yacht design southampton

Our Yacht Design experience and heritage

To really understand Yacht design a passion for the sea and proven track record of success on the water is a surely a pre-requisite for a yacht designer?!

Tony started racing boats as a young boy and by his teens had won numerous championships in approximately 10 different classes of boat. This expertise proved to be the bedrock of his understanding of boat dynamics which proved invaluable when he started he formally set up his studio in 1981. In those days you were judged on the competiveness of the yachts you designed and the only way to secure further commissions was to win on the water...

Thankfully, the first Tony Castro designed yacht broke records - and in 1981 JUSTINE III won the One Ton World Cup - becoming the first yacht to win all 5 races in the world championship - which was the most prestigious and challenging yachting championship of it's time...

From this illustrious start, the studio won commissions from numerous manufacturers and individuals wanting the Tony Castro Design stamp which over the next 38 years has led to a yacht design business with numerous awards for custom yachts for both power and sail, for both manufacturers and individuals, ranging in size from small racing sailboats to Superyachts.

10,000 boats on the water and 500 completed designs bear testament to the achievements of Tony Castro Design and we look forward to adding to the studio's roll of honour with our future designs.

Ben Rogerson Yacht Design

Specialists in performance yacht and powercraft design..

Ben Rogerson Yacht Design is a design and consultancy service with an international operation based out of Hamble, on the South Coast of the UK. We specialise in performance sailing yacht and motorboat design. BRYD provides a diverse range of services from naval architecture and concept design, through to detailed mechanical component engineering. We pride ourselves on delivering first class bespoke custom yacht design for performance yachts, luxury motoryachts and leisure craft.

Learn more about BRYD, our team and our background.

BRYD Services

We offer a variety of yacht design services, including:, concept design.

At the heart of our design process is our ability to communicate and effectively transfer our client’s vision into reality.

Naval Architecture & Engineering

Developing hull form and appendage configuration, by utilising advanced in-house parametric design processes and further analytical methods.

Performance Analysis

In partnership with Steuart Lynes MEng MIet, we have devoted a significant amount of resources into the development of our in-house performance analysis tool set.

3D Modelling & Production Design

At BRYD we have invested significantly into our trade tools, using high end Parametric Modelling PLM software, Siemens NX.

Design Portfolio

Get in Touch

© 2021 All rights reserved​

Website created by BRYD

Old browser alert! We have detected you are using a pretty old browser. This website uses cool features that can't be supported by your browser.

If we let you see the website it would look all weird and broken, nobody wants that!

Dixon Yacht Design, Unit 16, The Boatyard, Swanwick Marina, Swanwick, Southampton, United Kingdom, SO31 1ZL

+44 (0)1489 572337 [email protected]

You must enable JavaScript to submit this form

Laurent Giles is a dynamic firm of Naval Architects and Yacht Designers continuing to push the boundaries of design. We provide professional independent services to clients, designers and shipyards throughout the world.

David Lewis

Managing director.

• [email protected]
• 01590641777
• https://uk.linkedin.com/in/david-lewis-487b8335

David Lewis Managing Director

David first became involved with the company in 1997 working on the design and testing of ‘Flagship for Young Britain’. He then became a design engineer/naval architect at Southampton Yacht Services for 5 years before returning to Laurent Giles, becoming a Director in 2007 and MD in 2009. He has been responsible for all the major Superyacht projects undertaken by the company since then. David sits on the Caiman Island PYC advisory committee and brings a detailed knowledge of Superyacht Design and Engineering from his broad experience across the Industry.

Stephen Wallis

Technical director.

• [email protected]
• +44(0) 1590 641 777
• https://uk.linkedin.com/in/stephen-wallis-35b39b46

Stephen Wallis Technical Director

Stephen has been a director of the company since 1983 and has been responsible for the naval architecture of a wide range of designs, from sailing yachts, square riggers and America’s Cup yachts through to the large Superyachts that the company is known for today. From 1993 to 2013 he was also a Senior Lecturer (Structural Design, Aero-hydro Dynamics) and Programme Leader for the BEng Yacht & Powercraft design degree at Southampton Solent University. Laurent Giles retain close links with the University, regularly using the University’s towing tank as part of their hull design and development work for clients.

Alexander Lee

Naval architect.

• [email protected]
• +44(0)1590 641 777
• https://uk.linkedin.com/in/alexander-lee-bb8a6913b

Alexander Lee Naval Architect

From an early age, Alexander began to discover his love for competitive sailing and a passion for understanding how things worked. This lead to an unbounded enthusiasm for marine engineering and all things boats. Obtaining a First Class Honours degree in Yacht Design & Production at Southampton Solent University led him to be awarded the RINA – BAE Systems Student Naval Architect Award for the best final year project and the RINA and IMarEST Southern Joint Branch prize for the top final year student across the yacht engineering courses in the same year. Following this, Alexander joined the team at Laurent Giles where he focuses on Preliminary Design, 3D modelling and Naval Architecture.

Matthew Cory

• [email protected]
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewcory1996/

Matthew Cory Naval Architect

Matthew developed a passion for sailing and engineering at a young age, often spending his weekends racing or fixing up his small dinghy. This interest led him to undertake a degree in Yacht Design & Production at Southampton Solent University. Before joining the team at Laurent Giles in 2019, he has worked on a wide range of projects ranging from high speed SOLAS Superyacht RIBs to Composite Military Workboats. Building off his previous experience, his primary roles at Laurent Giles include Naval Architecture, 3D modelling and concept design.

Accounts and Admin

• [email protected]

Kim Hughes Accounts and Admin

Kim joined the team at Laurent Giles in 2017 as the company accounts manager and administrator. With over 25 years’ experience in accountancy, she has worked in both the public sector and in industry. She is an AAT licensed accountant and member in practice.

Mike Cooke-Yarborough

Design & project management consultant.

• [email protected]
• https://uk.linkedin.com/in/mike-cooke-yarborough-8735b961

Mike Cooke-Yarborough Design & Project Management Consultant

Mike started his career in the J. I. Thornycroft design office, working on a variety of commercial ferries and ships. This was followed by nine years as head of design consultancy working for Verolme United Shipyards in Holland. He has been involved in a huge range of worldwide commercial work, was contracted by the Maltese Government to reorganise their shipyard technical departments and was technical project manager for the ‘River Class’ offshore patrol vessels built by VT for the MOD. His yacht experience was gained on large yacht projects in Holland and Germany, including project management for a German interior company outfitting a 76 and 96 metre yacht. His connection with Laurent Giles began whilst working with Viareggio Super Yachts and he has since collaborated closely with Laurent Giles as a design and project management consultant on many recent projects. His experience and worldwide industry contacts make him a valuable member of the LG team.

Ashley Hurrell

Business development partner.

