“I recommend this course for all those who want to start a career in yacht design industry.”
BEng (Hons)Yacht and Powercraft Design
Apply on UCAS
Starting in: 2026
Register your interest- 3 years
- 4 years with foundation year
UCAS code: H522
Institution code: S30
UCAS points: 104-120Flexible entry options available
Campus: Southampton City CentreView on Google Maps
Why study a yacht and powercraft design degree at Solent University
Plot a course for your engineering skills - specialise in naval architecture for power- and sail-craft. Solent’s highly regarded degree is taught by experienced marine architects and designers.
- 0yearsof yacht and powercraft design and production at Solent University
- 0thin the UK for teaching satisfaction in mechanical engineering, out of 69 institutions (Guardian Uni Guide 2026)
- £0minvested in our campus estate and facilities
- Prestigious guest lecturers from key industry organisations such as the Royal Institute of Naval Architects (RINA), Nigel Gee BMT, Babcock Engineering, Gurit, Sunseeker, Rob Humphries Design and Norbert Sedlacek (Open 60 skipper).
- 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.
- Some of our graduates have gone on to work at companies such as Laurent Giles Naval Architects, Sunseeker Yachts, Humphries Yacht Design, Monaco Marine, Viareggio Shipyards and Incat Crowther Design.
- To help you build your professional network, you will be encouraged to attend local boat shows, including the Southampton Boat Show and Seawork International. Previous students have also been on yard visits, with recent trips including Sunseeker, Green Marine and Solent Refit.
- One of Solent's key areas of research is science and engineering with the creation, sharing, and application of insight, innovation, and knowledge for safe, sustainable seas – you will learn direct from leading experts in their field.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: Call:Course overview
Solent’s internationally-recognised yacht and powercraft design course focuses on developing your knowledge of, and skills in yacht and powercraft design and production for vessels up to 24 metres in length.
Previous students have benefitted from attending guest lectures by speakers from key industry organisations such as the Royal Institute of Naval Architects (RINA), Nigel Gee BMT, Babcock Engineering, Gurit, Sunseeker, Rob Humphries Design and Norbert Sedlacek (Open 60 skipper).
To help build their professional network, students are encouraged to attend local boat shows, including the Southampton Boat Show and Seawork International. Previous students have also been on yard visits, with recent trips including Sunseeker, Green Marine and Solent Refit.
This course is part of the South Coast Institute of Technology (IoT), a partnership of colleges, universities and industry-leading employers to create new career opportunities in the technology sector. IoT courses like this one are precisely tailored to the needs of employers in the maritime, engineering and digital industries – industries which are hungry for talented new engineers, technologists, technicians and creatives like you.
If you’re looking to study our yacht and powercraft design 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.
Accreditations, recognitions and memberships
Part of:
Student work
Our creative degrees allow our students to develop a critical eye for design with a knowledge of different design approaches and problem solving techniques. Take a look at some of the great work they produce.
Who is this course for?
This course is aimed at those who want to design smaller leisure craft such as sailing boats and powercraft.
Students learn the fundamentals of yacht design alongside the latest construction methods to gain a solid grounding for roles in yacht design, naval architecture or equipment design.
What does this course lead to?
Course graduates have gone on to various industry roles, including naval architect or design engineer, at companies such as Laurent Giles Naval Architects, Sunseeker Yachts, Humphries Yacht Design, Monaco Marine, Viareggio Shipyards in Italy and Incat Crowther Design in the USA.
Graduate stories
Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.
Read more storiesMeet the team
The course is delivered by a team of specialist naval architects and production designers, supported by CAD/drawing office instructors and FRP workshop instructors. All team members come from the yacht and small craft industry and maintain their close links through consultancy, design practice and professional bodies.
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 have full access to the University’s specialist facilities, including industry-standard CAD and drawing offices, as well as a fully-equipped specialist composite workshop a 60m towing tank and static four-metre stability tank.
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 consider the effects of suspended masses and also free surface effects on the initial GM.
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.
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 such as timber, steel, aluminium, stainless steels, brasses and bronzes. You'll also learn about the materials properties, the considerations needed when choosing them, and the production processes involved in the construction of boats.
Core modules
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.
Powered Vessel Design
The aim of the module is to develop your technical design skills alongside the CAD design skills typically required in a motor vessel design office. The unit provides you with authentic ‘real world’ experience close to the typical design office practice.
Composite Technology
You will explore the detailed aspects of how you manufacture cored and single skin fibre reinforced composite (FRC) structures specific for marine production. This involves a theoretical knowledge which is backed up with practical experience of how to manufacture a comprehensive range of sample panels in controlled environments.
Sailing Yacht Design
In this module you will develop an understanding of sailing yacht design principles and the theories specifically associated with yachts. You will be exposed to specific design areas relevant to sailing yachts to gain experience of design practice by completing both formative and summative design tasks.
Core modules
Performance Power Craft
On this module you will extend your knowledge of high-performance motor vessel design. Running alongside this you will learn about novel powering methods used as alternatives to the conventional diesel engine propeller shaft system.
Structure Design and Management
You will develop the application of structural design principles and production methodologies to a variety of small craft structures typical of metal-based hulls. You will be expected to utilise structural design/assessment tools rather than adopt first principles-based design to develop the hull deck and superstructure scantlings.
Sailing Yacht Performance
You will learn to use advanced design and analytical software, whether hull related or for the parametric modelling of the design. You will also study the theory for sailing yacht force and moment balance as commonly used in commercial VPP software.
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 by a combination of:
- Coursework
- Written exams
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 yacht and powercraft design?
The UK has a strong pedigree in yacht design and the UK leisure yacht and small commercial marine markets generate direct revenues of 3.97bn, according to British Marine, the membership organisation for these industries. The industry is supported by over 38,000 jobs across a variety of roles, with over 10,000 new boats produced in 2019 for both domestic and international markets.
During your studies you’ll benefit from guest speakers from companies such as Nigel Gee BMT, Babcock Engineering and Structural Polymers. Yard visits are also possible, with recent visits including Sunseeker International and Solent Refit.
Students are encouraged to attend local industry events, including the world-famous Southampton International Boat Show and Seawork International. A full programme of RINA Southern Joint Branch lectures is also supported.
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.
Read more stories“I recommend this course for all those who want to start a career in yacht design industry.”
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.
6th
UK uni for sustained employment
Longitudinal Educational Outcomes, 2022
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.
Tuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2026/27 academic year are:
- UK, ROI, EU (settled status) and Channel Island full-time fees: £9,790 per year
- International full-time fees: £19,081 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. These additional costs are listed below. For advice on budgeting and managing your money, please contact student.funding@solent.ac.uk.
The 2026/27 additional costs are not yet available. For guidance, previous additional costs have been:
Optional costs
- Foundation year
Normal stationery requirements and printing costs will come to approximately £30. There may be very minor costs (circa £30) for optional materials in the degree related project. - Years one to three
Minor materials: approximately £80
Field trips to local shipyards in final year: approximately £100
Minor costs for final year project: approximately £50
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 31 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
Alternative entry options
Top-up route:
We welcome applications from students currently studying a Foundation Degree, DipHE, HNC, HND or modules of an undergraduate degree course at another university, who wish to enter directly into Years 2 or 3 of one of our undergraduate degree courses. Please contact our admissions team for more information: contact us
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
