This four-year integrated masters degree covers the core subjects of naval architecture and marine engineering, applying engineering science to the field of ships and other maritime structures. In years three and four, you have the opportunity to maintain a broad-based degree or specialise through one of six pathways.
Introducing your
degree
The MEng Ship Science will equip you with the skills to design analyse and manufacture the largest and most complex vessels in the field of engineering operating in one of the most extreme environments on this planet. You will study mechanics, hydrodynamics, seakeeping, and ship design. You can also take the Industrial Placement Year, which provides the opportunity for a year-long placement with an engineering-based organisation.
Southampton is one of the few universities that do a Naval Architecture degree. I felt it would be the best and most respected, which would help me achieve my career goals.
Programme Overview
The first two years are the same for both BEng and MEng Ship Science. You will learn the core principles of naval architecture, and develop a thorough understanding of the science and engineering associated with marine vehicles, structures, and their design.
In your first year you will develop your design and programming skills, preparing you to design, build, and test engineering systems, components, and mechanisms. You will take part in a challenging design project in your second year, for instance to design a range of ship system components with a number of interacting parts.
In your third year, you will carry out an individual project; for example, previous students have investigated how to improve speed measurements for performance sailing yachts, and the suitability of composite material for marine propellers. You will also take part in a Marine Craft Concept Design challenge and present your design to industry professionals.
At the end of your second year you can choose one of six specialist pathways, or maintain a broad-based degree:
Advanced Computational Engineering
Marine Engineering and Autonomy
Naval Architecture
International Naval Architecture
Ocean Energy and Offshore Engineering
Yacht and High Performance Craft
In the fourth year there is an emphasis on the commercial applications of your learning, and you will participate in a major group design project.
Previous projects have included the design and development of a self-propelled sailing hydrofoil, an autonomous transatlantic vessel, and a deep-sea robot for mapping. Projects are often linked to our current research activities or supported by industry.
You can also take the Industrial Placement Year, which is an additional year-long module that allows you to apply for a placement with an engineering-based organisation. The successful placement will be recognised on your Degree Certificate.
This course is only available for entry after and including 2020. If you are interested in joining in 2019, you can explore the Ship Science courses here.
All undergraduate Ship Science applications should be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Click on the How to Apply tab of the navigation menu on this page for detailed information on how to apply and further details about UCAS' website, phone and contact details. Specific application deadlines are available on the UCAS website.
As part of the normal requirements of The Royal Institution of Naval Architects, The Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology and The Institution of Mechanical Engineers on behalf of the Engineering Council we are applying to renew the accreditation of our undergraduate programmes for students entering the School of Engineering in October 2019.
We are again requesting accreditation for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer and partly meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
Our accreditation visits took place in January 2019 and we can confirm our MEng Ship Science courses are accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology (IMarEST), as meeting the academic requirements, in full, for registration as a Chartered Engineer and Chartered Marine Engineer.
We await confirmation of the outcome from The Royal Institution of Naval Architects. These web pages will be updated when we have received confirmation of reaccreditation.
Key Facts
93% are employed or in further study within 6 months of graduation (DLHE, 2016/17)
91% of Ship Science students were satisfied or very satisfied with the overall quality of their course (NSS, 2018)
Access to our 138m towing tank, the largest university towing tank in the UK
Learn from internationally-renowned engineers from the Wolfson Unit and Lloyd’s Register
Students working in our 138m towing tank
Working in one of our design studios
Ship Science at the University of Southampton has a high reputation around the world. The lecturers are second to none and it's a close-knit department.
Entry Requirements
Typical entry requirements
2020 entry requirements
Qualification
GCSE
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C).
GCE A-level
AAA including mathematics and an additional required subject.
GCE A-level 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) and grade A in the EPQ.
GCE A-level with contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all students 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 student’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Students 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 an additional required subject (minimum grade B).
A-level additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
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 offer
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. Required subjects include mathematics and either physics, chemistry or further mathematics. Pass in the associated science Practical is required where applicable.
International Baccalaureate Diploma offer
Pass, with 36 points overall with 18 points required at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in mathematics and 6 at Higher Level in an additional required subject.
Required Higher Level subjects include mathematics and either physics, chemistry or further mathematics.
Applications where Higher Level subjects have been studied without the full Diploma, will also be considered on a case by case basis.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) offer
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.
A1 A1 A2 A2 A2 A2 including mathematics at A1 and an additional required subject at A1.
Required subjects include mathematics, physics, chemistry and further mathematics.
Scottish Qualification offers
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 for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U offer
D3, D3, D3 in three Principal subjects including mathematics and an additional required subject.