• [email protected]
• +44 7779337725
• https://uk.linkedin.com/in/ashley-hurrell-35199725

Ashley Hurrell Business Development Partner

Ashley is Laurent Giles’ marketing and business development consultant. An avid yachtsman and Tall Ship boson’s mate, Ashley brings a track record of working with many of the UK’s largest ship repairers and is well known in the Industry. He has been involved in the Superyacht industry with both new build and refit experience, dealing with yards, management companies, industry experts, captains and owners from around the world. Driven by customer satisfaction he understands a client’s every need and shares the ethos and values of Laurent Giles.

This site uses cookies, as described in our Policy. You can disable cookies as mentioned in our Privacy Policy. By continuing to use this website without disabling the cookies, you consent to our use of those cookies which you have not disabled. View privacy policy

Yacht Design and Production

Southampton Solent University

www.solent.ac.uk

Photos of university / #solentuniofficial

Description.

With strong ties to the global industry and race-winning designers among its graduates, this modern course builds on our internationally renowned yacht and powercraft design degree and delivers the professional skills and technical knowledge you’ll need to launch a great career.

You’ll study the engineering science underlying great design, along with the fundamental principles of naval architecture, construction methods and materials. The course has a strong practical emphasis, focusing on hands-on examples, design applications and workshop experience in production methods and materials.

You’ll also study planning and management processes for the efficient, effective production of racing sailing yachts, RIBs, motor yachts, cruising yachts, patrol boats and commercial craft.

Don't just take our word for it...

Why solent.

• A unique course delivered in a prime industry location
• Strong links to the yacht industry
• Full industry-standard CAD and drawing office
• Fully equipped specialist composite workshop
• Emphasis on practical design and production
• Solent University is now a PRINCE2 accredited provider, and students can choose to undertake this internationally recognised project management course during their study
• You have an opportunity to join the champion sailing team.

Career potential

As a graduate you’ll be well placed for careers in leading yacht design offices and yacht production yards, naval architects, equipment design, project management and classification societies.

Suitable roles for graduates include:

• Yacht design
• Positions in naval architects' offices
• Technical management of new construction
• Design and production engineering
• Project management
• Marine equipment design and manufacture

Links with industry

The course’s international reputation for yacht and small craft design is founded on many years of excellence, and on the highly qualified course team’s strong links to industry and ongoing work in consultancy and design.

You’ll benefit from a full programme of RINA Southern Joint Branch lectures, as well as guest speakers from industry companies such as Nigel Gee BMT, Babcock Engineering and Structural Polymers.

You’ll be encouraged to attend local boat shows, including the Southampton International Boat Show and Seaworks International. We also organise yard visits, with recent trips including Sunseeker International and Solent Refit.

Transferable skills

Creative thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, project management and production skills are developed throughout the course, particularly in the case study and small group workshops.

Examples of employment obtained by recent graduates

The course maintains close links with previous graduates, some of whom have gone on to work as:

• Naval architect, Laurent Giles Naval Architects Ltd, UK
• Design engineer, Sunseeker Yachts, UK
• Designer, Humphries Yacht Design Ltd, UK
• Design engineer, Monaco Marine, France
• Naval architect, Viareggio Shipyards, Italy.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 11475 Year (Non-EEA)

Course Content

• Computer Aided Design
• Naval Architecture
• Marine Materials
• Marine Production
• Marine Structures
• Marine Systems.
• Computer Aided Modelling
• Performance Prediction and Analysis
• Sailing Yacht Design
• Motor Boat Design
• Marine Systems Technology
• Curriculum Plus.
• Computer Aided Yacht Engineering
• Structural design for Production
• Advanced Performance Prediction
• Marine Production Management
• Marine Industry Work-Based Learning.

(Our courses are regularly reviewed so the final module list may be slightly different from the one shown here.)

Teaching, learning and assessment

Lectures, tutorials and case study work are supported by a high degree of practical design work in the CAD office, demonstration laboratories and FRP workshops. Where possible, visits to boatyards, builders and marine equipment suppliers are arranged.

Work experience

There is an optional work-based learning unit in the final year, and you’ll be encouraged to develop practical hands-on experience wherever possible. Many local boat builders are willing to give Solent students short work experience places, and the course team has close links with larger employers (such as Sunseeker) who frequently offer summer work experience positions to second-year students.

Past students have also had the opportunity to gain experience at large marine events such as Seawork 2013.

Most units are assessed by coursework, portfolios or timed assignments.

Our facilities

Solent’s leading facilities include a 60-metre commercial-standard towing test tank, and a static four-metre stability tank. You’ll also have access to our composite construction workshop, yacht drawing office and modern CAD office.

Study abroad

You'll have the opportunity to spend between three months and a year of your course studying abroad at one of our EU partner universities, as part of the Erasmus programme.

If you're a non-UK student studying at an EU university, the Erasmus programme gives you the chance to come to the UK and study yacht design and production units at Solent for between three months and a full academic year.

Web-based learning

Solent’s virtual learning environment provides quick online access to assignments, lecture notes, suggested reading and other course information.

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.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6 TOEFL iBT® test : 80

To study at this university, you have to speak English . We advice you to

Requirements

• 240 points from three A-levels including a numeracy based A-level
• 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
• Alternative entry to this course is available through the Technology Foundation Year and International Foundation Year.

English 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 (5.5 in writing)
• TOEF IBT 80 (19 in writing)
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic 56 (51 in writing)
• or equivalent.

Qualifications are checked before enrolment and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies, when coming to study at the university.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

"The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than Southampton Solent University.

National Scholarship Programme

The primary purpose of our National Scholarship Programme is to benefit individual students that come from disadvantaged backgrounds as they enter higher education. This scheme is available to new home and EU under graduate students starting a programme of study with us in 2014-15, who have no previous experience of studying for an undergraduate award and whose tuition fees are over £6,000 for the year. To be eligible to be considered for a National Scholarship, applicants will need to meet both the Government national eligibility criteria and the additional University eligibility criteria, as detailed below. Government national eligibility criteria:

• Students will need to have a declared household income of £25,000 or less.

University eligibility criteria will include one or more of the following:

• Enrolment on an undergraduate degree programme, foundation level of an undergraduate degree programme, HNC or other equivalent course
• Home address (this is your address prior to joining university) within a low participation neighbourhood
• Being in the care of a local authority for a minimum of 52 consecutive weeks immediately prior to beginning a programme of study at the University, and aged 24 or under.

Please see further information about the National Scholarship Programme here: http://www.solent.ac.uk/student-life/welfare/funding/undergraduate-funding/national-scholarship-programme.aspx

High Performance Academy Scholarship

Sport Solent and Southampton Solent University have developed the High Performance Academy (HPA) to help students who are studying at the University, whilst competing on the national and international stage. The programme provides financial and mentoring support to assist athletes in reaching their sporting potential whilst pursuing higher education. Minimum requirements for entry on the Sport Solent High Performance Academy Full-time or part-time undergraduate, or post-graduate student Applicants must have an outstanding ability in a particular sport Applicants must compete at a semi-professional level or show strong evidence of the potential to do so The High Performance Academy programme offers different levels of support to student athletes based on their sporting talent and potential. There are three categories that a successful applicant can fall under:

• Performance squad
• Development squad
• High Performance squad

How to apply

To apply, please fill out the application form below and email it back to the High Performance Academy

Scholarships for oversears students

International Scholarships Scheme 2014 We are pleased to offer some scholarships to students applying from overseas. Who can apply?

You can apply if: you are applying for a full-time course at Southampton Solent University for 2014 entry, and you are from one of the following areas: Africa, Bangladesh, Japan, North and South America, India, Pakistan, South Korea, Turkey and you are not currently studying or residing in the UK, and you are a self-funded, full fee student (not applicable to Erasmus/Study Abroad students).

How do I apply?

Simply complete the Overseas Scholarships Application form and return it to our International Office, once you have received an offer from us.

The scholarship form is accessible at:

http://www.solent.ac.uk/international/fees-scholarships/overseas-scholarships.aspx

What will happen next?

You will need to accept our unconditional offer and pay the required deposit. We will then send you the Scholarship Award of £1,000 towards your tuition fee payment for your first year of study.

Sport Scholarships

Sport Solent continues to provide and support top level athletes that strive for academic success alongside their sporting careers. Southampton Solent University offers the opportunity for selected athletes to access a sporting scholarship in many disciplines. Please note: the Sport Solent scholarship is available for athletes who excel in basketball and cricket. If you compete at a national and/or international level in another sport, and want to get financial support and mentoring from Southampton Solent University, you can apply for the High Performance Academy|. The Sport Solent scholarship Academic fees are covered at 100% or 50% by the university for each successful applicant: Scholarship fees Undergraduate Postgraduate Year 1: 100% Year 1: 100% Year 2: 50% Year 2: 50% Year 3: 50% N/A Benefits

• Personal mentor
• One-to-one strength and conditioning training
• Free use of Sport Solent facilities
• Free membership to Team Solent sports clubs, providing sports insurance
• High performance support workshops and lectures
• Additional funding to compete in international sporting events
• Flexible timetables
• Physiotherapy treatments.

Applicants must fill out the registration form and email to [email protected]. The registration form can be accessible through the link below: http://www.solent.ac.uk/sport/scholarships/apply-for-a-scholarship.aspx

Marine Engineering Technology

University of Greenwich

The Times Higher Education World University Rankings is the only global university performance table to judge research-intensive universities across all of their core missions: teaching, research, knowledge transfer and international outlook.

Yacht and Powercraft Design

Computer Aided Mechanical Engineering

Glasgow Caledonian University

Electromechanical engineering.

University of Southampton

Engineering — mechanical with business finance.

University College London

Extended mechanical engineering, manufacturing and mechanical engineering, mechanical and energy engineering.

Brunel University Uxbridge

Mechanical and manufacturing engineering, mechanical and power plant systems, deadline information.

Ask admission

We use cookies to give you the best online experience. Their use improves our sites' functionality and enables our partners to advertise to you. By continuing to use our website or clicking on the I agree button you are agreeing to our use of cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy. Details on how we use cookies can be found in our Cookie Policy

Don’t miss out!

Sign up or Log in now to save your favorites.

Get updates on your chosen subjects and programs

Wishlist your ideal programs

Save time sending enquiries to programs providers

• Program Finder
• Internships
• Scholarships
• Collections
• Bachelor programs
• Masters programs
• PhD programs
• MBA programs
• PostDoc programs
• Norway programs
• US programs
• UK programs
• Canada programs
• Germany programs
• Italy programs
• Netherlands programs
• Australia programs
• New Zealand programs
• Applied Sciences
• Natural Sciences
• Social Sciences
• Clients and Partners
• Public relations

• Postgraduate taught degree courses
• Postgraduate taught tuition fees
• Pre-masters for international students
• Funding your postgraduate taught studies
• How to apply for a postgraduate taught degree
• Create your own research project
• Find a PhD project
• Funding your research degree
• How to apply for a PhD or research degree
• How to make a PhD enquiry
• Support while studying your PhD or research degree
• Undergraduate degree courses
• Foundation year programmes
• Undergraduate tuition fees
• Customise your degree
• Funding undergraduate studies
• How to apply
• Choose your halls of residence
• Apply for accommodation
• Guaranteed accommodation
• Your accommodation options
• International and pre-sessional students
• Postgraduate accommodation
• Couples and students with children
• Renting privately
• Our accommodation areas
• Privacy notice
• Terms and conditions
• Fees and contracts
• Southampton
• Sports facilities
• Sports clubs
• Watersports centres
• Avenue Campus
• Boldrewood Innovation Campus
• Highfield Campus
• University Hospital Southampton
• Waterfront Campus
• Winchester Campus
• What's on
• Clubs and societies
• Sports teams
• SUSU places
• Representing you
• SUSU support and advice
• Living costs
• Academic and mental health support
• Support for disabled students
• Part-time work
• Health services

Maritime Engineering Science: Naval Architecture (MSc)

Maritime Engineering Science: Naval Architecture (MSc) starting September 2024 for 1 year

About this course

Develop in-depth knowledge of maritime engineering science on this master’s course at the University of Southampton. You’ll learn about the design and analysis of marine craft and structures in the marine environment, and gain specialist understanding of the key areas of naval architecture. You'll graduate with the skills to become a naval architect or to continue your studies at PhD level. 

This Maritime Engineering Science: Naval Architecture MSc is one of 5 maritime engineering science specialisms you can study at the University of Southampton. 

Each one gives a broad overview of the key concepts of maritime engineering science while allowing you to pursue your own interests or career plans by focusing on a particular area. 

It's ideal if you have an engineering, science or maths background and want a career in the maritime sector. You don’t need to have specialist knowledge of ship science already – we'll teach you what you need to know.    On this course you’ll take specialist modules allowing you to explore the key concepts of naval architecture, such as: 

• resistance and propulsion 
• maritime structure 
• manoeuvring 
• hydrodynamics 
• materials 

You’ll also undertake an experimental or numerical research project, and benefit from our  Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute  research network and our world-class maritime engineering facilities, including the largest towing tank in a UK university. 

As a research-led University we undertake a continuous review of our courses to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. As a result, this course may be revised however, 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 .

Course lead

Your course leader is Dr Gabriel Weymouth, an associate professor for the Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute at the University of Southampton. His main areas of interest are mechanics and maths. He is currently working on unsteady fluid dynamics and nonlinear fluid/structure interaction. Read  Dr Weymouth’s staff profile  to find out more about his work. 

Related pathways

If you'd prefer to study a different specialism, you can apply for one of our other MSc Maritime Engineering Science pathways:

• Advanced Computational Engineering
• Marine Engineering & Autonomy
• Ocean Energy and Offshore Engineering
• Yacht and High-performance Craft

Accreditations

This master's programme is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA) and the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) as meeting the academic requirement for Further Learning, for Chartered Engineer and Chartered Marine Engineer registration. Candidates must hold a BEng/BSc undergraduate first degree that is accredited for Chartered Engineer (CEng) registration to comply with full CEng registration requirements.

Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)

Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA)

Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST)

Engineering Council

European Accreditation of Engineering Programmes (EAEP)

“While I was working in the shipbuilding industry, I decided to study for a master’s to strengthen my theoretical expertise. Learning from industry experts from Lloyd’s Register and the Wolfson Unit has been especially useful, providing advice and current skills needed in industry.” Hongseok (Elvis) Bae, 2019 graduate

Using the towing tank in your Ship Science degree

Learn more about this subject area.

• Maritime engineering

Towing tank

Wind tunnels

Course location.

This course is based at Boldrewood .

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Download the Course Description Document

The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.

Entry requirements

You’ll need a 2:1 degree in: 

• engineering 
• marine engineering
• naval architecture 
• ship science 
• physics 

We might also consider you if you have a degree in oceanography or architecture, or are studying at a marine academy.

Find the  equivalent international qualifications  for your country. 

English language 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:

IELTS score requirements

We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.

Pre-masters

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.

If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with ONCAMPUS. Learn more about the programmes available .

Recognition of professional experience

If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.

Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email:  [email protected] Tel:  +44(0)23 8059 5000

Course structure

This is a full-time master’s course studied over 12 months.

In the first 8 months (semesters 1 and 2) you'll study the taught part of your course.  

This is made up of modules that everyone on the course takes, and modules we’ll ask you to choose from a list of options.  

For the last 4 months, over the summer, you’ll work independently to research and write your dissertation. You’ll have one-to-one meetings with your supervisor during this time to discuss your progress. 

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 .

Year 1 modules

You must study the following modules :

Fundamentals of Maritime Engineering

This fundamentals module is aimed primarily for the MSc students in Maritime Engineering Science and students on the MECH/Navel Engineering programmes. It provides them with the essential knowledge of Maritime Engineering required for their subsequent stu...

MSc Research Project

Within the context of your programme of study, students will undertake independent, original and critical research on a relevant topic. Students will then communicate the research objectives, methodology, analysis, results and conclusions effectively both...

Marine Hydrodynamics

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...

Marine Structures in Fluids

This module extends the fundamentals associated with the structural design of floating maritime vessels to account for the complexity of fluid-structure interactions on ship life and operation. Students will assess the impact of fluid-structure interacti...

Maritime Safety: Risk, Environment and Law

In view of the Engineering Council’s support for the development of engineering degrees that will equip students to become professional engineers, the module follows the European Network for Engineering Accreditation guidelines to contribute to graduate a...

Zero Carbon Ship Resistance and Propulsion

Maximising the propulsive efficiency of ships is key to their economic effectiveness and in minimising their emissions of CO2, NOx and SOx. Advances in ship performance require a detailed understanding of the fluid dynamic mechanisms which control the flo...

You must also choose from the following modules :

Applications of CFD

The basic concept of Computational Fluid Dynamics and numerical procedures (FVM/FDM) are introduced. The major focus is practical applications, including geometry and grid generation, using solvers and turbulence models in CFD packages, and interpretation...

Design Search and Optimisation (DSO) - Principles, Methods, Parameterizations and Case Studies

This module introduces students to formal design search and optimization (DSO) approaches using a mixture of lectures covering theory and practice and a series of worked case studies with student participation.

Failure of Materials and Components

In this module, the emphasis moves away from alloy development and design, and focuses on the performance of structural materials in a range of engineering applications. The lectures draw on examples from applications of ceramics, steel, Al, Ti and Ni bas...

Finite Element Analysis in Solid Mechanics

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...

Marine Structures

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...

Maritime Robotics

This module introduces the theoretical and practical design of maritime robotics systems such as autonomous underwater and surface vehicles (AUVs, ASVs). Students will be introduced to the theoretical principles underlying their design including aspect...

Offshore Engineering & Analysis

Offshore infrastructure forms a key part of our global communication, energy generation, material transport and environment monitoring networks. This module examines the general engineering concepts and analytical techniques that are fundamental to design...

Renewable Energy from Environmental Flows: Wind, Wave and Tide

The atmospheric and gravitational processes present on the earth generate flows of wind and water. This module studies these resources and practical methods/technologies for extracting cost-effective electrical and other energy conversions. The main focu...

Ship Manoeuvring and Control

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...

Yacht and High Performance Craft

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...

Learning and assessment

The learning activities for this course include: 

• lectures 
• classes and tutorials 
• coursework 
• individual and group projects 
• independent learning (studying on your own) 

We’ll assess you through: 

• coursework, laboratory reports and essays 
• a dissertation 
• essays 
• group essays 
• written exams 

Dissertation

You’ll research and write a dissertation on a subject of your choice, to be agreed with your supervisor.

The project is a chance for you to develop your research skills and show in-depth knowledge of your chosen subject. 

Academic Support

We'll assign you a personal academic tutor, and you'll have access to a senior tutor.

With this degree you'll be in strong demand as a naval architect or marine architect. Jobs in this area have good starting salaries and excellent career progression opportunities.

Our graduates work across many different organisations. The Solent region around Southampton is the main UK hub for the maritime sector, home to employers such as: 

• Lloyd’s Register 
• Carnival 
• Nigel Gee 
• the Maritime and Coastguard Agency 

Organisations such BAE Systems, QinetiQ and Babcock support the defence sector and employ a number of our graduates. The offshore and marine renewable development industries offer excellent prospects both to work in the UK or globally in locations such as Singapore, Houston or Perth. 

Careers services at Southampton

We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:

• work experience schemes
• CV/resume and interview skills workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:

• our dedicated start-up incubator,  Futureworlds
• a wide variety of  enterprise events  run throughout the year
• our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator,  SETsquared

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees.

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,250.
• EU and international students pay £30,000.

Check fees for other versions of this course .

If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.

Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.

Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.

Find out how to  pay your tuition fees .

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible .

Southampton Engineering Deans Postgraduate International Scholarship

A scholarship of £5,000 is available to international students studying for a postgraduate master’s in Engineering.

Find out more about the Southampton Engineering Deans International Scholarship , including eligibility and conditions.

Other postgraduate funding options

A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

• Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
• Search for the course you want to apply for.
• Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
• Submit your application.

For further details, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications .

Application deadlines

Uk students.

The deadline to apply for this course is Wednesday 3 July 2024 - midday UK time.

We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.

• International students

Application assessment fee

We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.

This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.

If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page .

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course. 

You’ll need to include information about: 

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification

References are not required for this programme.

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

We will aim to send you a decision 6 weeks after you have submitted your application. 

If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.

Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our  Equality and Diversity Statement .

Related courses

Maritime Engineering Science: Advanced Computational Engineering

Maritime engineering science: marine engineering and autonomy, maritime engineering science: ocean energy & offshore engineering, maritime engineering science: yacht and high-performance craft.

• View all courses
• Pre-sessional English courses
• Course modules
• Acoustical engineering
• Biomedical and medical engineering
• Civil engineering
• Every day I’m completely immersed in an environment that’s creative in all aspects
• Everything I learn feels so relevant, even If it’s a subject rooted in the past
• Photonics and optoelectronics
• Social statistics and demography
• A missing link between continental shelves and the deep sea: Have we underestimated the importance of land-detached canyons?
• A seismic study of the continent-ocean transition southwest of the UK
• A study of rolling contact fatigue in electric vehicles (EVs)
• Acoustic monitoring of forest exploitation to establish community perspectives of sustainable hunting
• Acoustic sensing and characterisation of soil organic matter
• Advancing intersectional geographies of diaspora-led development in times of multiple crises
• Aero engine fan wake turbulence – Simulation and wind tunnel experiments
• Against Climate Change (DACC): improving the estimates of forest fire smoke emissions
• All-in-one Mars in-situ resource utilisation (ISRU) system and life-supporting using non-thermal plasma
• An electromagnetic study of the continent-ocean transition southwest of the UK
• An investigation of the relationship between health, home and law in the context of poor and precarious housing, and complex and advanced illness
• Antibiotic resistance genes in chalk streams
• Being autistic in care: Understanding differences in care experiences including breakdowns in placements for autistic and non-autistic children
• Biogeochemical cycling in the critical coastal zone: Developing novel methods to make reliable measurements of geochemical fluxes in permeable sediments
• Bloom and bust: seasonal cycles of phytoplankton and carbon flux
• British Black Lives Matter: The emergence of a modern civil rights movement
• Building physics for low carbon comfort using artificial intelligence
• Building-resolved large-eddy simulations of wind and dispersion over a city scale urban area
• Business studies and management: accounting
• Business studies and management: banking and finance
• Business studies and management: decision analytics and risk
• Business studies and management: digital and data driven marketing
• Business studies and management: human resources (HR) management and organisational behaviour
• Business studies and management: strategy, innovation and entrepreneurship
• Carbon storage in reactive rock systems: determining the coupling of geo-chemo-mechanical processes in reactive transport
• Cascading hazards from the largest volcanic eruption in over a century: What happened when Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai erupted in January 2022?
• Characterisation of cast austenitic stainless steels using ultrasonic backscatter and artificial intelligence
• Climate Change effects on the developmental physiology of the small-spotted catshark
• Climate at the time of the Human settlement of the Eastern Pacific
• Collaborative privacy in data marketplaces
• Compatibility of climate and biodiversity targets under future land use change
• Cost of living in modern and fossil animals
• Creative clusters in rural, coastal and post-industrial towns
• Deep oceanic convection: the outsized role of small-scale processes
• Defect categories and their realisation in supersymmetric gauge theory
• Defining the Marine Fisheries-Energy-Environment Nexus: Learning from shocks to enhance natural resource resilience
• Design and fabrication of next generation optical fibres
• Developing a practical application of unmanned aerial vehicle technologies for conservation research and monitoring of endangered wildlife
• Development and evolution of animal biomineral skeletons
• Development of all-in-one in-situ resource utilisation system for crewed Mars exploration missions
• Ecological role of offshore artificial structures
• Effect of embankment and subgrade weathering on railway track performance
• Efficient ‘whole-life’ anchoring systems for offshore floating renewables
• Electrochemical sensing of the sea surface microlayer
• Engagement with nature among children from minority ethnic backgrounds
• Enhancing UAV manoeuvres and control using distributed sensor arrays
• Ensuring the Safety and Security of Autonomous Cyber-Physical Systems
• Environmental and genetic determinants of Brassica crop damage by the agricultural pest Diamondback moth
• Estimating marine mammal abundance and distribution from passive acoustic and biotelemetry data
• Evolution of symbiosis in a warmer world
• Examining evolutionary loss of calcification in coccolithophores
• Explainable AI (XAI) for health
• Explaining process, pattern and dynamics of marine predator hotspots in the Southern Ocean
• Exploring dynamics of natural capital in coastal barrier systems
• Exploring the mechanisms of microplastics incorporation and their influence on the functioning of coral holobionts
• Exploring the potential electrical activity of gut for healthcare and wellbeing
• Exploring the trans-local nature of cultural scene
• Facilitating forest restoration sustainability of tropical swidden agriculture
• Faulting, fluids and geohazards within subduction zone forearcs
• Faulting, magmatism and fluid flow during volcanic rifting in East Africa
• Fingerprinting environmental releases from nuclear facilities
• Flexible hybrid thermoelectric materials for wearable energy harvesting
• Floating hydrokinetic power converter
• Glacial sedimentology associated subglacial hydrology
• Green and sustainable Internet of Things
• How do antimicrobial peptides alter T cell cytokine production?
• How do calcifying marine organisms grow? Determining the role of non-classical precipitation processes in biogenic marine calcite formation
• How do neutrophils alter T cell metabolism?
• How well can we predict future changes in biodiversity using machine learning?
• Hydrant dynamics for acoustic leak detection in water pipes
• If ‘Black Lives Matter’, do ‘Asian Lives Matter’ too? Impact trajectories of organisation activism on wellbeing of ethnic minority communities
• Illuminating luciferin bioluminescence in dinoflagellates
• Imaging quantum materials with an XFEL
• Impact of neuromodulating drugs on gut microbiome homeostasis
• Impact of pharmaceuticals in the marine environment in a changing world
• Impacts of environmental change on coastal habitat restoration
• Improving subsea navigation using environment observations for long term autonomy
• Information theoretic methods for sensor management
• Installation effect on the noise of small high speed fans
• Integrated earth observation mapping change land sea
• Interconnections of past greenhouse climates
• Investigating IgG cell depletion mechanisms
• Is ocean mixing upside down? How mixing processes drive upwelling in a deep-ocean basin
• Landing gear aerodynamics and aeroacoustics
• Lightweight gas storage: real-world strategies for the hydrogen economy
• Long-term change in the benthos – creating robust data from varying camera systems
• Machine learning for multi-robot perception
• Marine ecosystem responses to past climate change and its oceanographic impacts
• Mechanical effects in the surf zone - in situ electrochemical sensing
• Microfluidic cell isolation systems for sepsis
• Migrant entrepreneurship, gender and generation: context and family dynamics in small town Britain
• Miniaturisation in fishes: evolutionary and ecological perspectives
• Modelling high-power fibre laser and amplifier stability
• Modelling soil dewatering and recharge for cost-effective and climate resilient infrastructure
• Modelling the evolution of adaptive responses to climate change across spatial landscapes
• Nanomaterials sensors for biomedicine and/or the environment
• New high-resolution observations of ocean surface current and winds from innovative airborne and satellite measurements
• New perspectives on ocean photosynthesis
• Novel methods of detecting carbon cycling pathways in lakes and their impact on ecosystem change
• Novel technologies for cyber-physical security
• Novel transparent conducting films with unusual optoelectronic properties
• Novel wavelength fibre lasers for industrial applications
• Ocean circulation and the Southern Ocean carbon sink
• Ocean influence on recent climate extremes
• Ocean methane sensing using novel surface plasmon resonance technology
• Ocean physics and ecology: can robots disentangle the mix?
• Ocean-based Carbon Dioxide Removal: Assessing the utility of coastal enhanced weathering
• Offshore renewable energy (ORE) foundations on rock seabeds: advancing design through analogue testing and modelling
• Optical fibre sensing for acoustic leak detection in buried pipelines
• Optimal energy transfer in nonlinear systems
• Optimizing machine learning for embedded systems
• Oxidation of fossil organic matter as a source of atmospheric CO2
• Partnership dissolution and re-formation in later life among individuals from minority ethnic communities in the UK
• Personalized multimodal human-robot interactions
• Preventing disease by enhancing the cleaning power of domestic water taps using sound
