Ship Science with Foundation Year and Industrial Placement Year

Ship science draws together naval architecture, marine engineering and ocean engineering to address one of humanity's oldest and most enduring engineering challenges: designing and building vessels and structures that can operate safely and efficiently at sea. From commercial cargo ships and passenger ferries to offshore platforms and naval vessels, the field shapes the infrastructure of global trade and maritime industry. It is a discipline that combines mechanical engineering fundamentals with a specialist understanding of how structures and systems behave in the marine environment.

This five-year programme includes a foundation year, which provides the mathematical, scientific and engineering grounding needed to succeed at degree level, making the course accessible to students who are entering from a range of educational backgrounds. You will then progress through the core engineering and naval architecture content, studying hydrodynamics, structural mechanics, propulsion systems and marine technology alongside the principles of ship design and stability. The programme reflects the historical importance of Southampton as a centre of British shipbuilding and naval development, and you will benefit from strong connections to the marine sector.

The degree structure also incorporates an industrial placement year, giving you the opportunity to work in industry, apply your skills in a professional context and build professional relationships that are valuable when starting your career.

Graduates move into careers across the maritime, defence and offshore engineering sectors. Ship design and naval architecture, marine engineering and systems design, offshore and subsea engineering, maritime consultancy and shipping operations are all well-established pathways. The defence industry is a significant employer, as are organisations involved in renewable energy infrastructure at sea.

Further study at postgraduate level is an option for those wishing to specialise in areas such as ocean engineering, offshore structures or marine energy.