Skip to main content
Solent Unviersity Southampton logo
Solent Unviersity Southampton logo

BEng (Hons)Yacht Design and Production

Apply on UCAS
Starting in2024
Register your interest
UCAS code: 21B6
Institution code: S30
Campus: Southampton City CentreView on Google Maps

Why study a yacht design and production degree at Solent University

Dream of designing race-winning yachts? This unique course, with an international reputation, has been designed alongside industry experts to deliver the skills you need.

  • 0st
    out of 130 institutions for assessment and feedback (NSS 2023)
  • 0th
    UK uni for sustained employment (Longitudinal Educational Outcomes, 2022)
  • 0th
    university in the UK for low carbon emissions (THE 2023)
  • 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.
  • Strong focus on hands-on exploration - incorporating practical challenges, workshops, and exercises, so you can put theory into practice straight away.
  • Learn to design power and sail commercial and recreational yachts, from 6m up to 24m.
  • Course 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.

Course overview

Solent’s yacht design and production course has an international reputation and has been developed in conjunction with the industry to ensure essential skills in both the design and production of yachts and commercial craft are covered.

Students on this modern course will study the engineering science underlying great design, along with the fundamental principles of naval architecture, construction methods and high-tech fibre reinforced composite materials. Planning and management processes for the efficient, effective production of racing sailing yachts, RIBs, motor yachts, cruising yachts, patrol boats and commercial craft are also key elements in the syllabus.

A strong practical emphasis is present throughout the course, allowing students to gain valuable knowledge of hands-on examples, design applications and workshop experience in production methods and materials.

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.

Any questions?

Contact UK admissions

Email: admissions@solent.ac.ukCall: 023 8201 5066

Contact international admissions

Email: admissions.international@solent.ac.ukCall: +44 (0)23 8201 5066

Part of:

South Coast Institute of Technology logo

Course features

  • Foundation year available

    If you're not quite ready for a full undergraduate degree, there's alternative entry through one of our foundation years

  • Specialist facilities

    This course has access to specialist facilities

  • Top-up option

    If you have an appropriate Level 5 qualification, you can top it up to a degree in just a year

  • Study abroad

    You have the opportunity to study abroad in one of our partner universities for a semester on this course

Who is this course for?

This popular course is perfect for aspiring designers of racing yachts or luxury superyachts.

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 management of new builds and refits.

What does this course lead to?

The course maintains close links with previous graduates, some of whom have gone on to work as naval architects, design engineers and yacht designers at companies such as Dubois Yachts, Laurent Giles Naval Architects, Ker Yacht Design, Sunseeker Yachts, Monaco Marine and Viareggio Shipyards in Italy.

Solent 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
The facilities are amazing, with FRP labs, and a CAD suite specifically for use by yacht design students

Portrait image of Elodie Grenen

Elodie Grenen

Graduate Naval Architect

Meet the team

The course is delivered by a team of specialist naval architects, yacht designers, and production designers, supported by computer-aided design (CAD)/drawing office instructors and fibre-reinforced plastic (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 our composite construction workshop, yacht drawing office and modern CAD office, which is equipped with the latest commercial marine design and production software, 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.

    A group of students sat in front of a fountain in a park

    Make your application

    Not ready to apply?

    Come to an open day