• Quantifying riparian vegetation dynamics and flow interactions for Nature Based Solutions using novel environmental sensing techniques
• Quantifying the response and sensitivity of tropical forest carbon sinks to various drivers
• Quantifying variability in phytoplankton electron requirements for carbon fixation
• Resilient and sustainable steel-framed building structures
• Resolving Antarctic meltwater events in Southern Ocean marine sediments and exploring their significance using climate models
• Robust acoustic leak detection in water pipes using contact sound guides
• Silicon synapses for artificial intelligence hardware
• Smart photon delivery via reconfigurable optical fibres
• The Gulf Stream control of the North Atlantic carbon sink
• The Mayflower Studentship: a prestigious fully funded PhD studentship in bioscience
• The calming effect of group living in social fishes
• The duration of ridge flank hydrothermal exchange and its role in global biogeochemical cycles
• The evolution of symmetry in echinoderms
• The impact of early life stress on neuronal enhancer function
• The oceanic fingerprints on changing monsoons over South and Southeast Asia
• The role of iron in nitrogen fixation and photosynthesis in changing polar oceans
• The role of singlet oxygen signaling in plant responses to heat and drought stress
• Time variability on turbulent mixing of heat around melting ice in the West Antarctic
• Triggers and Feedbacks of Climate Tipping Points
• Uncovering the drivers of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease progression using patient derived organoids
• Understanding recent land-use change in Snowdonia to plan a sustainable future for uplands: integrating palaeoecology and conservation practice
• Understanding the role of cell motility in resource acquisition by marine phytoplankton
• Understanding the structure and engagement of personal networks that support older people with complex care needs in marginalised communities and their ability to adapt to increasingly ‘digitalised’ health and social care
• Unpicking the Anthropocene in the Hawaiian Archipelago
• Unraveling oceanic multi-element cycles using single cell ionomics
• Unravelling southwest Indian Ocean biological productivity and physics: a machine learning approach
• Using acoustics to monitor how small cracks develop into bursts in pipelines
• Using machine learning to improve predictions of ocean carbon storage by marine life
• Vulnerability of low-lying coastal transportation networks to natural hazards
• Wideband fibre optical parametric amplifiers for Space Division Multiplexing technology
• Will it stick? Exploring the role of turbulence and biological glues on ocean carbon storage
• X-ray imaging and property characterisation of porous materials
• Exchanges and studying abroad
• Postgraduate Taught Diversity Scholarship (Environmental and Life Sciences)
• Southampton Business School Postgraduate UK Scholarship
• Southampton History Patricia Mather and Helen Patterson Scholarship
• Southampton Philosophy David Humphris-Norman Scholarship
• Southampton Physics and Astronomy Achievement Scholarship
• GREAT Scholarships 2024 – Greece
• Undergraduate scholarships for UK students
• Winchester School of Art Postgraduate Global Talent Scholarship
• Southampton University Corporate Civil Engineering Scholarship Scheme
• Merit scholarships for international postgraduates
• Merit scholarships for international undergraduates
• Scholarships, awards and funding opportunities
• Becas Chile Scholarship
• Chevening Scholarships
• China Scholarship Council Scholarships
• COLFUTURO Scholarships
• Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships
• Commonwealth Master's Scholarships
• Commonwealth PhD Scholarships
• Commonwealth PhD Scholarships for high income countries
• Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
• Commonwealth Split-Site Scholarships
• FIDERH Scholarships
• Fulbright Awards
• FUNED Scholarships
• Great Scholarships 2024 – India
• Great Scholarships 2024 – Bangladesh
• Great Scholarships 2024 – Mexico
• Great Scholarships 2024 – Nigeria
• Marshall Scholarship
• Saïd Foundation Scholarships
• British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM
• Xiamen University PhD Scholarships
• GREAT scholarships for justice and law 2024 – Indonesia
• Scholarship terms and conditions
• Southampton Canadian Prestige Scholarship for Law
• Southampton Presidential International Scholarship
• Continuing professional development
• Lunchtime evening and weekend courses
• Summer schools
• Get a prospectus
• Archers Road
• City Gateway
• Erasmus Park
• Highfield Hall
• Orion Point
• Wessex Lane
• Research projects
• Research areas
• Geotechnical Centrifuge
• Maritime Robotics and Instrumentation Laboratory (MRIL)
• Collaborate with us
• Active Living
• Advanced Fibre Applications
• Advanced Laser Laboratory
• Advanced Project Management Research Centre
• Antibody and Vaccine Group
• Astronomy Group
• Autism Community Research Network @ Southampton (ACoRNS)
• Bioarchaeology and Osteoarchaeology at Southampton (BOS)
• Bladder and Bowel Management
• Cell and Developmental Biology
• Centre for Defence and Security Research
• Centre for Developmental Origins of Health and Disease
• Centre for Digital Finance
• Centre for Eastern European and Eurasian Studies (CEEES)
• Centre for Empirical Research in Finance and Banking (CERFIB)
• Centre for Geometry, Topology, and Applications
• Centre for Global Englishes
• Centre for Global Health and Policy (GHaP)
• Centre for Health Technologies
• Centre for Healthcare Analytics
• Centre for Human Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration
• Centre for Imperial and Postcolonial Studies
• Centre for Inclusive and Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CISEI)
• Centre for International Film Research (CIFR)
• Centre for International Law and Globalisation
• Centre for Internet of Things and Pervasive Systems
• Centre for Justice Studies
• Centre for Linguistics, Language Education and Acquisition Research
• Centre for Machine Intelligence
• Centre for Maritime Archaeology
• Centre for Medieval and Renaissance Culture (CMRC)
• Centre for Modern and Contemporary Writing (CMCW)
• Centre for Music Education and Social Justice
• Centre for Political Ethnography (CPE)
• Centre for Research in Accounting, Accountability and Governance
• Centre for Research on Work and Organisations
• Centre for Transnational Studies
• Child and Adolescent Research Group
• Clinical Ethics, Law and Society (CELS)
• Computational Nonlinear Optics
• Cyber Security Academy
• Data Science Group
• Digital Oceans
• EPSRC and MOD Centre for Doctoral Training in Complex Integrated Systems for Defence and Security
• Economic Theory and Experimental Economics
• Economy, Society and Governance
• Electrical Power Engineering
• Gas Photonics in Hollow Core Fibres 
• Geochemistry
• Global Health (Demography)
• Global Health Community of Practice
• Gravity group
• Healthy Oceans
• High Power Fibre Lasers
• Hollow Core Fibre
• Human Genetics and Genomic Medicine
• Infrastructure Group
• Institute of Maritime Law (IML)
• Integrated Photonic Devices
• Integrative Molecular Phenotyping Centre
• Interdisciplinary Musculoskeletal Health
• International Centre for Ecohydraulics Research (ICER)
• Language Assessment and Testing Unit (LATU)
• Laser-Direct-Write (LDW) Technologies for Biomedical Applications
• Law and Technology Centre
• Long Term Conditions
• Magnetic Resonance
• Mathematical Modelling
• Medicines Management
• Molecular and Precision Biosciences
• Multiwavelength Accretion and Astronomical Transients
• National Biofilms Innovation Centre (NBIC)
• National Centre for Research Methods
• National Infrastructure Laboratory
• Nature-Based Ocean Solutions
• Nonlinear Semiconductor Photonics
• Ocean Perception Group
• Operational Research
• Optical Engineering and Quantum Photonics Group
• Paediatrics and Child Health - Clinical and Experimental Sciences
• People, Property, Community
• Photonic Systems, Circuits and Sensors Group
• Physical Optics
• Primary Care Research Centre
• Product Returns Research Group (PRRG)
• Quantum, Light and Matter Group
• Silica Fibre Fabrication
• Silicon Photonics
• Skin Sensing Research Group
• Southampton Centre for Nineteenth-Century Research
• Southampton Ethics Centre
• Southampton Health Technology Assessments Centre (SHTAC)
• Southampton High Energy Physics group
• Southampton Imaging
• Southampton Theory Astrophysics and Gravity (STAG) Research Centre
• Stefan Cross Centre for Women, Equality and Law
• String theory and holography
• The India Centre for Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development
• The Parkes Institute
• Tony Davies High Voltage Laboratory
• Ultrafast X-ray Group
• Vision Science
• Work Futures Research Centre (WFRC)
• Support for researchers
• Faculties, schools and departments
• Research jobs
• Find people and expertise
• Why work with us?
• Collaboration
• Consultancy
• Commercialisation
• Use our facilities
• Connect with our students
• How we operate
• Make a business enquiry
• International Office
• Partnerships and initiatives
• Visiting delegations
• Visiting fellowships
• Departments

Celebrating 50 years of yacht design at Solent

alumni, staff and students celebrated 50 years of yacht design at solent university with a conference and gala dinner..

From world-renowned yacht designers to maritime business leaders, more than 130 alumni sailed into Southampton on Saturday 21 September 2019 to celebrate 50 years of yacht design at Solent University.

The first yacht engineering courses began in 1969 with students graduating with either HNCs or HNDs. From these humble beginnings, two popular courses emerged in the 1980s, Institute Diploma in Yacht & Boat Design and the College Diploma in Yacht & Boatyard management.

And, in 1990 the institution’s first two degree courses were launched. Following on from the success of the degrees in Yacht and Powercraft Design and  Yacht Design and Production , the University recently launched the one year MSc program, MSc Superyacht Design .

During the day, attending alumni were able to meet up with past and present staff and students, take a selection of tours – including a maritime simulation tour - and listen to academic papers, before sitting down in the evening to a gala dinner and keynote speaker - one of sailing's leading journalists and alumnus, Matthew Sheahan.

Speaking at the event, Giles Barkley, Course Leader in Yacht Engineering, said: “This is not just about celebrating 50 years of this university delivering world-leading courses in naval architecture, yacht design and yacht production; it is also about looking to the future and to the next 50 years.

“Looking at everyone here today, it is evident that we have a strong and international network of Yacht Engineering professionals. 

“Our original courses have evolved and are regularly updated, and recognised not only here in the UK but all over the globe. This has to be quite an achievement for both the course and the University.”

Alumnus and Honorary Doctorate Jason Ker, Director at Ker Yacht Design and designer of many famous race yachts including Americas Cup yachts, was pleased to be back in the building.

“It was great to see old classmates, it felt like a family reunion. The course has always provided a good foundation of practical and academic marine design and engineering knowledge,” he said.

“It is clear that in addition to its wide success in the specialisation of Yacht Design, the course has set old classmates off into exceptional careers in race car engineering and ship design.”

Andrew MacFarlan, Head of Composite Design at Red Bull, who graduated in 1995 with a BEng (Hons) in Yacht and Powercraft Design, spent four years in the marine industry before switching his skills to Formula 1 in 1999.

“The principles you learn as a naval architect or a yacht designer are transferable to the design of many things, but certainly to F1 cars,” he added. “All the materials and structural analysis, general design and engineering, centre of gravity – all of these things are completely transferable.”

Solent continues to produce graduates who shape the world of sailing, including Guillame Verdier, who designed the yachts that came both first and second at 2012 Vendee Globe.

On the sailing-side, world-class alumni include: Helena Lucas, who won Great Britain’s first ever sailing gold at the 2012 Paralympics; Paul Goodison who took gold at the 2008 Olympics; and Herve Piveteau, who sailed to victory in the Production Boat Class at the Mini Transat 2008.

How can engineering enable design innovation? Ask new questions .

How does the past inspire the future ? Ask new questions .

How does a North Sea solution apply to a superyacht? Ask new questions .

The company

Lateral Naval Architects provides complete engineering expertise to the superyacht industry, from project conception to delivery. Our core competence is engineering but our unique focus is on meaningful innovation to enable superyachts that meet the demands of today’s owners. Read more

Naval architecture

Structural engineering, mechanical engineering, outfit engineering, concept design, class level design, detail design, consultancy services.

With our extensive experience in the field of naval architecture Lateral is a leader in the field. A portfolio of in-service designs covering all hull form types, speed regimes, propulsion systems and construction materials demonstrates our expertise. Read more

Lateral specialises in the design of structures in steel, aluminium and composite. Through our teams 60 years’ experience in developing structural designs for yachts and specialised vessels we utilise an extensive knowledge base to deliver practical and pragmatic designs that are fit for purpose, efficient to build and with excellent attention to detail.  Read more

Lateral delivers comprehensive breadth and depth of capability in the field of mechanical and systems engineering. We undertake whole vessel engineering from concept to detailed production design:  Read more

The exterior outfit engineering of a modern yacht is a specialist domain demanding a high degree of multi-discipline experience, understanding of the yacht’s overall aesthetic and style, as well as unfaltering attention to detail.  Read more

Concept Design —the embryonic stages of a yacht project — is that crucial phase when designers, naval architects, builders, and engineers come together to lay the foundation for the owner’s vision.  Read more

Having worked with all the major classification societies, Lateral® brings significant depth of knowledge in achieving full class approvals in the most efficient and effective manner.  Read more

Lateral offers a comprehensive suite of production engineering services. We believe in developing intelligent production designs that are practical and production friendly. We incorporate a high degree of detail, ensuring greater efficiency through the full integration of engineering. Read more

In addition to new build design and engineering Lateral® provides a wide range of consultancy services. Read more

Answers to new questions

See projects

Lateral, a company where expert is knowledge and insight is applied to exceptional projects. We have a performance-oriented culture where we know that our reputation is based on the quality of what we deliver.  Meet our team

© copyright Lateral Naval Architects · Privacy Policy

Return to top

Apprentices

Come and build the world’s finest bluewater sailing yachts, a fulfilling career and a Great British business.

