Previously known as Ship Science, this course has changed its name to Maritime Engineering for applicants starting in September 2024
Southampton has been one of Britain's most important naval and shipbuilding centres since the Middle Ages. This course combines mechanical engineering skills with a specialist knowledge of naval architecture and marine engineering.
It is ideal for those who want to work in the varied and exciting field of Maritime Engineering, Maritime Engineering looks at the design, construction and testing of ships and ocean structures. These could be for transport, recreation or harnessing marine resources.
You'll get a broad mechanical engineering degree, with a focus on maritime engineering.
You’ll study:
In your final year, you can study advanced naval architecture and you'll complete an individual research project.
As part of this course you can:
Enhance your employability by taking this course with a paid industrial placement year.
Apply using:
You'll spend this extra year at an engineering firm, applying the skills and knowledge you've learned so far.
The fee is 20% of the standard annual tuition fee.
We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.
Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).
This course is accredited by the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA), the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) as meeting the academic requirement, in part, for Chartered Engineer registration.
This course is accredited by:
This course is based at Highfield and Boldrewood.
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
AAB including mathematics (minimum grade A) and either physics, chemistry or further mathematics
A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. . Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
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: ABB including mathematics (minimum grade A) and either physics, chemistry or further mathematics plus grade A in the EPQ
We are committed to ensuring that all learners 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 learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches) or 7 at Higher Level in Mathematics (Applications and Interpretation), and 5 at Higher Level in Chemistry or Physics
Applicants who have not studied the required subject can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
We are committed to ensuring that all learners 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 learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
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.
D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grades AA from 2 A-levels including mathematics and either physics, chemistry or further mathematics.
We will consider the BTEC National Extended Diploma in Engineering if studied alongside A-level mathematics.
We will consider the BTEC National Diploma if studied alongside mathematics and either physics, chemistry or further mathematics at A-level.
We are committed to ensuring that all learners 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 learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Applicants who have not studied the required A-levels can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades AA from two A-levels including mathematics and either physics, chemistry or further mathematics.
We will consider the BTEC Extended Diploma in Engineering if studied alongside A-level mathematics.
We will consider the BTEC Diploma if studied alongside mathematics and either physics, chemistry or further mathematics at A-level.
We are committed to ensuring that all learners 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 learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Not accepted for this course. Applicants with an Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject should apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 including mathematics, applied mathematics and either chemistry, physics or physics-chemistry
A1 A2 A2 A2 A2 A2 including mathematics, applied mathematics and either chemistry, physics or physics-chemistry
Applicants who have not studied the required subject can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
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 (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
D3 D3 M2 in three Principal subjects including mathematics (minimum grade D3) and either chemistry, further mathematics or physics
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. Applicants who have not studied the required Principal subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
AAB including mathematics (minimum grade A) and either physics, chemistry or further mathematics or AA from 2 A levels including mathematics and either physics, chemistry or further mathematics, and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate.
A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants 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 an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
T level in Science at Distinction overall with A in Core and Distinction in the Occupational Specialism, and grade A in A-level Mathematics
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
A foundation year will give you the skills and knowledge to progress to this course if you don't have the right qualifications for direct entry.
It could be the right option if you:
You'll also need to show that you have strong maths skills.
Find full details on our Engineering, Maths, Physics, Geophysics Foundation Year page.
AAB including mathematics (minimum grade A) and either physics, chemistry or further mathematics
A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. . Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
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: ABB including mathematics (minimum grade A) and either physics, chemistry or further mathematics plus grade A in the EPQ
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants 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 an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants 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 either physics, chemistry or further mathematics.
Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level, including 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches) or 7 at Higher Level in Mathematics (Applications and Interpretation), and 5 at Higher Level in Chemistry or Physics
Applicants who have not studied the required subject can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
We are committed to ensuring that all learners 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 learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
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.
D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grades AA from 2 A-levels including mathematics and either physics, chemistry or further mathematics.
We will consider the BTEC National Extended Diploma in Engineering if studied alongside A-level mathematics.
We will consider the BTEC National Diploma if studied alongside mathematics and either physics, chemistry or further mathematics at A-level.