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.
Level 3 BTEC (QCF) offer (unreformed)
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AA in A-level mathematics and an additional required subject.
Required A-level subjects include mathematics and either physics, chemistry or further mathematics. Pass in the associated science Practical is required where applicable.
European Baccalaureate offer
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.
International qualifications
Find a list of accepted international qualifications listed by country. This is a list of the international qualifications that are recognised by the University of Southampton. If you are not sure that your qualifications meet the requirements of this course please contact our Admissions Teams.
English language requirements
All applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency. Applicants requiring a visa to study in the UK who do not offer GCSE English language (or GCSE English) at the required level will need to meet the following English language proficiency requirement. Find out more about the University’s English Language requirements. Band B IELTS 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in all components.
Selection process:
Intake:
40-45 (total part 1 Ship Science cohort)
Average applications per place:
3
While the average level entry onto our MEng Ship Science degree course is among the highest in the UK, we always look carefully at each individual application. In addition to your examination grades, we also take into account your personal statement and references. These give us an indication of your personal attributes and your enthusiasm for your chosen area of study.
All individuals are selected and treated on their relative merits and abilities in line with the University's Equal Opportunities Policy. Disabled applicants will be treated according to the same procedures as any other applicant with the added involvement of the Disability Office to assess their needs. The programme may require adaptation for students with disabilities (e.g. hearing impairment, visual impairment, mobility difficulties, dyslexia), particularly the practical laboratory sessions, and we will attempt to accommodate students wherever possible.
Please refer to pages 57 - 63 in the Engineering subject brochure for modules. Modules will be published on the website shortly.
Year
1
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the
programme and the learning outcomes that a typical
student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if s/he takes full advantage
of the learning opportunities that are provided.
More detailed information can be found in the programme handbook (or other appropriate guide
or website).
Fees & funding
Tuition fees
List of tuition fees for this course and it's variations
Scholarships, bursaries or grants may be available to support you through your
course.
Funding opportunities available to you are linked to your subject area and/or
your country of origin.
These can be from the University of Southampton or other sources.
Students are responsible for meeting the cost of essential textbooks, and of producing such
essays, assignments, laboratory reports and dissertations as are required to fulfil the
academic requirements for each programme of study.
There will also be further costs for the following, not purchasable from the
University:
Type
Description
Equipment
Approved calculators: Candidates may use calculators in the examination room only as specified by the University and as permitted by the rubric of individual examination papers. The University approved models are Casio FX-570 and Casio FX-85GT Plus. These may be purchased from any source and no longer need to carry the University logo.
Stationery
You will be expected to provide your own day-to-day stationery items, e.g. pens, pencils, notebooks, etc. Any specialist stationery items will be specified under the Additional Costs tab of the relevant module profile.
Books
Where a module specifies core texts these should generally be available on the reserve list in the library. However due to demand, students may prefer to buy their own copies. These can be purchased from any source.
Some modules suggest reading texts as optional background reading. The library may hold copies of such texts, or alternatively you may wish to purchase your own copies. Although not essential reading, you may benefit from the additional reading materials for the module.
Equipment
Design equipment and materials: Standard construction/modelling materials will be provided where appropriate, unless otherwise specified in a module profile.
For customisation of designs/models calling for material other than standard construction/ modelling materials, students will bear the costs of such alternatives.
Equipment
Field equipment and materials: A number of essential items will be provided to you e.g.: field notebook(s); compass-clinometer; geological hammer; steel tape measure; map case; pocket lens (x 10); safety helmet; safety goggles; bottle of dilute hydrochloric acid.
However, you will need provide yourselves with a ruler; a pair of compasses; set squares; protractor; pencils (including coloured); eraser; calculator, penknife. These can be purchased from any source.
Clothing
Field course clothing: You will need to wear suitable clothing when attending field courses, e.g. waterproofs, walking boots. You can purchase these from any source.
Printing and copying
In some cases, coursework and/or projects may be submitted electronically. Where it is not possible to submit electronically students will be liable for printing costs, which are detailed in the individual module profile.
Other
Optional visits: Some modules may include additional optional visits. You will normally be expected to cover the cost of travel and admission, unless otherwise specified in the module profile.
In some cases you'll be able to choose modules (which may have different costs associated
with that module) which will change the overall cost of a programme to you. Please also
ensure you read the section on additional costs in the University’s Fees, Charges and
Expenses Regulations in the University Calendar available at www.calendar.soton.ac.uk.
Career Opportunities
Our Ship Science graduates are highly sought after, with 93% employed or in further study within 6 months of graduation (DLHE, 2016/17). Recent graduates have gone on to work at organisations including BAE Systems, BMT Group, Gurit, Lloyd’s Register, Ministry of Defence, Princess Yachts, and Qinetiq.
