Engineering and yacht design

You'll generally need around 104-120 UCAS points (for a yacht course) and 104 UCAS points (for an engineering degree) from at least two A-levels or equivalent qualifications. Some courses might also ask for specific subjects like Maths or Physics, so make sure to check the course details.

Solent has cutting-edge facilities for yacht design and engineering students. Our brand new SMART Centre means you'll get to use industry-standard CAD and drawing offices, a fully equipped composite workshop, a 60m hydrodynamic test tank, and a static four-metre stability tank. These are perfect for hands-on learning and putting your design skills to the test. Plus, you'll have access to high-end gear like 3D printers, laser cutters, and digital signal processing boards. The labs are packed with the latest tech, so you'll always be working with cutting-edge equipment.

Absolutely! Many courses include work placements as part of the programme. Solent has strong industry links, so you'll have plenty of opportunities to work with real companies and gain valuable experience. Plus, there are options for year-long placements between your second and third years.

Becoming a yacht designer requires a mix of technical and engineering skills, along with a good understanding of hydrodynamics and mathematics. A yacht design degree offers the ideal combination of academic and hands-on technical skills; alternative routes into the role might be to undertake an apprenticeship with a design firm or start in an entry-level position at a design firm and work your way up. This might involve roles like CAD technician or junior designer, where you can build your skills and move into a designer role over time

These paths can help you develop the skills and experience needed to become a successful yacht designer.

As a mechanical engineering graduate, you’ll have the skills and technical expertise for a wide range of roles. Some of the common job titles include aerospace engineer, automotive engineer, CAD technician, control systems engineer, and maintenance engineer. You can also find varied roles within manufacturing, product design, testing, robotics, renewable energy, and more.

'Accredited', 'endorsed' or 'recognised' all mean a professional body has reviewed your course and confirmed it meets their standards. Each comes with slightly different perks.

• Endorsed means the course content has been checked to ensure it gives you the skills and knowledge employers in that field are looking for.
• Accredited often comes with extra benefits while you study, like professional membership, insurance or exam exemptions.
• Recognised means your degree meets national standards for that profession, showing you're prepared to work safely and effectively once qualified.

Whichever term is used, it's a sign your course has been shaped by the people who hire in that industry, so what you learn lines up with what employers need.

Engineering graduates from Solent have gone on to work in exciting fields like electronics, robotics, and renewable energy. Similarly, graduates from Solent's yacht courses have secured roles such as naval architect, design engineer, and production manager. Top companies like Sunseeker Yachts, Humphries Yacht Design, and Laurent Giles Naval Architects have hired Solent graduates, so your career prospects are looking bright.