We are committed to ensuring that all learners 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 learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Applicants who have not studied the required A-levels can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades AA from two A-levels including mathematics and either physics, chemistry or further mathematics.
We will consider the BTEC Extended Diploma in Engineering if studied alongside A-level mathematics.
We will consider the BTEC Diploma if studied alongside mathematics and either physics, chemistry or further mathematics at A-level.
We are committed to ensuring that all learners 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 learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Not accepted for this course. Applicants with an Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject should apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 including mathematics, applied mathematics and either chemistry, physics or physics-chemistry
A1 A2 A2 A2 A2 A2 including mathematics, applied mathematics and either chemistry, physics or physics-chemistry
Applicants who have not studied the required subject can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
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 (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
D3 D3 M2 in three Principal subjects including mathematics (minimum grade D3) and either chemistry, further mathematics or physics
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. Applicants who have not studied the required Principal subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
AAB including mathematics (minimum grade A) and either physics, chemistry or further mathematics or AA from 2 A levels including mathematics and either physics, chemistry or further mathematics, and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate.
A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Applicants who have not studied the required subjects can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants 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 an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
T level in Science at Distinction overall with A in Core and Distinction in the Occupational Specialism, and grade A in A-level Mathematics
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
A foundation year will give you the skills and knowledge to progress to this course if you don't have the right qualifications for direct entry.
It could be the right option if you:
You'll also need to show that you have strong maths skills.
Find full details on our Engineering, Maths, Physics, Geophysics Foundation Year page.
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
The first 2 years provide the fundamentals in engineering and science. As you progress, you'll study more discipline-specific subjects and can take optional modules.
You'll get mandatory workshop training, and hands-on experience of key skills, like machining and welding. There are design elements throughout the course to make sure that you can apply your theoretical understanding to real design problems.
You’ll take part in an induction programme and work as a team to design, build and test a bulk carrier.
You’ll take a core module in engineering mathematics and further compulsory modules in:
You'll take part in a challenging design project, for example, to design a range of ship system components with interacting parts.
Your compulsory modules will cover:
You’ll carry out an individual research project, using many of the skills you’ve learnt over the previous 2 years. For example, students have looked at how to improve the speed measurements of sailing yachts, and the use of composite materials for propellers.
You will also take part in a marine craft design challenge and have the chance to share your project with industry professionals.
The other, discipline-specific core modules for this year are:
You may also select 1 optional module per semester that include:
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.
You must study the following modules in year 1:
Engineers design physical products, systems and processes. They think big with vision, research, analyse, create, refine and deliver solutions. Engineering is a design discipline that is broad, creative, logical and holistic, while also focused and ex...
This module will provide you with an introduction to the fundamental properties of floating bodies, covering those areas conventionally treated by hydrostatic methods and will provide students with an early insight into a range of tasks involved in the de...
It is difficult to imagine what the world would be like without electricity: homes without electric light, without television or radio, without motors to drive the washing machine, the refrigerator and the vacuum cleaner; offices without computers, word p...
These weekly workshops are designed to help engineering students with their Mathematics work. Although designed for engineering students, these workshops are open to all students who are studying a Mathematics MATH module, but who are not studying a degre...
This course lays the mathematical foundation for all engineering degrees. Its structure allows students with different levels of previous knowledge to work at their own pace. Pre-requisite for MATH2048 One of the pre-requisites for MATH3081 and MATH...
This module covers the fundamentals of mechanics, statics, dynamics and materials. Providing a firm basis for all subsequent modules in these areas in later Parts and a further career in engineering. This module consists of four parts, Statics-1, Statics...
Core Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics for all Engineering Themes. Students should be aware that this module requires pre requisites of Mathematics
You must study the following modules in year 2:
This module provides students with an introduction to management, accounting and law applicable to the operations of an engineering-based organisation. Emphasis is placed upon introducing managerial knowledge and skills required to apply effective managem...
In this module the fundamental concepts of hydrodynamics are introduced. The main focus is on inviscid, incompressible flow, but viscous effects including boundary layers and separated flow are introduced as well. The lectures are complemented by laborato...
