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:
Using the towing tank in your maritime engineering degree
Learn more about this subject area
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.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202627
A-levels
AAA including mathematics and either physics, chemistry or further mathematics
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
Applicants who have not studied the required subjects 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 (minimum Grade A) and either physics, chemistry or further mathematics (minimum Grade B) 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 B) and either physics, chemistry or further mathematics
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.
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
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
Applicants who have not studied the required subjects 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.
BTEC contextual
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
Not accepted for this course. Applicants with an Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject should apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
Access Offer Contextual
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.
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 including mathematics, applied mathemics and either chemistry, physics or physics-chemistry
Irish certificate additional information
Applicants who have not studied the required subject can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
Irish Offer Contextual
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.
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.
Welsh Baccalaureate
AAA from 3 A levels including mathematics and either physics, chemistry or further mathematics or AA from 2 A levels including mathematics and either physics, chemistry or further mathematics, and A from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales.
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
Welsh Baccalaureate 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.
T-Level
T level in Science at Distinction overall with A in Core and Distinction in the Occupational Specialism, and grade A in A-level 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 is not your first language, you must show that you can use English to the level we require. Visit our English language pages to find out which qualifications we accept and how you can meet our requirements.
If you are taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), you must get at least the following scores:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before your course starts.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
- 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.
Foundation programmes for international students
A foundation programme will give you the language skills and subject knowledge you need if you're not qualified for direct entry to your chosen undergraduate course.
You'll progress to your chosen course after successfully completing the foundation programme.
Find out more about undergraduate foundation programmes for international students.
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 2026 to 2027
Year 1 modules
In years 3 and 4, your module options will depend on your chosen pathway. If you choose to keep to a broad-based degree structure, you can take a combination of modules from those listed below. On a specific pathway, your specialist modules will include:
Advanced computational engineering
- Applications of computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
- Finite element analysis in solid mechanics
Marine engineering and autonomy
- Maritime robotics
- Advanced sensors and condition monitoring
Naval architecture
- Advances in ship resistance and propulsion
- Maritime structures in fluids
International naval architecture
This is the same as naval architecture, with an option to spend a semester at one of our partner institutions, including:
- Webb Institute (USA)
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology
- KTH Royal Institute of Technology (Sweden)
Ocean energy and offshore engineering
- Offshore engineering and analysis
- Renewable energy from environmental flows: wind, wave and tide
Yacht and high performance craft
- Yacht and high performance craft
- Sailing yacht and powercraft design
You can download the programme specification from the 'About this course' section to find full details about your module options for these years.
You must study the following modules in year 1:
An Introduction to Engineering Design
Basic Naval Architecture
Data Science and Computing for Engineers
Electrical and Electronics Systems
Engineering Mathematics Workshop
Mathematics for Engineering and the Environment
Mechanics, Structures and Materials
Professional Development for Maritime Engineers
ThermoFluids
Year 2 modules
In years 3 and 4, your module options will depend on your chosen pathway. If you choose to keep to a broad-based degree structure, you can take a combination of modules from those listed below. On a specific pathway, your specialist modules will include:
Advanced computational engineering
- Applications of computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
- Finite element analysis in solid mechanics
Marine engineering and autonomy
- Maritime robotics
- Advanced sensors and condition monitoring
Naval architecture
- Advances in ship resistance and propulsion
- Maritime structures in fluids
International naval architecture
This is the same as naval architecture, with an option to spend a semester at one of our partner institutions, including:
- Webb Institute (USA)
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology
- KTH Royal Institute of Technology (Sweden)
Ocean energy and offshore engineering
- Offshore engineering and analysis
- Renewable energy from environmental flows: wind, wave and tide
Yacht and high performance craft
- Yacht and high performance craft
- Sailing yacht and powercraft design
You can download the programme specification from the 'About this course' section to find full details about your module options for these years.
You must study the following modules in year 2:
Engineering Management and Law
Hydrodynamics
Materials and Structures
Mathematics for Engineering and the Environment Part II
Professional Development for Maritime Engineers
Ship Design and Economics
Ship Resistance and Propulsion
Ship Structural Design and Production
Year 3 modules
In years 3 and 4, your module options will depend on your chosen pathway. If you choose to keep to a broad-based degree structure, you can take a combination of modules from those listed below. On a specific pathway, your specialist modules will include:
Advanced computational engineering
- Applications of computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
- Finite element analysis in solid mechanics
Marine engineering and autonomy
- Maritime robotics
- Advanced sensors and condition monitoring
Naval architecture
- Advances in ship resistance and propulsion
- Maritime structures in fluids
International naval architecture
This is the same as naval architecture, with an option to spend a semester at one of our partner institutions, including:
- Webb Institute (USA)
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology
- KTH Royal Institute of Technology (Sweden)
Ocean energy and offshore engineering
- Offshore engineering and analysis
- Renewable energy from environmental flows: wind, wave and tide
Yacht and high performance craft
- Yacht and high performance craft
- Sailing yacht and powercraft design
You can download the programme specification from the 'About this course' section to find full details about your module options for these years.
You must study the following modules in year 3:
Control and Instrumentation
Finite Element Analysis in Solid Mechanics
Individual Project
Manufacturing and Materials
Marine Craft Concept Design
Marine Engineering
Marine Hydrodynamics
Marine Structures
Optimisation
Professional Development for Maritime Engineers
Semester Abroad: Option 1 S2
Ship Manoeuvring and Control
Yacht and High Performance Craft
Year 4 modules
In years 3 and 4, your module options will depend on your chosen pathway. If you choose to keep to a broad-based degree structure, you can take a combination of modules from those listed below. On a specific pathway, your specialist modules will include:
Advanced computational engineering
- Applications of computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
- Finite element analysis in solid mechanics
Marine engineering and autonomy
- Maritime robotics
- Advanced sensors and condition monitoring
Naval architecture
- Advances in ship resistance and propulsion
- Maritime structures in fluids
International naval architecture
This is the same as naval architecture, with an option to spend a semester at one of our partner institutions, including:
- Webb Institute (USA)
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology
- KTH Royal Institute of Technology (Sweden)
Ocean energy and offshore engineering
- Offshore engineering and analysis
- Renewable energy from environmental flows: wind, wave and tide
Yacht and high performance craft
- Yacht and high performance craft
- Sailing yacht and powercraft design
You can download the programme specification from the 'About this course' section to find full details about your module options for these years.
You must study the following modules in year 4:
Advanced Electrical Systems
Advanced Sensors and Condition Monitoring
Applications of CFD
Composites Engineering Design and Mechanics
Design Search and Optimisation (DSO) - Principles, Methods, Parameterizations and Case Studies
Group Design Project
Marine Structures in Fluids
Maritime Robotics
Maritime Safety: Risk, Environment and Law
Offshore Engineering & Analysis
Professional Development for Maritime Engineers
Renewable Energy from Wind, Wave and Tide
Sailing Yacht and Powercraft Design
Zero Carbon Ship Resistance and Propulsion
You must also choose from the following modules in year 4:
Advanced Finite Element Analysis
Applications of CFD
Composites Engineering Design and Mechanics
Design Search and Optimisation (DSO) - Principles, Methods, Parameterizations and Case Studies
Failure of Materials and Components
Intelligent Mobile Robotics
Introduction to Machine Learning
Marine Structures in Fluids
Maritime Robotics
Offshore Engineering & Analysis
Project Risk Management
Renewable Energy from Wind, Wave and Tide
Turbulence
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
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.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,535.
- EU and international students pay £31,000.
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
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: