence of recent formal academic qualifications or professional qualifications, relevant work experience or volunteering. You may also be invited to attend an interview with an Admissions Tutor. For some degree programmes, there may also be a Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) requirement. We accept many different academic qualifications. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team.

A-levels

AAA including mathematics and either physics, chemistry or further mathematics

A-levels additional information

A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Applicants who have not studied the required A-levels can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

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 and either physics, chemistry or further mathematics (minimum grade A) plus grade A in the EPQ

A-levels 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 as follows:
ABB including mathematics (minimum grade A) and either physics, chemistry or further mathematics

or

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 Diploma additional information

Applicants who have not studied the required subject can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

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.

or

BTEC

RQF BTEC

D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grades AA from two A-levels including mathematics and either physics, chemistry or further mathematics.

We will consider the BTEC National Extended Diploma in Engineering if studied alongside A-level mathematics.

We will consider the BTEC National Diploma if studied alongside mathematics and either physics, chemistry or further mathematics at A-level.

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

A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Applicants who have not studied the required A-levels can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year

QCF BTEC

D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades AA from 2 A-levels including mathematics and either physics, chemistry or further mathematics.

We will consider the BTEC Extended Diploma in Engineering if studied alongside A-level mathematics.

We will consider the BTEC Diploma if studied alongside A-level mathematics and either physics, chemistry or further mathematics.

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.

or

Entry requirements filter options

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)

You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:

our Ignite your Journey scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
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.

Mature applicants

We welcome applications from learners of all ages. Students who are aged 21 and over at the start of their undergraduate course are defined as mature by the University of Southampton. We take a holistic assessment of the application looking for academic ability and commitment to study. Typical entry requirements, which may vary from discipline to discipline, includes for example, evidence of recent formal academic qualifications or professional qualifications, relevant work experience or volunteering. You may also be invited to attend an interview with an Admissions Tutor. For some degree programmes, there may also be a Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) requirement. We accept many different academic qualifications. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team.

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:

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

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.

For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026

You must study the following modules in year 1:

An Introduction to Engineering Design

Engineers design physical products, systems and processes. They think big with vision, research, analyse, create, refine and deliver solutions. Engineering is a design discipline that is broad and holistic, while also focused and extremely precise. It ...

Basic Naval Architecture

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...

Data Science and Computing for Engineers

This module will help you become proficient in data analysis and computational methods with coding that you will need for solving engineering challenges throughout your degree and beyond.

Electrical and Electronics Systems

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...

Engineering Mathematics Workshop

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...

Mathematics for Engineering and the Environment

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...

Mechanics, Structures and Materials

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 four parts, Statics-1, Statics...

Professional Development for Maritime Engineers

Maritime Engineering is about solving problems; creating, analysing and developing safe, sustainable and smart engineered solutions to improve the world we live in. With the pace of technology and the changing world we live in, practicing as an engineer...

ThermoFluids

Core Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics for all Engineering Themes. Students should be aware that this module requires pre requisites of Mathematics

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)

How you'll spend your course time:

Study time

Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:

39%

Scheduled learning & teaching

61%

Independent learning

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:

48%

Written exam

31%

Coursework

21%

Practical exam

Academic support

You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.

Course leader

Georgina Keane is the course leader.

Careers and employability

The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.

Download skills overview

Work experience opportunities

Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.

Careers services and support

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. 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.

Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.

More about careers support

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

UK students pay £9,535.
EU and international students pay £28,800.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and standard exams.

Find out how to:

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

Bursaries, scholarships and other funding

If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £36,200 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 to help fund your studies.

We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.

Support during your course

The Student Hub 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

Apply for this course

What happens after you apply?

We will assess your application on the strength of your:

predicted grades
academic achievements
personal statement
academic reference

We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.

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

Related courses

Maritime Engineering (MEng) is a course in the Maritime engineering subject area. Here are some other courses within this subject area:

m

BEng

Maritime Engineering (MEng)

About this course

Year in industry

Accreditations

Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA)

Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)

Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST)

Engineering Council

European Accreditation of Engineering Programmes (EAEP)

Using the towing tank in your maritime engineering degree

Learn more about this subject area