This second year module continues to develop the links between structures and materials, building on the fundamentals established in the first year course on mechanics, structures and materials. The relationship between composition, microstructure and pro...
The module aims to teach mathematical methods relevant for engineering. The first part is about differential equations and how solve them, from ordinary differential equations to partial differential equations. The second part is about either vector calcu...
A module in which students will learn the basis of sustainable ship design whilst considering the economic and safety implications. In parallel the students will undertake a preliminary ship design which will enhance their understanding of some design imp...
This module identifies the fundamental aspects and describes practical approaches for ship resistance and associated propulsion including propeller design and engine selection. Students will estimate the ship resistance and design propeller to fulfil the ...
This module aims to examine aspects of design relevant to the longitudinal and transverse strength of a ship. This is conducted through both first principles design and the use of classification society rules. In addition the production technology applica...
This module follows on from the Part 1 Design and Computing Module where students focus on the design of a functional part. In this Part 2 module students address the design of a ship’s steering system consisting of a number of interacting parts.
You must study the following modules in year 3:
The Individual Project is a learning experience that enables you to carry out research and bring together many of the concepts that you have learnt over the first two years of the course as well as the knowledge and skills learnt during part III. You w...
Developing the overall design of a marine craft to meet owner’s requirements together with relevant statutory regulations is fundamental to the practice of naval architecture. This module entails the development of a marine craft design to concept stage, ...
This module introduces the fundamental principles, design and analysis of ship power plants, drive trains and auxiliary systems found on-board marine vehicles. Students will be introduced to the operational principles, machinery configurations, perform...
This module extends the fundamentals of fluid mechanics in the context of naval architecture and ocean engineering including water waves and the fluid loading and motion of maritime structures and vessels in waves. Students will assess the concepts of add...
This module extends the structural analysis principles to marine structural design and assessment, building on the fundamentals established in the previous “materials and structures” and “ship structural design and production” courses. Students will asses...
This module provides the fundamental concepts associated with the principles of manoeuvring and control theory, with a focus on vehicles operating on or below the air water interface. There is one assignment which integrates manoeuvring hydrodynamic data...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 3:
Many real-world engineering structures are too complex for their behaviour to be understood using an ‘exact’ analytical or theoretical method alone. Therefore, in practice we often use approximate numerical or simulation-based tools for structural analysi...
Management Science for Engineers introduces the building blocks of Management Science as a discipline, which is at the heart of decision-making. The module introduces the history and the context along with the general Management Science approach to decis...
This module manufacturing and materials is intended to develop a deeper understanding of the relationship between design, manufacturing processing and materials properties. This module discusses various manufacturing methods including casting, forming, we...
This module covers the performance and design of a variety of high performance small craft: namely semi-displacement, planing craft and catamarans as well as sailing yachts, hydrofoils and hovercraft. It will examine the basic mechanics and fluid dynamics...
The learning activities for this course include the following:
How you'll spend your course time:
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
Year 1:
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 2:
Year 2:
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Georgina Keane is the course leader.
This course is accredited by the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA), the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST).
Worldwide, the maritime sector is buoyant with many and varied career opportunities in engineering and beyond. This course is accredited by 3 professional bodies, meaning you'll have a range of options for a future engineering career.
Recent graduates have gone on to work at organisations including:
We are a designated university for the Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme.
This degree also provides a great foundation to continue your studies at Masters or PhD level.
You can work as a paid student ambassador with our Marine Headstart summer school. This is residential course for Year 12 students interested in the subject.
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
This course is also available with an industrial placement year in an engineering organisation. During your placement, you can apply the knowledge and skills you’ve developed during your degree, and gain vital professional engineering experience.
Fees for a year's study:
The Government has recently announced changes to UK tuition fees from September 2025 onwards. We will update our website to reflect this shortly.
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and standard exams.
Find out how to:
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.
Explore:
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
Get in touch for advice about student money matters.
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant to help fund your studies.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.
The Student Hub offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Maritime Engineering (BEng) is a course in the Maritime engineering subject area. Here are some other courses within this subject area:
