“The facilities are amazing, with FRP labs, and a CAD suite specifically for use by yacht design students”
BEng (Hons)Maritime Engineering
Apply on UCAS
Starting in: 2027
Register your interest- 3 years
- 4 years with foundation year
UCAS code: MAE1
Institution code: S30
UCAS points: 104-120Flexible entry options available
Campus: Southampton City CentreView on Google Maps
Why study a maritime engineering degree at Solent University
Gain the essential skills for a career in sustainable maritime design and engineering - from a practical design perspective, using current design software, and applying the latest regulations.
- Top0%of UK unis for teaching quality, out of 131 institutions (Times Good University Guide 2025)
- Top0best student city (StudentCrowd, 2024)
- 0thin the UK for teaching satisfaction in mechanical engineering, out of 69 institutions (Guardian Uni Guide 2026)
- You'll gain strong academic and practical design skills covering both ship design and production management.
- Learn from a teaching team who have worked in the field, meaning you can tap into their commercial and academic knowledge.
- Full access to specialist design and construction facilities, including industry-standard CAD and drawing offices, as well as a fully equipped specialist composite workshop, a 60m hydrodynamic test tank and static four-metre stability tank.
- Solent has a strong pedigree in naval architecture, delivering yacht and powercraft design and production courses for 55 years.
- Solent is recognised, both in the UK and internationally, 'as the go-to' university for industry-ready graduates specialising in naval architecture, design, and engineering.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: Call:Course overview
This course blends academic knowledge and practical design skills in commercial vessel design and production management - with an emphasis on engineering.
During your studies, you'll build your understanding of the roles of ship designers, manufacturers, and production managers and how they function in a multi-disciplinary, team-work environment, along with the skills necessary to maintain knowledge as technology advances.
To complement technical skills gained, you'll explore the modern regulatory framework for commercial vessels including environmental, legal and ethical issues, and with an emphasis on the practical design and manufacture of commercial vessels.
At the end of the course, you'll be well-equipped to gain employment in naval architecture design offices designing both sustainable commercial small craft and ships of the future - designing reduced or zero CO2 emitting ships which are deploying new technology, such as wind wings, hydrogen power, and even nuclear power.
You'll also develop highly transferable technical and analytical skills that are sought after in a wide range of shore-based engineering and design roles.
If you’re looking to study our maritime engineering degree but don’t have the relevant qualifications or experience, the STEM foundation year will help you develop the core skills and knowledge to progress. Find out more about the STEM foundation year.
Who is this course for?
This degree is ideally suited to students who want to develop their maritime design and production management skills.
Applicants should have an interest in maritime engineering and practical design and will ideally have a mathematical or physics-based background.
What does this course lead to?
The technical and analytical skills developed during this course are highly transferable to a wide range of shore-based engineering and design roles. As a result, graduates are well equipped to secure rewarding and well-paid employment across the marine and wider engineering sectors.
Graduate stories
Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.
Meet the team
The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.
Facilities
Students on this course will have access to the maritime design suite that holds a vast array of naval architecture software, together with the latest version of many industry-standard CAD packages.
Our vibrant campus brings state-of-the-art facilities to enhance your learning and elevate your student experience. Our award-winning teaching building, The Spark is centred around students and offers a stimulating study environment with flexible learning spaces. Away from studying, why not try out the gyms, fitness studios and sports halls in our £28 million Sports Complex, or watch a blockbuster film at our student-run cinema with Dolby Atmos audio.
International opportunities
Broaden your horizons by adding an international dimension to your CV – essential to achieving success in today’s fast-changing, global environment.
Studying, working or volunteering in another country could be the experience of a lifetime. Enhance your degree by developing important global skills such as knowledge of other countries, language skills, intercultural awareness, adaptability and confidence.
For more information, please email international.mobility@solent.ac.uk.
What you'll study
Core modules
Naval Architecture Design
In this module you will study stability, considering initially the upright and small angle and large angle stability cases for both the transverse stability and also small angle longitudinal stability. You will explore the effects of suspended masses and also free surface effects on the initial GM.
Marine Design Skills
In this module you will complete a live brief to design a single chine vessel following the design path, which is standard practice in a design office scenario, based on the module content delivered throughout the block.
Mechanics and Materials
You will learn about the materials used in marine hull construction, and other components found on board vessels, such as timber, steel, aluminium, stainless steels, brasses and bronzes. You'll also learn about materials properties, the considerations needed when choosing them, and the production processes involved in the construction of boats.
