Ship Science with Foundation Year

Ship science, also known as naval architecture, is the engineering discipline concerned with the design, analysis, and performance of ships and other marine vessels. It is a specialism within mechanical and maritime engineering that encompasses the principles of hydrodynamics, structural design, propulsion, stability, and materials as they apply to vessels operating in the demanding environment of the sea. Ships carry the vast majority of the world's trade, and the engineers who design them must ensure not only that they float and move efficiently but that they are safe, reliable, and increasingly sustainable in their environmental impact.

At the University of Southampton this four-year integrated master's programme, which includes a foundation year, provides a broad mechanical engineering education with a specific focus on maritime engineering. You will study design, mechanics, and hydrodynamics alongside advanced naval architecture topics, developing the theoretical understanding and engineering skill needed to work in the marine sector. The foundation year provides additional preparation for those who need to build their mathematical and scientific foundations before entering the main degree, ensuring that all students can benefit from the demanding technical curriculum that follows.

Southampton has a long tradition of excellence in ship science and strong industry connections in the maritime sector.

Graduates from ship science programmes work in shipbuilding and ship design, naval defence, offshore engineering, maritime consultancy, classification societies, and the growing marine renewable energy sector. The skills in hydrodynamics, structural analysis, and systems engineering developed in the degree are also applicable in aerospace, automotive, and broader mechanical engineering contexts. Further study at postgraduate level in naval architecture, ocean engineering, or marine technology is available for those wishing to develop specialist expertise, and the degree provides a strong foundation for progression towards chartered engineer status.