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Maritime Engineering with Industrial Placement Year

  • Master of Engineering (with Honours)
  • 5 Years
  • Full-Time
  • 20 September 2027
  • Undergraduate
Main Site - Highfield Campus
More about University of Southampton

Course options

2026-20272027-2028
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Course summary

Summary

The ocean is a space of innovation and opportunity. Maritime engineering is about designing the vessels and offshore structures that operate within it, from ships and submarines to technologies that harness marine energy.

On this integrated master’s with Industrial Placement Year, you will develop advanced knowledge of naval architecture and marine engineering, combining theory with practical learning through laboratories, design modules and projects. You will explore how marine systems are designed, built and tested for performance in challenging environments.

In your first two years, you will build a strong foundation in the science and engineering of marine vehicles and structures. These years are shared with the BEng route, giving you flexibility as your interests develop.

At the end of year two, you can shape your degree by choosing from a range of specialist pathways or continue with a broad-based programme. Options include Advanced Computational Engineering, Marine Engineering and Autonomy, Naval Architecture, International Naval Architecture, Ocean Energy and Offshore Engineering, and Yacht and High Performance Craft.

In your third year, you will deepen your understanding through advanced modules and complete an individual project. In your final year, you will take further specialist modules and work on a group design project, applying your knowledge to a real-world engineering challenge.

You can also choose to take an Industrial Placement Year, giving you the opportunity to apply your learning in a professional engineering environment and gain valuable industry experience.

Key features of the course

Shape your degree. Choose from specialist pathways or follow a broad route to match your interests and career goals.

Build advanced knowledge. This integrated master’s develops both technical expertise and design capability.

Learn through application. Individual and group projects allow you to tackle real engineering problems and bring your ideas to life.

Gain real-world experience. An optional Industrial Placement Year allows you to work in an engineering organisation and build professional skills.

Access specialist facilities. These include dedicated design studios and workshops, a 138m towing tank with wave maker, a wind tunnel complex and a professional manufacturing centre.

Prepare for your future career. This course is fully accredited by the Royal Institution of Naval Architects, the Institution of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, allowing you to work in a wide range of engineering sectors and supporting your route to chartered status.

Student support

Your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) will support you throughout your time at Southampton, offering academic guidance, career advice and signposting to wellbeing and pastoral services when needed.

You will be part of a collaborative community, working alongside students and staff with a shared focus on marine and offshore engineering.

Further information

You will study in an environment designed for hands-on learning, with access to specialist facilities that support both individual and team-based projects.

The skills and experience you develop will prepare you for careers across the maritime sector, including ship design, offshore engineering, marine technology and emerging ocean industries.

Modules

Course Modules

The modules that you take in years three and four will depend whether you have chosen to study a broad-based degree or one of our six pathways. Typical modules for the broad-based degree include:

Year one: Basic Naval Architecture; An Introduction to Engineering Design; Electrical and Electronics Systems; Engineering Mathematics Workshop; Mathematics for Engineering and the Environment; Mechanics, Structures and Materials; ThermoFluids.

Year two: Engineering Management and Law; Hydrodynamics; Materials and Structures; Mathematics for Engineering and the Environment Part II; Ship Resistance and Propulsion; Ship Design and Economics; Ship Structural Design and Production; Systems Design and Computing for Ships.

Year three: Individual Project; Marine Craft Concept Design; Marine Engineering; Marine Hydrodynamics; Marine Structures; Ship Manoeuvring and Control; plus module options.

Year four: Group Design Project; Project Risk Management; Marine Safety: Risk, Environment and Law; plus module options to extend your knowledge.

Assessment method

Testing is conducted through a combination of unseen written examinations and assessed coursework in the form of problem-solving exercises, laboratory reports, design exercises, essays, and individual and group projects. Experimental, research and design skills are assessed through laboratory reports, coursework exercises and oral presentations.

The Industrial Placement Year is assessed via an individual reflective report.

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

  • Marine Engineering, Science and Technology, Institute of
  • Mechanical Engineers, Institution of
  • Naval Architects, Royal Institution of
  • Accreditation of European Engineering Programmes (EUR-ACE)
  • Engineering Council

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site - Highfield Campus

Study options

  • Master of Engineering (with Honours) • Full-Time • 5 Years

Start dates

  • 20 September 2027

Apply by
13 January 2027

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
H52H
Institution code:
S27
Campus name:
Main Site - Highfield Campus
Points of Entry:
Year 1

University of Southampton has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

Apply by
13 January 2027

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
H52H
Institution code:
S27
Campus name:
Main Site - Highfield Campus

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Open days

Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

A level
AAA

AAA including mathematics 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.

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: AAB including mathematics (minimum grade A) and either physics, chemistry or further mathematics (minimum grade A) 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.

Applicants who have not studied the required A-levels can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year.

UCAS Tariff
Not accepted

Scottish Higher

We normally consider applicants who offer at least 1 Advanced Higher. Applicants presenting with only Highers will be considered on a case by case basis. Where Highers are taken over two years it might be expected that higher grades are achieved, particularly in any specific subjects required. For example, S5 – S6 (2 years): AABBB (A in specific subject) or S6 (1 year): ABBBB (A in specific subject).

Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4"

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.

Access to HE Diploma
Not accepted

GCSE/National 4/National 5

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)

Scottish Advanced Higher

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 for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF)

D in the Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades AA from two A-levels including mathematics 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.

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.

Applicants who have not studied the required A-levels can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year.

Extended Project
A

If you are taking an EPQ in addition to three A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: AAB including mathematics (minimum grade A) and either physics, chemistry or further mathematics (minimum grade A) plus grade A in the EPQ.

A pass in the science Practical is required where it is separately endorsed. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.

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.

Applicants who have not studied the required A-levels can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Offer: 36

Pass, with 36 points overall with 18 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 6 at Higher Level in Chemistry or Physics

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.

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) offer
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.

WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
A

AAA from 3 A levels including mathematics and either physics, chemistry or further mathematics or AA from 2 A levels including mathematics and either physics, chemistry or further mathematics, and A from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales.

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.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Not accepted

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
H1H2H2H2H2H2

H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 including mathematics, applied mathemics and either chemistry, physics or physics-chemistry

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
D

D in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grades AA from two A-levels including mathematics 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.

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.

Applicants who have not studied the required A-levels can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year.

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)
A

AAA from three A levels including mathematics and either physics, chemistry or further mathematics or AA from two A levels including mathematics and either physics, chemistry or further mathematics, and A 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.

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.

Applicants who have not studied the required A-levels can apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics Foundation Year.

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
D3D3D3

D3, D3, D3 in three Principal subjects including mathematics and either physics, chemistry or further mathematics.

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.

Required subjects include mathematics and either physics, chemistry or further mathematics. 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.

https://www.southampton.ac.uk/engineering/undergraduate/courses/maritime_engineering/j641_meng_ship_science.page

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6.5with no component below 6.0

All programmes at the University of Southampton are taught and assessed in the medium of English (other than those in modern foreign languages). Therefore, all applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency.https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/admissions/admissions-policies/language.page

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

Most of the students who previously enrolled on this course joined us with grades lower than our published entry criteria. After receiving their grades, we carefully considered each students’ individual circumstances before confirming their place on their chosen course.

We encourage everyone with the potential to succeed to apply, regardless of their background. Applicants who qualify for contextual admissions will be made an offer lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Learn more on the University of Southampton website

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).

It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.

Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands & Republic of Ireland£10050
EU & InternationalTBC

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

Please see our website for further details and updates regarding tuition fees.

We anticipate that international tuition fee levels for 2027 entry will be confirmed in August 2026.

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