Applied Technology Design
During this module you will study and understand how the various marine systems which are used on boats and larger vessels work. This will involve seeing practical demonstrations of some of the equipment used on marine vessels.
Core modules
Ship Design Concepts
In this module, you'll develop an initial design of a type of vessel to an owner’s brief. You will follow the traditional design spiral which will bring you through successive developments of the design, ensuring outline compliance with some of the statutory rules and regulations for stability, tonnage, and load line compliance.
Sustainable Resistance and Propulsion
During this module you will learn the fundamental principles of hull resistance and propulsion for ships and small craft, with a strong emphasis on efficiency and sustainability.
Composite Technology
You will explore how to manufacture cored and single skin fibre reinforced composite (FRC) structures specifically for use in marine production processes. This involves a theoretical knowledge reinforced by practical experience of how to manufacture a comprehensive range of sample panels in controlled environments.
Ship Design Development
Using commercially available software, you'll assess the stability of a specific ship against statutory intact and damage stability regulations and prepare a stability booklet for it. You will size and choose a drivetrain for the vessel and size, and position the tanks based on the different operational profiles of the ship. The structural design element will enable you to develop a structural midship section which satisfies hull global loading considerations and complies with ship classification rules.
Core modules
Hydrodynamic Design Technology
In this module, you'll learn the theory relating to both real and ideal fluid theory, covering laminar and turbulent flow, boundary layer theory, and also potential flow. You will produce a technical report based on a marine-related case study which has been simulated and assessed using a computational fluid dynamics package and benchmarked against theoretical or empirically derived calculations.
Structural Design Technology
This module will guide you through the use of classical structural design theories for isotropic materials conventionally used in the shipbuilding industry. You'll focus on resolution of typical structural problems, such as grillages and buckling of panel and assemblies due to global loads. You will also further develop the study of beam theory by expanding to the resolution of superstatic schemes and frames.
Ship Production Management
In this module, you will learn about modern production management theory, covering issues including resource allocation and techniques including critical path analysis, lean manufacturing, earned value analysis and the project office environment. You'll apply industry-standard production management theory and processes and will cover practical examples of production management within the shipbuilding industry.
Dissertation
This module enables you to undertake an independent project focused on the design, analysis, production, or operational performance of sailing yachts, motor vessels or commercial ships.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: Call:Block teaching at Solent
You will learn by:
You may be assessed at the end of each block by:
- Technical reports
- Coursework
- Assignments
- Dissertation
As part of this course, you will study one module at a time, giving you the chance to build a deeper understanding and see the results of your hard work more quickly. With regular assessments and feedback, rather than exams all at once, you’ll also benefit from improved focus, and a more manageable workload.
Learn more about block teaching
Study support
The student achievement team are on hand to help you succeed during your studies at Solent. They aim to contact you at key times during your time here with personalised information, advice and guidance, by email or phone.
The disability advice team provides information, advice and guidance for disabled students.
All students can access Succeed@Solent, Solent's online guide to getting better grades. It offers extensive, practical information and advice on topics such as academic writing, research and presentations.
Why choose a career in maritime engineering?
The maritime engineering and naval architecture industry is extremely innovative and dynamic, and is becoming increasingly more sustainable.
Graduates could pursue roles in naval architecture design offices, or in junior production roles within small commercial production facilities or large ship building companies. Other areas within the industry that could be explored are in marine design consultancy practices or companies developing components for use on board ships.
The course team has strong links with the industry across the entire maritime design sector, giving you the opportunity to work with them on live briefs to develop your technical and design skills in an environment that emulates a commercial setting - ideal preparation for entering the workplace.
You could earn:
Naval architect
Starting salary £25,000 to £35,000
With experience, salaries can range from £35,000 to £50,000, rising to £60,000 in some instances for senior naval architect posts.
The stated salaries are published on prospects.ac.uk.
Graduate stories
Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.
“The facilities are amazing, with FRP labs, and a CAD suite specifically for use by yacht design students”
Solent Careers
The Solent Careers team is committed to getting students into great careers.
While you are studying, the team can help you with finding work experience or placements, link you with a mentor, check your CV, or offer one-to-one guidance.
We also have graduate job opportunities just for Solent graduates.
Top 25%
of UK unis for sustained employment
Longitudinal Educational Outcomes, 2025
Certificate in Practical Artificial Intelligence
Every student at Solent University will also have the option to study an additional Certificate in Practical Artificial Intelligence qualification alongside their course. Free of charge, the course ensures you'll be prepared for a fantastic and varied career after graduation.
Further study
Thinking about studying further than an undergraduate degree? Alumni can get 20% off their postgraduate study.
MSc Sustainable Marine Craft and Superyacht Design
Discover the latest techniques to develop new, sustainable superyacht and marine craft designs. Benefit from the combined expertise of our yacht engineering teaching team and Solent's Centre for Marine Sustainability to build your knowledge.
Find out moreTuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2027/28 academic year are:
- UK, ROI, EU (settled status) and Channel Island full-time fees: £10,050 per year
- International full-time fees: £18,508 per year
For further information, please visit our tuition fees page.
Extra course costs
While most course costs are covered by your tuition fees, some essential resources and optional extras may need to be paid for separately. For advice on budgeting and managing your money, please contact student.funding@solent.ac.uk.
Bursaries, scholarships and financial support
Solent University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships that provide financial assistance or waive fees for tuition or accommodation. Each bursary or scholarship has specific eligibility criteria. Check out our bursaries and scholarships pages to find out more.
Cost of living support
At Solent, we understand that the cost of living crisis may be of some concern. To help, we've put together some detailed information to show what support is available and how to make your money go further.
Graduation costs
There is no charge to attend graduation, but you will be required to pay for the rental of your academic gown (approximately £45 per graduate, depending on your award). You may also wish to purchase official photography packages, which range in price from £15 to £200+. Graduation is not compulsory, so if you prefer to have your award sent to you, there is no cost. Extra guest tickets will go on sale after results publication and will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The cost per ticket is currently £20. Please note, we do not guarantee there will be any extra tickets available to purchase.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: Call:Entry requirements
Please select an option below:
Key entry requirements
104-120 UCAS tariff points
- A minimum of two A-levels, including two STEM subjects, a BTEC Extended Diploma at DMM or BTEC Diploma at D*D* in a STEM based subject, T-Level Merit, or equivalent, which comply with the minimum entry requirement of 104 UCAS points.
- A BTEC Subsidiary Diploma will be considered in conjunction with other qualifications.
- Qualifications equivalent to the above may also be considered.
- Entry to year two may be offered to applicants holding an HND in an appropriate subject.
- For further information about UK qualifications, please contact admissions.
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about EU qualifications, please see our course entry requirements document.
For international students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for this undergraduate degree, our trusted partner, QA Higher Education offers the following pathway programme designed to develop your academic and English language skills:
- International Foundation Year - for progression to the first year of an undergraduate degree
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about international qualifications, please see our course entry requirements document.
For international students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for this undergraduate degree, our trusted partner, QA Higher Education offers the following pathway programme designed to develop your academic and English language skills:
- International Foundation Year - for progression to the first year of an undergraduate degree
Note to all international students requiring a visa
All international applicants need to be aware that the English language requirements to attend Solent University, and the English language requirements to obtain a visa from the Home Office, may be different. This means that if you meet the Solent University language requirement to gain a place on the course, you may still have to meet additional requirements to be granted with a visa by the Home Office.
We strongly advise all applicants to visit the Home Office website which outlines all the requirements for a successful visa application
How to apply
Full-time
Any student applying for the first year of a full-time/sandwich undergraduate course must apply through UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions Service). This includes mature, overseas and EU students.
Nearly all schools and colleges offer their students the facility of applying electronically through the UCAS website using 'Apply'; it may also be used by those applying independently in the UK and overseas. This facility and all course information can be found on the UCAS website: www.ucas.com.
Your application should reach UCAS by 14 January if you hope to enter a course the following autumn. Early application is advised for the most popular subject areas. Late applications may be made until the end of June. The UCAS Code for the University is S30, code name SOLNT.
Find out what happens after you apply
Contextual offers
Solent endeavours to offer learning opportunities to students from all backgrounds. When we receive and review an application, we take into consideration the context and personal circumstances of applicants when making a decision, which means our advertised entry tariff could be reduced.
Find out more about Solent's contextual offers
Language requirements
Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are:
- IELTS minimum 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each individual component.
- Duolingo English Language Test - 115 overall with minimum of 95 in each component or equivalent.
TOEFL IBT tests taken prior to 21 January 2026
- Minimum overall score of 80 with a minimum of 20 in each individual component.
TOEFL IBT tests taken from 21 January 2026
- Minimum overall score of 4.5 with a minimum of 4 in each individual component.
Qualifications are checked before enrolment, and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies when coming to study at the University.
Pre-Sessional English programme
The University also offers a pre-sessional English programme for international students who wish to improve their level of English before starting a degree course.
UCAS points: 104-120
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: Call:Make your application
- 3 years
- 4 years with foundation year