OYSTER YACHTS APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME 2023

If you’re looking for an exciting and rewarding career working for a thoroughbred luxury British Yacht Builder, look no further! We are preparing for our next intake of apprentices to our programmes. 

What’s on offer?

We have 2 sites in Hampshire (Southampton and Hythe) both offering Boat Building, Marine Electrical and Marine Engineering Apprenticeships.

We also have a Norfolk facility (Wroxham) where there are Marine Electrical and Marine Engineering Apprentices. Alongside this, we are taking on Boat Build trainees who would learn on the job.

The training partner in Hampshire is Southampton City College and for Norfolk it is Norwich City College. The courses are typically 4 years in duration and you finish your apprenticeship with a City in Guilds Level 3 in the respective discipline.

Interested in joining us as a Marine Apprentice? APPLY now… copy

Why join Oyster as a Marine Apprentice?

This is not your average Marine Apprenticeships. Oyster builds the world’s finest bluewater cruising yachts. We don’t just offer jobs but the chance to be part of a proud family, to learn, to be the best at what you do, and to enjoy your work. Combining the perfect balance of practical, on-the-job learning and theoretical studies, our Marine Apprenticeships will give you the skills to grow and succeed in the industry as a boat builder or marine engineer. Here are three big reasons to join us.

Take pride in building the skills you need to create something beautiful and unique – a Great British product, respected around the world. Our yachts set the standards in craftsmanship, making life-enhancing adventures possible for our passionate international family of customers.

Under passionate new leadership Oyster is growing fast, with an order book that gives us security for years to come. It means that you can look forward with confidence and opportunities to progress both your skills and career, as we launch new yachts and innovate.

You will work as part of a highly skilled team with the finest materials and facilities. We strive to build a family feel amongst our team and to provide the flexibility, training, benefits and support that you need to do your best work and to enjoy your work.

Interested in joining us as a Marine Apprentice? APPLY now…

WHAT TO EXPECT?

During your apprenticeship, you will be supported by a dedicated mentor and will work alongside our skilled workforce, to learn how our boats are built and how the trade your learning is pivotal to the production of our beautiful yachts.

Boat Building

You’ll develop your skills and knowledge in carpentry and joinery over the course of your apprenticeship. As you progress, you will undertake upholstery work on overhead panels, joints and dove tail set, cabin fit out and decking. This is where you will learn to fine tune your skills working with different woods such as teak, beech, walnut.

Engineering

You will grow your knowledge and develop your ability in hydraulics and plumbing on one of our luxury yachts. You’ll learn how to finish, file and polish different materials to accurate dimensions and begin to understand the commissioning process of our yachts.

In this trade you will be trained on Electrical Installation of hardware for on-going projects. You will undertake practical and pragmatic testing, fault finding and problem solving with all electrical components. You will also be working with AC/DC, AV and NAV systems as well as wiring engines and learning about generators.

For all roles you’ll learn how to use specific hand tools safely and correctly and how to comprehensively read and interpret drawings and systems, specific to your trade.

As an Apprentice you will be full-time employee of Oyster Yachts Ltd working at one of the main production sites. The core working week is 40 hours and you will attend college 1 day a week.

All Apprentices will start on £5.60 per an hour (1 April 2023 onwards) and then as you progress through each year the rate of pay increases in line with National/Living Minimum Wage.

HOW TO APPLY?

Please email [email protected] with your CV and cover letter to be considered for our 2023 intake. Our dedicated Recruitment partner will then send you an application for registration and review.

Come and Build something great with us!

Oyster values

We are proud to build the world’s finest bluewater sailing yachts. Our success depends on our ability to bring together the best people and enable them to do great work. Living by our values every day ensures we enjoy and do our best work, feel valued, and grow personally and professionally. These are our values that make Oyster such a special place to work:

We focus on being the best and constantly getting better.

We care deeply, are accountable and take pride in all we do.

We do the right thing, act respectfully and keep promises.

We work as one team with heart, supporting each other and having fun together.

Our Mission

"We build and support the world’s finest bluewater cruising yachts, making life-enhancing adventures possible for our passionate international family of owners."

Handcrafted with pride

No two Oysters are the same. Each of our yachts is designed and handcrafted using time-honoured skills, insights and learnings gained over 50 years from a loyal group of visionaries including owners, staff, sales team and project managers. Working with the finest materials and an obsessive attention to detail, our craftspeople know how to translate your vision into a yacht that is an Oyster through and through, while making her unique to you.

If you are interested in a career at Oyster Yachts then we would love you to  take one of two next steps:

FIND OUT MORE by emailing our people team on [email protected]

Sign up to our newsletter

Be the first to hear about new launches, exclusive events and all things Oyster

© 2024 OYSTER YACHTS

Follow the Oyster World Rally 2024-25 fleet live

The new 565 Series II

The pursuit of perfection continues

Explore the benefits that come with taking ownership of a new Oyster, and becoming part of the family

GRAND TOURING

The new oyster 885gt revealed. watch her in action.

LUXURY CHARTER

Experience exhilarating sailing, luxury and style on an oyster charter. personal, exclusive and uniquely oyster.

Join Oyster Brokerage at the Palma International Boat Show, 25-28 April 2024. Book your tour today

Oyster world rally.

Winner of European Yacht of the Year 2023. She sets a new 50 foot bluewater benchmark, offering a stunning combination of sailing performance, comfort, safety and luxurious living space.

Heralding a new generation of Oysters, this 60 foot bluewater cruiser is a sailing yacht for all oceans. Practical and well-provisioned for long distance sailing or cruising in coastal waters.

The much-anticipated Oyster 595 is well-proportioned and extremely versatile. Offering exciting, customised build options with no compromise, she is capable of great things.

A versatile sub-70 foot sailboat offering the perfect balance of size and practicality. She can be sailed shorthanded effortlessly or take a full crew and up to eight friends and family.

This long range 75 foot cruising yacht is designed for very big adventures. A joy to sail yourself, she also boasts dedicated crew quarters.

Oyster 885SII

An exhilarating 90 foot sailing yacht, delivering comfort and safety with uncompromising performance. She is capable of taking you anywhere in the world effortlessly, in luxury and style.

First name *

Last name *

Phone number *

Country/Region *

Attach CV *

Attach covering letter

Current occupation

LinkedIn profile