You will benefit from strategic partnerships and links with maritime organisations. We are home to the Wolfson Unit, a globally-respected marine design consultancy whose clients have included America’s Cup teams. Our collaboration with Lloyd’s Register at Boldrewood Innovation Campus enables students to work alongside industry through projects and placements.
Student testimonial
“When I joined BMT Nigel Gee, I worked on the structural design and analysis of a range of vessels, using a variety of different build materials. Since then I have been primarily involved in the Naval Architecture and design of a wide portfolio of projects including Fast Patrol Boats, Wind Farm Service catamarans, and 100m+ superyachts. This has led to a fulfilling mix of challenging technical analysis, on-site shipyard experience, and international travel.”
James Calver
MEng Ship Science / Yacht and Small Craft, 2011
Naval Architect, BMT Nigel Gee
Learning & Assessment
Teaching and learning
At Southampton, our students form knowledge and understanding through a combination of lectures, tutorials, classes, laboratory experiments, coursework and individual and group projects. You will broaden your formal learning by becoming an active student member of a professional institution and our student Engineering Society, SUES. We will also teach you the transferable skills to present written and oral presentations.
A practical approach
Practical application is integral to our courses, providing students with hands-on engineering experience in our world-class facilities.
You will attend site visits to experience engineering in practice, put your theoretical knowledge to the test in our laboratories and undertake project work to develop your management, communication and team working skills. Your analytical and problem solving skills will be developed through regular problem sheets, individual and small group exercises.
Design projects in each year offer the opportunity for you to develop unique engineering solutions. Visit the Design Show blog to see examples of our students’ design work.
Design Show
Our annual Design Show celebrates the innovative and ambitious design projects produced by our undergraduate students during the academic
Your education will be timely and relevant while you are taught by our world-leading academics who are at the forefront of their field. This is especially important in engineering where technology is advancing rapidly. We also have a global network of companies, shared facilities and expertise to draw on to advance your learning curve.
Assessment and examinations
Testing is conducted through a combination of unseen written examinations and assessed coursework in the form of problem solving exercises, laboratory reports, design exercises, essays, and individual and group projects. Experimental, research and design skills are assessed through laboratory reports, coursework exercises and oral presentations.
Third-year conference
Each year, our third-year students take part in the annual poster conference, where they present their Individual Project work t
Proportion of time spent in scheduled learning, teaching and independent study
Learning, teaching and assessment stage
1
2
3
4
Scheduled learning & teaching study
39%
28%
17%
17%
Independent study
61%
72%
83%
83%
Placement study
0%
0%
0%
0%
Proportion of assessment by method
Learning, teaching and assessment stage
1
2
3
4
Written exam assessment
48%
45%
6%
44%
Practical exam assessment
21%
9%
8%
30%
Coursework assessment
31%
46%
86%
26%
Pathways
Pathways
At the end of your second year you can choose one of six specialist pathways, or maintain a broad-based degree:
Advanced Computational Engineering
Marine Engineering and Autonomy
Naval Architecture
International Naval Architecture
Ocean Energy and Offshore Engineering
Yacht and High Performance Craft
Advanced Computational Engineering
This pathway focuses on computational techniques and their applications to the prediction of fluid and structure behaviour, as well as their interactions that are core to engineering in the maritime environment. Analysis using these tools can be applied equally to the design of large commercial ships and yachts and high-performance craft.
Marine Engineering and Autonomy
This pathway focuses on the analysis and specification of marine engineering and autonomous systems that are used on board ships and other marine structures. Increased environmental restrictions and the rising cost of traditional fuels has resulted in a variety of new technologies being adopted for monitoring and autonomy.
Naval Architecture
This pathway will enable you to specialise in core naval architecture topics and computational methods for design. It is ideally suited to someone with an interest in the design, manufacture and operation of commercial ships.
International Naval Architecture
This pathway is the same as the Naval Architecture pathway, but with the opportunity for you to study abroad in the second semester of your third year. Partner institutions include Webb Institute (USA), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (Norway) and KTH Royal Institute of Technology (Sweden).
Ocean Energy and Offshore Engineering
This pathway explores sustainable energy sources from the ocean environment. This pathway is ideally suited for someone interested in the structural and hydrodynamic design analyses for fixed and floating offshore platforms.
Yacht and High Performance Craft
This pathway provides an opportunity to specialise in the design, analysis and performance prediction of yachts, small craft and other high-performance vessels. You will also gain an understanding of engineering materials used in their design and manufacture.
